On April 23, 2017 marks
another of raising the public’s consciousness about environmental issues
and health and fitness for National Geographic, which celebrates its
eighth straight year of holding Earth Day Run. Presented by the
channel and its partners Cherifer Premium and World Wildlife Fund for
Nature (WWF), Earth Day Run 2017 aims to continue the tradition of
being one of the biggest running events in the country, expecting scores of
running enthusiasts and Eco Warriors to register and run for the
environment. The event will be held not only in Manila but
simultaneously in the cities of Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore and Taichung, an
initiative that was adopted last year and effectively spread the vision and
advocacy of Earth Day Run across Asia.
At Earth Day Run 2017, National
Geographic will be celebrating eight years of social awareness through fitness
with special program features using the hashtag #8withEDR. With the hopes of
mobilizing all the Eco Warriors of previous Earth Day Runs, this year’s event
welcomes all previously registered participants with VIP treatment and special
loyalty perks to be enjoyed on the day of the run. Participants from previous
Earth Day Runs will be given priority placement in front of the starting line
at the beginning of the race and can claim their loot bags and finisher shirt
at a special express booth. They can also make use of a special warm-up and
cool down tent before and after the race to condition themselves and recover in
comfort.
This
year’s new participants can also join in the celebrations
for Earth Day Run’s eighth anniversary by visiting the 8 Years of EDR Gallery
at the race village and learning about what the event has accomplished over the
years, including the environmental and social initiatives it has benefited with
the help of its registered runners. Visitors to the gallery will learn how
their participation at Earth Day Run has made a significant impact on certain
communities in the Philippines as well as how their actions as individuals
can affect the environment.
Earth Day Run 2017 in Manila will be
held at the SM Mall of Asia grounds, where participants can join 5K, 10K, 21K and
42K categories. The event encourages and welcomes all types of Eco
Warriors to take part, from fun-runners of all ages to the serious marathon
runners who regularly compete. This year, Earth Day Run will also be
sporting new features for its runners. As a special
treat, all race kits will come with LED shoelaces, serving as a badge
of pride and as a safety precaution for Eco Warriors running at night
or before sunrise. Prizes will also be given to costumed runners who
showcase their creativity by coming in their best ensemble made from
recycled materials. Finally, to make each Eco Warrior’s voice heard in this run
for the Earth, advocacy banners will be hanging above the finish line so that
each runner can grab them as they cross to make a shout-out for the
environment, keep as a souvenir, and use for all their post-run selfies to
amplify the message of acting now to save the environment.
Last year, Earth Day Run participants
ran to benefit such causes as saving the Irawaddy dolphins
at the Malampaya Sound Research and Conservation Project in Palawan;
giving the Earth Hour or “Gift of Life” village in Monreal,
Masbate sustainable solutions that reduce carbon
footprint; conservation of the Marine Protected Area and coral reef
in Apo Reef in Occidental Mindoro; and beefing up reforestation efforts in
the Ipo Watershed in Bulacan, which supplies Metro Manila with
fresh water. Registered runners at Earth Day Run 2017 will not only
experience a fun day of outdoor fitness by joining this year’s event, but
will also be doing their part in contributing to National Geographic’s
environmental efforts.
“Earth Day Run 2017 will be the
biggest version of the race yet, with more expected participants from Manila
and four other cities across Asia. We’re also excited to look back on our eight
years of environmental advocacy and share and celebrate with our runners the
positive change that they helped make possible through the years by joining
Earth Day Run. We hope that Earth Day Run 2017 not only brings communities of running
enthusiasts together for the common cause of saving the environment but also
that it amplifies the important message of doing your own part today to help
stop climate change and commit to sustainable solutions to save our beloved
planet Earth,” said Charo Espedido, Director and Head of Content and
Marketing at FOX Networks Group Philippines.
Interested
runners of all ages can join National Geographic’s Earth Day Run 2017 by
registering at natgeoearthdayrun.com and from March 1 to April 16, 2017.
