McHappy Day Stripes Run drove 7,000 runners for literacy cause

Almost 7,000 runners dashed the Mc Happy Day Stripes run to gather support in helping kids learn how to read. It is the biggest contingent yet for the annual fun run organized by Mc Donald’s Philippines which was held in two of the country’s most progressive cities- Davao and Taguig.

The family-oriented fund raising event got around 4,000 runners on its Manila-leg held at the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) last December 5. A week earlier, close to 3,000 runners stormed the Davao-leg which was hosted at the city’s People’s Park last November 28.

(Photo Credits: McDo Philippines)

A run to help kids learn how to read

Proceeds of the event will go to the Ronald McDonald House Charities flagship program Ronal McDonald Read to Learn.  The education program, which began in 2002, has helped over 11.5 million kids in 7,500 partner schools.

In partnership with the Department of Education, the Ronald McDonald Read to Learn program aims to help Grade 11 and 2 students from public schools all over the country to learn how to read. They are provided with books, while their teachers are trained to facilitate the program.

“Mc Donald’s has always had a special spot for children. We know the best way to make a difference in their lives is to help them learn how to read and have a chance for a better future. Through initiatives like McHappy Day Stripes Run, McDonald’s is able to open opportunities for families to help while having fun,” said Kenneth Yang, McDonald’s Philippines president and CEO.

McHappy Day Stripes Run 2015 race review

Takbo.ph was invited to run the 10-K event and help spread the joy and cause of the McHappy Day Stripes to its community. The starting/ finishing line was situated at the 34^th corner 9^th street of BGC. It was chilly early morning, with rain pouring down an hour before the 5:30 A.M. gun time.

(A runner with a healthy advocacy)

The course followed a simple loop- straight to the 34^th in a hilly area then a U-turn before hitting the high street, a small block run-around before leading to the Kalayaan flyover and back again. The runners then have to make several turns inside BGC before hitting the McKinley road, then a U-turn before heading back to the high street and back to the activity area.

Challenging route for fun runners

The race route was quite adventurous and offered three-areas where there are uphills/ down hills. Marshalls were courteous to guide runners on intersections and lead them to their designated lanes on the roads of BGC. If there is anything odd in the race, it is the lack of hydration stations- there were only two around for the 10K race- one situated in Kalayaan flyover (which can serve you twice) and another at McKinley road. Both only served water. Although McDo have reminded runners that they are responsible for their own nutrition for the race, serving sports drinks could still be a big boost to help you bring back lost minerals during the race.

(Got my loot bag and token after the 10-K ordeal)

Fun activities for kids

The activity area of the McHappy Day Stripes run is perhaps one of the liveliest I have seen so far. Instead of the customary sports drinks and water for finishers, you get to drink softdrinks and coffee. Finishers form a long line for their tokens and goodie bags that are composed mainly of kiddie snacks and threats. Kids can also enjoy some of the fun games such as mini golf course, ball pitch and ring hoops where they can win some of the food in the McDonald’s menu. There is also a face painting booth which I assume is where Ronald McDonald got his makeup.

(Photo credits: Mc Donald’s Philippines)

Local actors and actresses spotted

A number of McDonald’s ambassadors also graced the event such as Toni and Alex Gonzaga, Luis Manzano, Jackie Lou Blanco, college baller Jeron Teng, child actor Alonzo Mulach and everyones bae Alden Richards.

(Photo Credits: Mc Donald’s Philippines)

Over all, the fun run is a good race to introduce any members of the family into running and fitness. You surely would not regret paying the registration fee knowing that part of it will go to a good cause. I am still wondering how Ronald McDonald was able to run on those huge shoes.

** Featured photo’s credits: Mc Donald’s Philippines