The Green Run
WITH Covid-19 cases rising significantly again in Metro Manila, worries about impending stricter safety protocols surface anew. Freedom fighters, like most of us are, have started to replay scenes of higher alert levels being reimposed in our minds. *
But do you know an effective way to forget the worries, stave off paranoia and boost your immune system? Get physically active.
Over the weekend, Vermosa an Ayala Land Estate in Imus, Cavite held an event called The Green Run. The one-day, multi-level run consisting of 21K, 10K, 5K and 3K distance categories invited elite athletes, fun runners, fitness enthusiasts and families to get active for their physical and mental health. They could also enjoy the sun and rediscover the green outdoors by enjoying their 750-hectare property that is fast gaining fame as the new sports and fitness hub down south.
The running community and every freedom fighter who at last would have a venue and occasion to run loose and feel the wind in his/her face after two years of lockdown and restraint responded avidly to the invitation to “mask up, lace up and run.”
Targeting only 1,000 runners initially, 2,200 signed up and 1,800 serious, not-so-serious and new runners wound their way across the running routes amid wide open spaces and abundant greenery punctuated with wide pedestrian
walkways, bicycle and jogging lanes, and enhanced greenways.
The Vermosa Sports Hub which features a Finastandard Olympic size swimming pool, a warm up pool, a World Athletics-standard 400m track oval and a football field, among others, was the center of operations for the one-day running celebration. It was one of the playing venues used during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
Vermosa partnered with Pinoy Fitness, the running, fitness and multisport event organizer, to conduct the Run and with artist Cynthia Bauzon-arre of Forest Foundation Philippines for the runners’ medal. Part of the Run’s proceeds will go to Haribon Foundation’s Adopt-a-seedling Program, to build a greener tomorrow.
“We were overwhelmed with the response of the running community. (The number) went over our expectations. We’re glad that the community is gradually opening up to events like this in the new normal,” said Rina Reganit, Vermosa Marketing Manager.
Even media ran in the Green Run. Avid runners like John Mogol of Radyo Pilipinas Dos and Ian Suyu of the Daily Tribune pounded the pavement in the 10K category.
Motoring and lifestyle media partners Monch Henares and Arabelle Jimenez and the Southern Gaze group enjoyed themselves in the 3K. Bloggers Conan Altatis of Conan Daily and Rey “Boy Raket” braved the 21K and finished handily. Hats off to Rey Esteves who pedaled all the way from Caloocan to Imus, Cavite at 3 a.m. just to join the Run which clocked off at 4:30 and biked back home in the hot sun after his half-marathon feat. (What feet!)
Well, looks like Vermosa and the running community are on the right track when it comes to getting physically and mentally healthy. Medical experts say physical activity is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety about the coronavirus and also helps boost energy levels. Regular physical activity is good for body, mind and spirit. And going outdoors is an added plus. The sights and sounds in nature have been found to lower blood pressure levels as well. And the immune system gets a boost.
Doctors say physical activity like running isn’t a cure-all, but it can be a good antidote against Covid-19 concerns. For one, it can release those happy hormones. For another, you can literally run for your life.