A road race for a cause

MANILA, Philippines – Around 1,000 spectators, 1,369 runners, and a total donation worth P196,950. These numbers sum up the success of Step Up, a road race for a cause by Q-11’s public affairs program Chances Are.

The race, held last April 26 in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, had two categories: 5 km. and 10 km. The first place in the 5k Male Category was Gerald Sabal, while the 5k Female Category was won by Ailene Tolentino. Finishing the 10k Male Category in 28 minutes was Bernardo Desamito Jr., while Maricel Maquilan completed the 10k Female Category in 36 minutes.

Chances Are, a show which explores, examines, and explains mysterious events and miraculous occurrences, chose Dr. Fe del Mundo Medical Center as beneficiary. “We chose them as our beneficiary because their advocacy of giving health services to the underprivileged was in alignment of the program’s campaign of public service,” added Karen Lumbo, Q-11 program manager.

From the registration fees of its participants, Step Up came up with a total donation of P196,950. It will be used to buy medical supplies for the medical center’s mobile clinic which visits various depressed areas around the metro.

Chances Are host Paolo Abrera, also a sports man, shares, “I love an event like this because it combines the show with a sport that I love.”

Other Q-11 celebrities who participated in the event were Valerie Tan (The Beat) and Ella Guevara (Kids on Q). They were joined by Kiko Rustia, Jace Flores and Kaye Alipio of Survivor Philippines Season 1.

Delighted by the turn out of the event, Lumbo hinted at a repeat in 2010. “We’re happy that the race was well-attended and that we were able to help a good cause. We hope that we can drum up the same support from runners and sponsors next year.”