3rd MAD Run to serve as campaign pitch for lower running fees

THE upcoming Third Make A Difference (MAD) Run will not only mark the return of affordable fun runs in Cebu but will also serve as a new campaign pitch for race organizers to sustain fun runs in the city.

This after MAD organizers Councilors Mary Ann Delos Santos of Lahug and Joel Garganera of Tinago bared their plans of submitting a resolution to the Cebu City Council requesting the latter to lower running permit fees.

The current permit fee paid by fun run organizers according to Garganera is P10,000 which, according to him, is already a huge burden on race organizers forcing them to collect higher registration fees from runners.

“Maybe this is the time to bring back the affordability of running events here in Cebu,” Garganera said. “If the City Council can lower the current permit fee, then organizers will collect lower fees from runners thus encouraging more racers to join fun runs ensuring their sustainability,” he added during yesterday’s launching of MAD Run Three at the Lahug Barangay Hall.

The presscon was also attended by Delos Santos and race director Joel Juarez.

“The ideal registration fee for every fun run regardless of the distance is P200. But this can be lowered if the council can grant discounts or full exemption,” declared Garganera.

For a start, the Lahug Barangay Council with Delos Santos will draft a resolution for a cheaper permit fee while Garganera said he will encourage other running groups to draft a similar request.

Meanwhile, MAD Run participants will enjoy longer races as Garganera and Delos Santos disclosed that they will have a 6-kilometer, 10k and 16k categories with P150 as registration fee inclusive of the singlet and refreshments after the race.

Despite the low registration fee, Garganera said the top 10 winners from the three categories will receive P500 in cash.

As of yesterday, organizers revealed that more than a hundred runners have already registered. They are limiting the number of runners to 1,000.

Registration areas are located at RUNNR Ayala Center Cebu, Abellana National School and Lahug Barangay Hall.

Garganera and Juarez will also organize the the All Women’s Ultramarathon at Mactan on the eve of MAD Run. /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL