Coast Guard and auxiliary group hold Subic environment run

A helicopter flew overhead, raining down confetti on the assembled crowd as the fun run for a cause organized by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) kicked off on Saturday here.

Aiming to preserve the wellness of both the participants and the environment, the “Takbo Para sa Kaligtasan at Kalinisan ng Karagatan at Kalikasan” gathered close to 600 registered runners, both young and old, for the three kilometer-length categories — 10k, 5k, and 3k.

Philippine triathlete John Leerams Chicano led the first finishers in the 10k category, breaking the finish line with determination in his eyes. Chicano was followed by Christian Carl Denotua and Redgeth Linen for the second and third place, respectively.

In the 5k category, meanwhile, Clyde Supnet controlled the pace, trailed by Jimuel Patilan and Ruperto Dela Cruz Jr.

The 3k event was topped by Roel Bada, Rolly Innovero and Jason Villaruz for first, second, and third place, respectively.

All the top three finishers in each category received token cash and gift prizes. The third placers got P500 cash, second placers P750, and first placers P1,000.

The event was considered a success, as there were no losers — only runners who wanted to make a difference for the environment and for themselves.

Chicano, who was sick a week earlier, said he joined the run “to improve my health.”

A young boy echoed the motivation, saying “Para po makatulong sa kalikasan at upang makapag- ehersisyo na rin.”

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Deputy Administrator Randy Escolango, who helped organize the event as commander of the PCGA in Subic, said all the proceeds from the fun run would go to the group’s environmental projects for the preservation of the seas and coast, including shore clean-up drives, sea protection awareness campaigns, and other related projects.

“Events like these are being encouraged by SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, because he wants to emphasize that Subic Bay Freeport can better maintain its reputation as a sports capital if we maintain a clean environment to better attract sports enthusiasts," Escolango added.

All the top 3 of each category received cash and gift prizes - P500 for third place, P750 for second place, and P1,000 for first place. (ADP/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Runners take part in “Takbo Para sa Kaligtasan at Kalinisan ng Karagatan at Kalikasan” organized by the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary at the Remy Field in Subic Bay Freeport Zone on Saturday. The run aims to raise funds for the local PCGA chapter’s future shore clean-up drives, sea protection awareness campaigns and other related projects.