All systems go for Heroes Run

CEBU, Philippines — Everything is already in place for the Cebu leg of the Heroes Run that will take place on October 7 at the Camp Lapu-Lapu in Barangay Apas, Cebu City.

Unlike any other race, the participants will get to experience what soldiers undergo during their trainings.

"We are inviting everybody to join us in the second leg of the Heroes Run. This is a different and exciting race as it offers a unique experience to the runners," said Major Christian Uy of the Central Command, AFP in a press conference yesterday at the Active Zone in Ayala Center Cebu.

The event, which is expected to draw more than 700 participants, is a 3.2-kilometer race divided into three categories that includes 2-mile run, 2-mile run plus and the squad run challenge.

In the 2-mile run, the runner shall take the 'heroes path' around the camp where military chants played by loudspeakers shall be heard and passing through a 'combat zone' where 'ambuscades' are expected from 'enemies of the state' armed with water cannons and colored powder.

The 2-mile run plus, on the other hand, takes the same path but with 'obstacle courses,'  while the squad run participants will have to pass through the camp's shooting gallery where each ru nner will shoot targets using an M16 riffle as one of the challenges in the turning point before reaching the finish line.

Parts of the proceeds of the run will be given to the Heroes Foundation Incorporated, a non-government organization that gives supports to AFP’s Educational Benefit System Office.

A specially-designed finisher’s dog tags await all the finishers, while the top finishers in each category will receive trophies.

Entry fee is pegged at P400 in the 2-mile run, P500 for the 2-mile plus run and P5,000 per group for the squad run.

One may register at the New Balance Store and Planet Sports located at the Active Zone in Ayala Center Cebu,  Camp Lapu-Lapu and Gaisano Country Mall.