Location: Vermosa, Imus, Cavite
Date: June 30, 2024
Distance Run: 5km
The Green Run, introduced in 2022 to celebrate life and promote good health after the pandemic, has since become an eagerly anticipated annual event. It caters to runners of all fitness levels with a range of distances.
The purpose of the event is to raise funds for young athletes, the environment, and furry friends. The following are the target beneficiaries of the race:
- Haribon Foundation – a nature conservation organization
- Pawssion Project – a non-profit organization that rescues animals suffering from abandonment, abuse, injury or neglect
- Takbo Kabitenyo – a non-profit organization for young runners from Cavite
The organizers of the event are the Vermosa Sports Hub in collaboration with the Vermosa community.
The Green Run 2024 took place at Vermosa. Vermosa, a modern suburban community developed by AyalaLand, spans a 700-hectare estate encompassing parts of Imus, Dasmariñas, and Cavite cities. Strategically located, the estate is well-connected to key urban centers via major road networks.
I took advantage of the early registration fee and paid for the 5KM distance. The online registration process was smooth. I opted for delivery rather than pick-up to avoid the hassle. The singlet and race number were delivered before the event, and I was very pleased with the quality of the singlet.
On the day of the event, I arrived around 5:15 am. My mistake was not checking the available parking areas beforehand, which cost me some time. Once I arrived, I followed others wearing the same attire as me. There were food stalls, a baggage counter for runners, and a stage for announcements and activities. Fortunately, I arrived before my gun start time. There was a warm-up session with some stretching and lively music before the run. The 5KM run started exactly at 5:30 am, which I appreciated to avoid the heat of the sun.
At the start of the run, I walked for about 500 meters since I hadn’t done any running prior to this event. Along the route, there were water and Pocari Sweat stations to keep runners hydrated. I carried my tumbler and phone for documentation during the run. Staff members were cheering for the runners along the way, and ambulances and medics were on standby in case of emergencies.
I finished the run in under an hour, just after 6 am. I was thrilled to receive the beautiful medal and enjoyed the pleasant warmth of the sun. Every runner received a free Pocari Sweat at the finish line. Additionally, we were given a souvenir bag containing items like Kremil-S, Diatabs, chips, and a discount coupon.
After resting for a few minutes, I stayed to watch the dog run. It was adorable to see various breeds of dogs running and getting excited along the way.
Overall, the event was a success, and it was evident that the organizers were well-prepared. I’m looking forward to their future events.
