Thousands join long-distance runs, biking parades to celebrate Independence Day

MANILA, Philippines – Marathoners ran up to 10 kilometers in Caloocan City while cyclists biked the trail in Marikina City on Sunday morning, joining the country in the celebration of the Independence Day.

The public information office of Caloocan estimated the participants in the fun run in Caloocan City at 2, 000 while 1,500 bikers joined the Marikina bike run.

Dressed in their running gear, the runners mostly residents of Caloocan converged on the Fifth Avenue as early as 4 a.m. Some of the runners registered in 3K (3 kilometers) category, others joined the 5K and 10K.

Runners finished the round before 7 a.m. at the historical Bonifacio Monument Circle, where the traditional wreath-laying and flag-raising ceremonies marked the country’s 113th Independence Day.

The ceremonies at the Bonifacio Monument, dedicated to the Filipino revolutionary Andres Bonifacio, were attended by roughly 10,000 employees, policemen, and residents, and were graced by Interior Secretary Jesse Robrero who urged the residents to keep the “spirit of
patriotism alive.”

In Marikina City, bikers participated in the big cycling event spearheaded by the local government of Marikina. Dubbed as the ‘Cambio Del Independencia, Cambio Contra Droga’, the sport event commenced and culminated at the Marikina Eastern Terminal Station.

Participants traversed the 25-km bike trail along the east and west banks of the Marikina River.

Apart from the Independence Day celebration, event organizer and head of the Marikina City Biking Office Carlota Contreras said the activity was also aimed at fostering cycling as an effective diversion from vices such as drug addiction.

“This huge bicycle event will not only gather racers, bike enthusiasts and family members alike but will also promote a vice and drug-free, healthy lifestyle among the people,” said Contreras.