In the run-up to Phuket Marathon in June, I need to do two half-marathons. The NatGeo Earth Day Run on April 17 is perfectly timed. With the massive multi-city nature of the race as well as the worthy beneficiaries (yes, plural with an S!), I couldn’t miss out on another major race in the city.
NatGeo Earth Day Run on April 17, 2016
Simultaneous NatGeo Earth Day Run events will be held in Manila, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taichung, making it one of the biggest races in Asia. With 5K, 10K, 21K, and 42K distances, there’s something for all kinds of runners, from those new to the sport or building fitness to those who want to challenge themselves with longer distances.
This is probably the first race I’ve seen where all the categories start in one place and finish somewhere else. The starting line will be at Bonifacio High Street while the finish line will be at McKinley West, a new development just off Lawton Avenue and across McKinley Hill. Check out the race routes here.
Registration fees are: 5K – P750, 10K – P850, 21K – P1,300, 42K – P1,700. 5K and 10K race kits will include race singlet, bib, and RFID timing. 21K and 42K race kits will include race singlet, bib, RFID timing, finisher shirt, and finisher medal.
This is an environment-friendly race, so runners will be encouraged to bring their own water bottles to refill at the hydration stations. I’m planning to bring my Simple Hydration bottle; it’s how I bring my hydration while I train, so it’s good enough for race day!
The NatGeo Earth Day Run Manila will support four projects of the World Wide Fund for Nature – Philippines. During registration, it will be up to the runner to select which one they choose to support.
ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION: Irrawaddy Dolphin research and conservation in Malampaya Sound, Palawan. These dolphins are critically endangered in the country, with as few as 40 left in Malampaya Sound, Palawan.
CLIMATE CHANGE SOLUTIONS: The Earth Hour or ‘Gift of Life’ village in Monreal, Masbate is a showcase of WWF solutions. Local villages will receive portable solar lamps, while being trained to construct ‘vertical gardens’ and ferro-cement rainwater harvesters.
OCEANS: Marine Protected Area (MPA) and coral reef conservation in Apo Reef in Occidental Mindoro. Apo Reef is Asia’s largest reef and among the most productive marine systems on Earth.
WATER: Reforestation efforts for the Ipo Watershed in Bulacan, which supplies Metro Manila with fresh water.
Runners may register online (additional transaction fees may apply). They can also visit the NatGeo Earth Day Run kiosk at the ground floor SM Aura Taguig until March 31.
Kit claiming will be held at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura Taguig on April 9-11. No race kits may be claimed on race day, so if you can’t make it to the kit claiming, send a representative with your valid ID and authorization form (more details here).
If you’re racing, don’t forget to RSVP to the official Facebook event page so you can get genuine updates from the race organizers, and all your questions and concerns raised can be properly addressed.
Race: NatGeo Earth Day Run Manila
Date: April 17, 2016
Venue: Bonifacio Global City/McKinley West
Reg Fee: P750 (5K); P850 (10K); P1300 (21K); P1700 (42K)
Registration Site: until March 31, 11:30am to 8pm at G/F SM Aura Premier, Taguig City
Online Registration: NatGeo Earth Day Run Manila – Active
More Info: NatGeo Earth Day Run Manila, NatGeo Earth Day Run Global Site, official Facebook event page
