700 join CENTCOM’s first Heroes Run

Around 700 persons joined the first Heroes Run in Cebu held at Camp Lapu-Lapu, Barangay Lahug, Cebu City yesterday dawn, which aimed to raise scholarship funds for the families of the fallen soldiers of the clash in Marawi City and to give support to injured soldiers.

The event was organized by the Armed Forces of the Philippines - Central Command (AFPCENTCOM).

"We still have to account for the amount collected from the sale of singlets. The money goes to Hero Foundation to support its scholarship program for injured soldiers and dependents of fallen soldiers," said Colonel Medel Aguilar, AFPCENTCOM Public Information Officer.

Yesterday's event was the sixth Heroes Run in the Philippines and the first in Cebu.

Obstacles like monkey bars, low crawls, hurdles, and tire climbs were integrated in the run to make it more challenging for the runners as well as to let participants feel the day-to-day life of a soldier.

"The Heroes Run tells the story of a soldiers' life. That's what we want our people to see, feel and appreciate. So it is not just fund raising," Aguilar said.

The youngest amongst the participants was the seven-year-old Gabrielle Iya Miñao, a resident of Tres De Abril, Barangay Labangon, Cebu City.

Genara Miñao, Gabrielle's mother, told The FREEMAN that her daughter was very much inspired to run knowing that she will do so for the orphaned families.

"Wala gyud ni reklamo. Ganahan sad gyud siya modagan," Genara said.

She added that together with her husband, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Glenn Miñao, they ran as a family to empathize with the dependents of the fallen heroes of Marawi.

Aguilar added that this will be the start of the annual Heroes Run to be held in Cebu.