Stiletto race highlights women power
Marikina City Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro on Saturday emphasized the promotion of women empowerment during the annual “Tour de Takong 2019” that brings together people from all walks of life for a noble cause.
The “Tour de Takong,” or Stiletto Race, is one of the main events in the annual Sapatos Festival, where people run while wearing stilettos instead of running shoes. Marikina City has been holding the “Tour de Takong” since 2013.
“More than entertainment, a worthy cause gathered us together in ‘Tour de Takong 2019.’ Yong or old, man or woman, no matter the status in life, they joined in wearing heels that symbolize the strength of women,” Teodoro said.
The Stiletto Race or “Tour de Takong,” the mayor said, symbolizes life and the daily struggle of women for their rights and their struggle to have a just society recognizing the importance of women.
“Just like the challenge brought by running in heels, the challenges women face to fight for their rights are just as difficult,” he added.
Members of the Philippine Army, teachers, firefighters, foreigners, law enforcement officers, athletes and even foreigners participated in this year’s race, sprinting down the 550-meter stretch of Shoe Avenue, starting at the Marikina Clock Tower and finishing in front of the DepEd-Marikina office.
Registration was free and runners had to exclusively wear stilettos made in Marikina. The oldest participant of the annual race was a 63-year-old woman who wore a Sta. Claus costume.
Before the race, a “Zumballeto” where people danced Zumba while wearing stilettos was held at the Marikina Clock Tower.
The Sapatos Festival, being held this year until 29 December, is an annual event organized by the city government to boost the city’s shoe industry by showcasing affordable and quality footwear and other leather products made
by Marikina craftsmen.