Reinforced by the motivation to lend a hand, this year’s annual Visayas State University (VSU) Fun Run for a Cause took off yesterday, April 22, with the VSU Lower Oval Grounds as its starting point, spearheaded by the VSU Alumni and Community Relations Office (VSU ACRO), in partnership with the Institute of Human Kinetics (IHK).
In his opening remarks, VSU President Edgardo E. Tulin expressed his gratitude to facilitators and participants for continuing the long tradition aligned with the VSU Founding Anniversary after three years of halt since the pandemic. He also encouraged the participants to finish the race and enjoy it with a purpose.
"After three years, we are back for this [fun run for a cause]. This is always a look forward event because we know that this is already part of our anniversary celebration. I hope that when you participate, you will enjoy it and, at the same time, just be cool. Run or walk, finish the distance, and everything will be taken care of," Dr. Tulin said.
Dr. Charis B. Limbo-Rivera, IHK Director, then announced that for this year's Fun Run for a Cause, there are a total of 634 runners from the twelve categories and saluted the commitment and the drive of the runners in running.
"So we have 208 runners for the 5K run (Students Category). Ninety-seven (97) are men, and 111 are women. We also have 135 runners for the 3K (Students Category). For the faculty, staff, and alumni categories, we have 75 runners for the 5-kilometer. For the 3-kilometer run, we have 125 runners for 30 yrs old, 59 for 31-45 yrs, 29 for 46-60 yrs old, and only 3 for 61 yrs old and above. Thus we have a total of 634 runners from the twelve categories," Dr. Rivera stated.
Hon. Simoune Astorga, Chairman of Baybay City in Sports, gave his constant support to the VSU community as he boosted the start of the activity.
"This is very inspiring to me [since] I used to run also [in Baybay]. My company [Ciudad Coffee Bar] always supports Visca[VSU] programs, especially in sports and this kind of activity, so I am very grateful for the Invitation," Hon. Astorga expressed.
The proceeds of this year’s Fun Run for a Cause will go to the community outreach program of the VSU ACRO.
Winners for each race category are the following:
Students
Women's Category (5K)
1st - Joan Fay Libutan
2nd - Kleinaden Doming Español
3rd - Darren Jade Recto Fortun
Men's Category (5K)
1st - Daireic Keith Silva Cañete
2nd - Alvin N. Gumanid
3rd - Ian Cayobit Lumpas
Open
3K
1st - John Kenneth F. Gozo
2nd - Javee T. Molina
3rd - Daniel Gumba
5K
1st - Dan Lloyd Elbert E. Bagtasus
2nd - Julieto Labrador
3rd - Armando Pilapil
Alumni, Staff, and Friends
Men's Category (3K)
30 yrs old and below
1st - Ryan Alesna
2nd - John Manuel T. Jusay
3rd - Joymel T. Cayanong
31-45 yrs old
1st - Robinson Sayod Retulla
2nd - Alfredo A. Florendo
3rd - Rogelio Clavite Jr.
46-60 yrs old
1st - Felix Ocon
2nd - Dennis P. Peque
3rd - Floro Tripoli Nayre
Women's Category (3K)
30 yrs old and below
1st - Rodita Ollave
2nd - Hazel Llemos
3rd - Shanette Joy Vivien Amador
31-45 yrs old
1st - Maria Vanessa V. Cagande
2nd - Gretchen Prado
3rd - Lailah Sabando
60 yrs old and above
1st - Maria Leonila Bolfango Pancito
2nd - Andreli D. Pardales