SM Run to benefit housing project for Yolanda survivors

CEBU, Philippines - The fourth edition of one of the biggest runs in the Queen City of the South will benefit the housing project of the SM Group for typhoon Yolanda survivors in Bogo City, Cebu.

SM2SM Run, which will happen on February 16 in SM City Cebu, intends to build more houses for the victims of typhoon Yolanda which devastated parts of northern Cebu last year.

The SM Cares project aims to build 200 typhoon-proof concrete houses for survivors of supertyphoon Yolanda in barangay Polambato, Bogo City under the “Adopt a Barangay Project.” The houses will be built on a one-hectare lot donated by the heirs of Wenceslao and Margarita Briones Fernan.

SM is inviting running clubs, private companies and organizations to join the race for a cause. A group of 200 runners will help build a house for the typhoon victims. The houses may be named after the running club or company if they come up with 200 runners since it takes P200,000 for each house to be built.

“We know that it’s a tough challenge to come up with 200 runners but we have to look at the brighter side. We just don’t benefit from joining a fitness activity like running but we also help our fellow Cebuanos rebuild not just their home but also their lives,” said Marissa Fernan, vice president of SM Prime Holdings, Inc.

Close to P300,000 in cash prizes are at stake in the fourth edition of SM2SM Run. The champions in the 21K category will pocket P50,000, while the second and third placers will take home P30,000 and P20,000, respectively.

The top three finishers in the 12K open will receive P10,000, P7,000 and P5,000, while the top three in the 6K category will bring home P10,000, P7,000 and P3,000.

Registration fee is at P750 for 21K, P600 for 12K, and P350 for 6K and 3K. Registration fees for 21K Couples Run is at P750 per person, and P600 per person in the 12K Couples Run. Registration is on-going at the first level of The Northwing (near Kultura).

SM2SM Run IV will also benefit CENEWOF and the Cebu City’s street children. (FREEMAN)