Recoletos run returns Sept 8

After a three-year hiatus, the fund-raising run of the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) dubbed as “Recoletos Run: Takbo Para sa Iskolar ni Jose” returns on Sept. 8 at the Plaza Independencia.

The race is organized by Josenians Inc., the alumni association of USJ-R and aims to raise funds to support the school’s academic scholars.

The run was officially launched yesterday at the Baseline Recreation Center by Josenians Inc. president Engineer Norberto Flores along with past immediate president Engr. Antionio Esmero, organizer Engr. Roel Militar, Executive VP Belmore Mejares and race director Joel Juarez.

“Last 2010, the first Recoletos Run attracted 1,200 runners and we generated P240,000 which was equally divided among three beneficiaries. This year, we are aiming to help more students of USJ-R to finish their college education through our full scholarship program from first year up to the final year of their chosen course,” Flores said.

The charity run will feature the 15-kilometer open category, 5k, USJ-R students category, faculty and alumni and a 3k race. Organizers are hoping to draw 2,000 runners.

The race was stopped in 2010 after organizers found it hard to find a schedule that will not be in conflict with other races. But since race schedules are now regulated by the city government, they decided to revive the run.

The official route will traverse the South Road Properties (SRP) up to the boundary of Talisay City and Cebu City. They chose Plaza Independencia as the official venue because it is where the monument dedicated to the first Recollect priests who arrived in Cebu a century ago was erected.

The run will also open the school’s week-long intramurals.

The top three winners in the 15k open category will receive P3,000, P2,000 and P1,000 respectively while the 4th to 10th placers will receive medals. Winners in the 5k and 3k divisions will receive certificates.

Registration fee for the 15k is P500 while the 5k regular fee is P300. Alumni and student runners will get discounts. The fee is inclusive of the race singlet, bib and post-race refreshments.

Registration is ongoing at the RUNNR in Ayala Center Cebu, at the Josenians Office and at the USJ-R Basak campus.