World Vision Run 2015: Race Review

It was a breezy Sunday morning, the skies hint that it could rain in the next few hours. I was in SM Mall of Asia for yet another weekly fun run- this time for the World Vision Run 2015. That day, June 21, was also father’s day and the theme of the event echoed a message to all- the difference is love.

Thousands of runners gathered at MOA for a fun-filled day that begins with running at the familiar shopping and amusement district. According to the charity organization, more than 6,200 registered in the race. World Vision’s youth ambassador and actress, Jasmine Curtis, graced the event and helped the kid participants with their stretching and pre-race routines.

(Photo credits: World Vision Philippines)

I run the 5K distance, although I was initially registered for the 21K. It was the better option- I just had a three hour sleep and running a half-marathon event with a sleep-deprived state poses some health risk. Luckily, the marshals at the event allowed me to be demoted to the shorter distance on the condition that my time would be recorded for the 5K, instead for the 21K.

The race was very casual with the ambiance being a family run. I saw many dads with their families who raced together. The 5K route lead us from the south side of the Seaside Boulevard with a u-turn to the other side, turning left to J.W. Diokno Blvd., and another u-turn around the Manila Film Center, and turning right once again to the Seaside Blvd., en route to the finish line.

Hydration stations were around every 2 kilometers or so. The course was easy and recommended for those who want to try out running. I also saw some kids around age 12 to 14 years of age crossing the finish line.

After the race, I went on to get my finisher’s kit. The finisher’s shirt has the same material as the singlet. Sweet! Several sponsor’s also offered different freebies. World Vision also gave away free whistles and bag tags. Afterwards, a zumba session was led by SM Department stores’ fitness instructors.

Several celebrities were also present at the event such as actor Aljur Abrenica, Unang Hirit TV host Lyn Ching and kuya Kim Atienza, who ran the 21K distance. Sponsoring a child through World Vision costs PhP 600 per month for every child in their program. A small amount that can mean a lot for them.

At around 7:30, the kid’s category went under way. The toddlers, together with their parents, dashed to a 500 meter course around MOA. Watching them run with such enthusiasm rekindled my youth. Their running form were also stellar- going in on full stride right from the gun start.

Funds gathered in the fun run will be used on several of World Vision’s projects to improve the lives of impoverished children in the country. During the event, the charity organization also informed the participants of how we they can prepare for the possible Magnitude 7 earthquake, that could hit Metro Manila in the near future.

Overall, the World Vision Run 2015 is a great run to be in knowing that not only are you running to keep your health in check, you are also doing it for the benefit of those who we call- pagasa ng bayan.

You can check the World Vision 2015 run’s 4-minute video here–> https://www.facebook.com/wvphilippines/videos/1117931921553954/?permPage=1