Fun Run Events

A growing number of Filipinos, including Davaoenos, are taking the steps to lead a healthy lifestyle in a variety of ways and I'm one of those truly happy about this.

Here in the city, there are plenty of gyms that offer fitness services to young adults and the full-fledged adults. One mall here (Abreeza) even has a free Zumba event every Saturday for the health buffs who want to avoid spending for the gym. I've gathered as well that certain hotels (Waterfront Insular and The Ritz Hotel at Garden Oases) are following the Zumba trend even encouraging their own staff to take part and stay fit.

But other than those fitness centers and commercial establishments, various national and local organizations are constantly organizing fun run events that normally gather hundreds of participants, young and old alike. Almost every weekend, if I'm not mistaken, there's a fun run happening in the city. Schools, private organizations, business establishments and even religious groups are now joining the bandwagon. Some national organizations have also expanded their events to include cities outside Metro Manila.

Two years ago, I was able to witness the Run United regional series sponsored by United Laboratories (Unilab) which gathered hundreds of runners from the city and other areas in Mindanao. I was at the start and finish site to accompany my older brother Tim (a Unilab employee) who's an avid runner going for the half marathon at that time. Upon arrival at the venue at around 4:30 a.m., I felt the excitement (although I wasn't a participant) seeing the runners warming up and in a huddle with their own set of friends. I also some friends joining.

While waiting for the race to start, I spotted Coach Rio who was the brains behind the event. As he was not running and was just looking around, I approached him and took a photo (yey!!). He's a simple guy, dark and slim and I admire him for his passion in running and helping companies organize similar events.

Hopefully, this running fever as well as the Zumba mania will continue moving onward so that more people can become fit and healthy. But keep in mind that getting fit does not necessarily mean joining these paid fun run events all the time because on your own, you can always do your running exercise daily or several times a week  in the area near your place of residence.