Buenavista leads Microsoft Run cast

MANILA, Philippines – The first Microsoft IE8 Run fires off at 6 a.m., today from the 28th Street of the Fort Bonifacio Global City, now emerging as Metro Manila’s sporting hub.

The event, which ushers in the Microsoft new Internet Explorer 8, will have competitions in the 8 miles (12.87 km), 4 miles (6.44 km) and 2 miles (3.22 km). The 2-mile run will have a division for kids. Over 1,500 runners are expected to participate.

Race director Rudy Biscocho said all participants should be at the assembly area on 28th St .at the Fort Bonifacio Global City not later than 5 a.m. for check in, briefing, and warm up exercises before the 6 a.m. start.

A total of P64,500 in cash is at stake. Expected to dominate their respective divisions are Olympian Eduardo Buenavista, Rene Hererra, Reynaldo de los Reyes and Christabel Martes in the distaff side.

According to Chay Mondejar-Saputil, Microsoft Phils., Windows Client product manager, the top overall finisher in the 8-mile run, male and female, will receive P8,000 plus trophy, while second and third placer will get P4,000 and P2,000, respectively, plus medal. The overall winner in the 4-mile run, male and female, receives P4,000 plus trophy, second and third placer P2,000 and P1,000, respectively, plus medal.

In the 2-mile kids category, the top three finishers will receive gift certificates, trophies and medals.

To make the event festive and fun, running groups as well as cheer groups from schools and universities may compete in the best aid station contest where the best cheering group will receive P10,000, the second and third placer P7,500 and P5,000, respectively.

Aside from the competitive run open division, prizes are staked in the celebrity run and a kids division in the 2-mile run. There will also be giant inflatable slides for kids and their families.