Community

Almost 3000 runners turned out on Sunday, July 11, 2010, to participate in Run4Life, Lifeline’s first fundraising fun run. Lifeline Foundation Support Team, Inc, started by directors Jose Luis Gonzalez and Candace Schmidt, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the relief of the oppressed and the empowering of the victim-minded. Run4Life raised funds for Lifeline’s various causes and initiatives. The Westgate lots were a hive of activity in the pre-dawn light as running enthusiasts, a large contingent of Muntinlupa’s police officers, Lifeline volunteers, and a number of young children did their warm-up exercises, met with friends, families, and running groups, and in an atmosphere of excitement and friendly competition prepared for the largest race southern Manila has seen to date.

Proceeds of the race categories went towards a different program: the 3K run sponsored Lifeline’s Satellite Schools program, an effort to make education available to street children; the 5K run supported the Patient of the Month, a means by which medical procedures are provided to help individuals overcome medical liabilities to help them become productive members of society; and the 10K run raised funds for Lifeline’s Medical Missions, a monthly outreach activity to give back to policemen, tanods, teachers, and the other unsung heroes of our communities.

The program kicked off with a podcast from Lifeline’s Directors, Jose Luis Gonzalez and Candace Schmidt, who pioneered LIFELINE with their vision of changing the world one life at a time since 2001. They extended their well-wishes and thanks to the participants. Trainers from sponsor Fitness First then led the crowd in a series of warm-up exercises to get them ready for the race. Other early-morning sponsors were already on hand with their booths, providing refreshments, photo opportunities, and support services as the countdown to the race ensued.

The 10K runners were seen off by host Michael Gemina, who popped the gunstart at 5:30AM, followed by the 5K racers at 5:40AM, and the 3K participants at 5:50. In less than 10 minutes. Race Directors Arlene and Alvin Diaz, together with Deputy Director Betty Romero, kept the program and other activities going while the participants, spectators, and other volunteers waited for everyone to complete the race.

The numerous booths and activities offered by the event sponsors also kept everyone entertained and maintained a festive atmosphere; tired but happy runners posed at the iFlick photo booths to record their memories of the day, participants got henna tattoos from Guhit Kamay’s station, and hopeful winners registered for Globe’s raffle that day, which sent three lucky people home with new Blackberries.

The top finishers for the race were as follows: 10K men–Alley Quisay, Reynaldo de Los Reyes, and Dandelon Bumahit. 10K women–Jean Mary Mangahis, Elaine Tabulla and Melinda de los Reyes. 5K men–Nickson Cuyom, Randy Bumahit, and Michael Villamor. 5K women–Mary Ann de la Pena, Zara de la Virgo and Orpha Dacallos. 3k men–Adonic Lubaton, Salvador Garin, Jr., Kimbert Sarmiento. 3K women–Farrabeth Limbo, Enate Sayrol and Marivic Embores.

The event was made possible with the help of major sponsors Globe, The Bellevue Hotel, Fitness First, Sara Lee, Henkel, PLDT, The Serenity Place, Westgate Filinvest Alabang, DMCI, Hanakazu, Healthway, JWI, RMC Logistics, Herbcare, Dole, Alaska Milk, BoNa Coffee Co., Front Runner, Sujiivana Salon and Spa, Radio Partners, Reebok, RPN-9, Manila Times, The Dental Suites, Toyota, Kia, Tupperware, Clarity, Aussie Cafe, Brothers’ Burger, Gymboree, Alabang Home Depot, Second Wind, My Oranges Inc.

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