1,800 runners join Bataan Freedom Run 2018

BALANGA CITY, Bataan — In memory of thousands of Filipino and American soldiers who died during the Bataan Death March, about 1,800 runners paid tribute by joining the Bataan Freedom Run held Saturday in Balanga City.

The annual activity was conducted by the Philippine Veterans Bank in partnership with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, Without Limits, and the Provincial Government of Bataan.

Veterans Bank Corporate and Consumer Relations Division Head Mike Villa-Real said the run for a cause aims to honor the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the country during World War II.

“Every year, we continue with our Bataan Death March Anniversary activities to reach out and share, especially to the younger generation, the heroism of both soldiers and civilians during those tumultuous times,” Villa-Real furthered.

Now on its fifth year, the activity featured a 42kilometer and 21-kilometer competitive solo race.

Solo and team with 10 or 20 pounds of rucksack race were also participated by both civilians and military officers.

Meanwhile, the youth dominated the activity by joining the non-competitive 10-kilometer and 5kilometer color fun run.

Winners of the race received cash prizes and medals. Proceeds from the activity will be used for the restoration of Battle of Bataan markers.

“The event was fun and fulfilling because it’s not just about running and self-experience since it’s also a tribute for our fallen heroes and war veterans,” Jasmine Cruz, a 5-kilometer participant, said in an interview.

A similar activity was earlier held with a Freedom Trail from Mariveles, Bataan to

Capas, Tarlac where participants traced the entire route of the Death March.

— Mar Jay S. Delas Alas/ PIA-3