April 23, 2017 marks another of raising the public’s consciousness about environmental issues and health and fitness for National Geographic, which celebrates its eighth straight year of holding Earth Day Run. Presented by the channel and its partners Cherifer Premium and World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), Earth Day Run 2017 aims to continue the tradition of being one of the biggest running events in the country, expecting scores of running enthusiasts and Eco Warriors to register and run for the environment. The event will be held not only in Manila but simultaneously in the cities of Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore and Taichung, an initiative that was adopted last year and effectively spread the vision and advocacy of Earth Day Run across Asia.
At Earth Day Run 2017, National Geographic will be celebrating eight years of social awareness through fitness with special program features using the hashtag #8withEDR. With the hopes of mobilizing all the Eco Warriors of previous Earth Day Runs, this year’s event welcomes all previously registered participants with VIP treatment and special loyalty perks to be enjoyed on the day of the run. Participants from previous Earth Day Runs will be given priority placement in front of the starting line at the beginning of the race and can claim their loot bags and finisher shirt at a special express booth. They can also make use of a special warm-up and cool down tent before and after the race to condition themselves and recover in comfort.
This year’s new participants can also join in the celebrations for Earth Day Run’s eighth anniversary by visiting the 8 Years of EDR Gallery at the race village and learning about what the event has accomplished over the years, including the environmental and social initiatives it has benefited with the help of its registered runners. Visitors to the gallery will learn how their participation at Earth Day Run has made a significant impact on certain communities in the Philippines as well as how their actions as individuals can affect the environment.
Earth Day Run 2017 in Manila will be held at the SM Mall of Asia grounds, where participants can join 5K, 10K, 21K and 42K categories. The event encourages and welcomes all types of Eco Warriors to take part, from fun-runners of all ages to the serious marathon runners who regularly compete. This year, Earth Day Run will also be sporting new features for its runners. As a special treat, all race kits will come with LED shoelaces, serving as a badge of pride and as a safety precaution for Eco Warriors running at night or before sunrise. Prizes will also be given to costumed runners who showcase their creativity by coming in their best ensemble made from recycled materials. Finally, to make each Eco Warrior’s voice heard in this run for the Earth, advocacy banners will be hanging above the finish line so that each runner can grab them as they cross to make a shout-out for the environment, keep as a souvenir, and use for all their post-run selfies to amplify the message of acting now to save the environment.
Last year, Earth Day Run participants ran to benefit such causes as saving the Irawaddy dolphins at the Malampaya Sound Research and Conservation Project in Palawan; giving the Earth Hour or “Gift of Life” village in Monreal, Masbate sustainable solutions that reduce carbon footprint; conservation of the Marine Protected Area and coral reef in Apo Reef in Occidental Mindoro; and beefing up reforestation efforts in the Ipo Watershed in Bulacan, which supplies Metro Manila with fresh water. Registered runners at Earth Day Run 2017 will not only experience a fun day of outdoor fitness by joining this year’s event, but will also be doing their part in contributing to National Geographic’s environmental efforts.
“Earth Day Run 2017 will be the biggest version of the race yet, with more expected participants from Manila and four other cities across Asia. We’re also excited to look back on our eight years of environmental advocacy and share and celebrate with our runners the positive change that they helped make possible through the years by joining Earth Day Run. We hope that Earth Day Run 2017 not only brings communities of running enthusiasts together for the common cause of saving the environment but also that it amplifies the important message of doing your own part today to help stop climate change and commit to sustainable solutions to save our beloved planet Earth,” said Charo Espedido, Director and Head of Content and Marketing at FOX Networks Group Philippines.
Interested runners of all ages can join National Geographic’s Earth Day Run 2017 by registering at natgeoearthdayrun.com and from March 1 to April 16, 2017.