KNOWN AS the surfing capital of the Philippines, Siargao Island will be the venue of a far different sport as it plays host to “Siargao It Up”, an afternoon half-marathon at the Numancia Elementary School in the Municipality of Del Carmen on November 16, 2013 (Saturday) starting at 2:00 PM. For a change, runners will get to experience the island’s breathtaking scenery and clean environment while helping a noble cause – the preservation and propagation of the mangrove forests in the said Municipality under the dynamic leadership of Mayor Alfredo “JR” M. Coro II.
Aside from the 21-kilometer half-marathon, there will also be five-kilometer and 400-meter side events. The races are in cooperation with Shore It Up, a corporate social responsibility project of the Metro Pacific Investments Foundation of businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan.
Now on its fifth year, Shore It Up has conducted pro-environment activities, particularly the cleaning up of beaches and the oceans. In previous years, the group has visited popular dive sites like Puerto Galera, Anilao, Hundred Islands and Subic Bay.
Registration is ongoing at Siargao Island Tour and Travel Inc. branches in Dapa Island and Luneta Park, Surigao City. Metro Manila runners can visit the Without Limits Philippines offices located at 24 Malingap Street in Teachers Village, Quezon City.
Race fees are reasonably priced at PHP 550.00 for the 21 kilometers and PHP 350.00 for the five kilometers with discounts for local SRC members and students. The 400 meters is exclusive for Siargao residents and all that is needed to join are 10 empty plastic bottles.
Organizers have set aside a portion of the race slots to runners from outside of the island. Online registration is available through the Without Limits website which will mean an additional PHP170.00 for delivery of the kit.
The race kit includes a singlet, race bib and timing chip. Medals will be given to all finishers in the 21 and five-kilometer categories.
A singlet worth keeping.
Cash prizes await the podium finishers with the 21-kilometer male and female champions pocketing PHP 10,000.00 each. The five-kilometer champions get PHP 5,000.00 and 400-meter champions PHP 3,000.00.
Aside from signing up for the race, the Without Limits website has uploaded several packages that combine the race kit, transportation and hotel accommodations. A good percentage of participants are expected to come from out of town, with a few foreign runners on the side.
BAND CONTEST
After the races, a party will be held highlighted by a band contest. Interested bands of three or more members must upload their version of the Shore It Up theme song.
The song’s original lyrics and basic melody has to be the same. The link should then be posted at the Siargao It Up Facebook Page with name, address and contact number.
Only one entry per band is allowed with the deadline for entries on October 31, 2013. The five best submissions will be invited to perform one five-song set at the finals consisting of three pop songs, an original composition or OPM song and their submitted version of the Shore It Up theme with the winner going home with PHP 30,000.00.
BEACH CLEANUP
The day after the run, a beach cleanup will be held on November 17. This is in line with Shore It Up’s threefold goal of having a positive environmental, socio-cultural and economic impact on the community.
Siargao It Up is presented by Philex Mining together with Gold Sponsor Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation. Major sponsors are PLDT, PLDT-Smart Foundation, One Meralco Foundation, Smart Communications and SPi Global.
Maynilad is the hydration sponsor with media partners The Philippine Star and TV5. Other sponsors include Deep Outdoors, Eco-Coral, E & S Adventures, PaparazSea, PerezNuMedia and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Servinio's Sports Etc. 