World Vision Run 2016

Five years ago, I remember being part of the team of neophytes who braved the odds of coming up with the very first Fun Run for World Vision back in 2012. Everyone was anxious, at the same time excited, despite the lack of experience in mounting a huge undertaking. As a runner, I made sure to contribute good vibes, keep everyone’s spirit lifted, and imbibed them with a positive attitude. 

It was the time when fun runs were just starting to pick up and the growth of the running community was also beginning to build up, occupying many of the running routes in Metro Manila. With these contexts, we were very confident that our first run would be a successful one. 

World Vision Run 2013...

After my service to the organization ended and I decided to join Habitat for Humanity next, I didn’t get any opportunity to join the succeeding runs. After several years, I’m glad that I was invited to join this year's event. I attended the launch of the World Vision Run 2016 at Uncle Cheffy’s in BGC and I was happy to see my former colleagues Pam Millora, Jun Godornes, and others who have become pros and veterans now in organizing running events. Good job guys! Practice really makes perfect. 

Coach Rio, The Perkins Twins, Pam Millora and Jung Godornes of World Vision...

I was also surprised and happy to find out that the 3,000 plus runners who ran the first race has now almost doubled in numbers just after three years. It was nice to see familiar faces in the running and blogging community and to meet the Perkins Twins who have been supporters of World Vision for quite some time now.  

Efren of Zambales in his running pose...

In the launch, a video was presented featuring the story of a sponsored child whose dream is to become a teacher someday. Consequently, he happens to be a Palarong Pangbansa runner athlete! After the short video, Mr. Rio dela Cruz, the CEO of RunRio Inc, who had humble beginnings saw and was able to relate to Efren’s situation, because Coach Rio himself took the same challenging path and was able to hurdle obstacles to succeed in life. 

Sponsored Child Efren with his loving parents...

That was why Coach Rio dela Cruz took the opportunity to announce in public that he will take it upon himself and personally support Efren so that his dream will become a reality someday. Thus, this coming June 26, 2016, you’ll be seeing Efren run with us at the Blue Bay Walk in Pasay City. It will also be the first for World Vision to use Blue Bay Walk as a race venue, so this new change might also add inspiration to others. 

World Vision Ambassador Ms. Miriam Quiambao, promoting World Vision Run 2016 at GMA7 morning program, Marz hosted by Ms. Camile Pratz and Suzie Abrrera.

Aside from Efren, we will also see some famous celebrities joining us along the route. Some who support World Vision Run 2016 are Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Sam Concepcion, Aljur Abrenica, Tippy dos Santos, Kim Atienza, Miriam Quiambao, Matteo Guidicelli, Christian Bautista, Suzi Abrera and Camille Prats.

For more information about World Vision Run 2016 and registration details, visit worldvision.org.ph or call 374-8413 and look for Nina or Michelle.