Gawad Kalinga invites runners and running enthusiasts to join Dumaguete City’s first colorful fun run at 5am, March 23.
The event, dubbed as “ColorFest: A Kalinga Run” is GK’s version of the 5k color run popular worldwide, where runners are showered with colored powder in designated stations along the race route to promote happiness and individuality among the participants.
ColorFest is organized in cooperation with NewGround Events and McDonald’s Dumaguete for its founding anniversary for the benefit of the child victims of typhoon Yolanda in Tabulilid, Ormoc, Leyte.
GK Event Coordinator Joseph Ceriales explained in a Kapihan sa PIA recently that ColorFest is a running event that aims to solicit support from Negrenses for GK’s rehabilitation programs in Yolanda-hit areas, particularly its psycho-social activities for children.
“We are calling on all Negrenses to respond to the simple call of this race. Yes, it is a simple race, but it will send a message to Leyteñons that we (very) much love them,” Ceriales said.
Those interested to join can choose between the P99 and P125 registration fees. The former is the regular registration rate while the latter comes with a free McDonalds meal. Organizers also sell t-shirts on pre-orders for P120.
Ceriales explained that proceeds of the running event will help fund the play therapy program of GK to some 2,000 students in Tabulilid Elementary School where GK volunteers engage children in football sport. “Every weekend, we conduct play therapy sessions twice. It can fill up the trauma of the kids, they will smile, they will laugh, they will play,” Ceriales adds.
NewGround Event Founder Dennis Caballero further explained the mechanics of the fun run: “We will have five stations with 15 to 20 color warriors who will throw colored powders to registered runners along the route. At the finishline festival, we will also be having powder for the celebration, along with performances from all over the Province.”
He assured runners that the color powders to be used in the color run are hypoallergenic, and that the volunteers have been oriented how to carefully and safely shower the powder.
The color run begins at McDonalds near Quezon Park, running north along Hibbard Ave., turning left to Aldecoa Road, going towards the Capitol Area passing by the Negros Oriental Convention Center and the Lamberto Macias Sports & Cultural Center, turning right to Cruztelco, turning left towards the Perpetual Help Parish, going towards Silliman Ave., crossing Real St., turning right on Ma. Cristina St., and turning left back to McDonalds.
Registration forms are available at the two McDonalds branches in Dumaguete or through http://tinyurl.com/COLORFestRegistrationForm. On-site registration is also available by 4am March 23. (mbcn/PIA7-NegOr)
