3rd Chong Hua run to feature 16k

After helping out six leukemia-stricken children in Cebu, Chong Hua Hospital’s third annual Run for BB dubbed “Super Heroes Run” will unfold on June 5 featuring longer distances for Cebu’s demanding running buffs.

The race will start at Chong Hua’s Medical Arts compound at 5 a.m.

Organizers led by Chong Hua’s Hematology-Oncology unit head Dr. Susie Ponce, head nurse Rosario Tagimacruz, the unit’s social worker Catherine Gallenero and veteran race director Joel Baring of the Sports and Fitness Enthusiasts (SAFE) promotions, said the race will have four categories this year, up from only two in previous editions.

These are the new 10-miler (16.1k) and 8k distances as well as 4k and 2k.

Tagimacruz, in a mini press conference held at the Hematology-Oncology unit of Chong Hua Hospital yesterday, said they have added the longer 10-mile event to satisfy the need of local runners who are looking for tougher races.

Last year, the charity run supported the medical needs of six kids with leukemia. Presently, organizers revealed that four have already qualified from the 23 sick children who underwent the screening process. Gallenero said that the patients are from Samar, Zamboanga del Norte and Tacloban.

Last year, the run received P5,000 in donations while Ayala Center Cebu pledged to donate a bigger amount this year.

Registration opened early this month. Registration fee for the 16k(10-mile) and 8k is pegged at P350 while 4k runners will have to pay P250. The 2k kiddie runners will have to pay P150.

Singlets will be given to all runners except in the 2k kids category.

The 16k winners (male and female) will get a new trophy, Timex Ironman watch and cash. Second and third placers will receive cash. The 8k top placers will receive medals, cash and Timex watches while cash will go to second and third placers.

The 4k finishers will get medals while winners in the medical category will receive exciting prizes.

Registration areas are at the RUNNR Ayala Center Cebu, Chong Hua Hema-Onco Unit, the hospital’s nursing and cardio units.

Organizers are encouraging kids to wear their favorite super hero costumes to win special prizes.