A River Runs Through It

I wasn't able to post my to-do list for this month. It was just in my Drafts folder and before I knew it, it's just a matter of days before November.

Included in my October list is to join a 5K marathon. I don't join races just for bragging rights. I always consider the cause or where the proceeds of the race will go before I join. When my officemates asked if I will sign up for the Run for Pasig River 10.10.10, I immediately said yes because I know the proceeds will be used for the rehabilitation of Pasig River, a 27-kilometer body of water traversing across Metro Manila and connecting the Laguna de Bay to Manila Bay.

The Pasig Run was also an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest eco-foot race in the world. But with the record beaten or not, I don't care anymore. Being able to participate meant more.

Here are the highlights of my Pasig Run experience:
The fun run started almost on time. And I admire the organizers for that.
Students from different schools joined. And they came in their school's colors.
I saw an elderly, which we fondly named Lola, taking a break from the run. Take note of her bib: she ran for 5K! What a determination! :)
We didn't worry about accidents because there were
paramedics just waiting for injured runners.
Plus points for the organizers.
After running for two kilometers and just walking the rest of the distance, finally we reached the finish line. I have to commend the organizers for the rehydration of the runners. Maynilad provided water every 1.5-kilometer. I didn't get thirsty at all! Plus points again for the organizers.
This is where the organizers failed. Thousands ran so it was expected that thousands will line up for their finisher's band. There were no signages to show where runners can claim their bands. We just asked around. Only to find out after almost half an hour of falling in line and beating the heat, that two more tents/booths were designated for the distribution of the finisher's bands. And again, no signages or markers to lead you there. Minus points here.
Finally, our finisher's band! This band was made by the residents of BayaniJuan in Calauan, Laguna. BayaniJuan is the official resettlement site of the Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig (KBPIP).

Overall, it was an experience! I don't regret having joined one historic run for one valuable cause. KBPIP and other government and private agencies would certainly love to see the dying Pasig river get back to life and look like this in the future.
One step at a time, I believe Pasig River will look like this. :)

Happy weekend, everyone! :)