Cops, soldiers to don stilettos for fun run

AROUND 100 soldiers, policemen and firemen will be trading their combat footwear for stiletto shoes as they take part in Marikina City’s annual “Tour de Takong” this Saturday.

Harvey Curry, head of the city’s community relations office which is in charge of the event, told the Inquirer Monday that this was the first time lawmen will be joining the fun run which aims to promote Marikina’s shoe industry and increase awareness of gender equality.

First conceptualized in 2011, male and female runners in the event are required to don heels at least 3 inches high. This year’s event, however, is seen as the toughest as some 500 participants will have to run 1.8 kilometers, the longest race so far.

The first 10 uniformed personnel who finish the race with the heels of their shoes intact will be given a special award. The local government will also hand out other special prizes, including the “Nakaka-takong” award for the male and female runner with the tallest and most unique stiletto shoes.

Those who finish the fun run without damaging their footwear will win P15,000 (first place), P10,000 (second place) and P8,000 (third place).

Other prizes include “Shoe-bebe” for the participant who comes in a cute attire; “Shoe-bae” and “Shoe-babe” for the hunk and sexy runner, respectively; and “Shoe-nior” for the oldest male and female participants.

While the competition does not strictly require participants to use Marikina-made shoes, Curry hopes that they will use locally-made footwear to showcase their durability and encourage others to patronize the city’s products.

Interested participants can register for free at the Marikina City Hall. The race will start at 4:30 p.m. on W. Paz Street, in front of Sta. Elena High School.