The inaugural Governor’s Zero Hunger Run generated P2.9 million for Cebu’s food security and nutrition programs, with organizers eyeing a bigger and more expanded edition next year after the charity race drew around 3,500 participants on Sunday, Aug. 2.
Organizers said the success of the first edition opened opportunities to grow the event in the coming years, with Cebu Provincial Sports Commission Chairman Dr. Rhoel Dejano saying they are already discussing plans to bring in more participants, including international runners.
The race was held as part of Cebu Province’s 457th Founding Anniversary celebration.
“We already talked with Gov that we’re going international. Hopefully we can have runners not only from Asia but all over the world,” Dejano said.
Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro said the funds raised from the event will support initiatives under the province’s Zero Hunger campaign, which aims to improve access to food and nutrition programs among Cebuanos.
“This was our first Governor’s Zero Hunger Run, and its success belongs to all of you. Daghang salamat Cebu,” Baricuatro said.
The governor said addressing hunger requires cooperation among different sectors, citing the participation of government offices, communities, and private partners in making the event possible.
“As I have always believed, if we want to eliminate hunger, we must involve everyone. This event showed what we can accomplish when government, communities, and the private sector work together with compassion and a shared purpose,” she added.
The race featured several categories, including the 21-kilometer event where Kenyan runner Eric Chepsiror topped the men’s division after finishing in 1:12:59.96. Fellow Kenyans Daniel Boiwo and Luka Lagat placed second and third, respectively.
Philippine women’s marathon record holder Artjoy Torregosa won the women’s 21K category with a time of 1:32:16, followed by Kay Razel Cubdanggan, Josephine Rodriguez, April Joy Rapiz, and Addygel Mie Truz.
Chepsiror and Torregosa each received P20,000 as champions, while second- and third-place finishers earned P15,000 and P10,000, respectively. Fourth- and fifth-place finishers received P5,000 each.
In the shorter distances, Mark Mahinay and Lynnel Martus won the 12K men’s and women’s divisions, while Jacob Cagomoc and Jasrain Mizzy Noval claimed the 6K titles. Jean Emard Valmoria and Jane Pangalao topped the 3K categories.
The Cebu Provincial Sports Commission, led by Dejano, organized the event with May Salimbangon serving as race director.
Aside from the races, the event featured the “Feast of Cebu,” where 12 local government units showcased local delicacies and products, highlighting Cebuano culture while promoting the campaign’s message on food security.
Baricuatro thanked the participants, Capitol offices, local government units, volunteers, the Cebu City Transportation Office, the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Fire Protection, sponsors, and partners who supported the fundraising activity.
Participants received finisher shirts and medals, while top finishers in each category competed for more than P230,000 in total cash prizes.
Organizers also raffled off major prizes, including a motorcycle, laptops, smartphones, refrigerators, washing machines, smartwatches, and gift certificates donated by private-sector partners.
Photo courtesy of Cebu Province
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