AROUND 3,500 runners will take part in the 12th DYAB Kapamilya Run today starting at the Parkmall grounds in Mandaue City.
Some of the region’s top runners are expected to show up for the annual race, which will have 3k, 6k, 12k and 21k categories.
Among the list of noted runners joining today’s race include Singapore Sundown Marathon 21k champion Mary Joy Tabal of the Southwestern University, who will compete in the 21k category.
Tabal faces stiff competition as Mary Grace delos Santos of Zamboanga and Madelyn Carter are also expected to show up for the race.
Aside from the local runners, also seeing action in the 21k half marathon race will be the Kenyans, led by Abraham Missous.
June Perez of DYAB confirmed the number of participants for the charity race, which totaled 3,500.
The proceeds of this year’s running event will go to the victims of Typhoon Sendong, which hit Cagayan De Oro City late last year, and the earthquake victims of Negros Oriental. DYAB is also planning to to put up a school building in an affected area in Negros Oriental.
The race highlights DYAB’s celebration of its 17th anniversary. Their anniversary carries the theme “Diyes Ug Siyete Na, Abante Pa”. /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL