BY: BY JENNIFER C. TILOS
DUMAGUETE CITY, March 31 (PIA) -- The
EPCALM (Erwin P. Cabanag Adult Leukemia Memorial Foundation in the
Philippines) called on runners and leukemia activists in Negros Oriental
to participate in the “The Gentle Mile: A 50K Ultramarathon & Fun
Run” on May 11, not only to promote healthy lifestyle but also to
help leukemia patients and their families.
“The Gentle Mile is about running with
a purpose. It is about making a difference,” said Riodil Montebon, EPCALM
director.
Atty. Montebon said EPCALM ultramarathon
and fun run is “about kindness and caring for those afflicted; about embarking
on a journey of empowerment with those who are challenged by adult leukemia.”
Provincial sports coordinator Paultom
Paras of Negros Oriental Sports Development Program (NOSDEP) said more than 30
ultramarathon runners from Cebu and Bacolod are expected to join and support
the 50K run category of EPCALM on May 11 from Bais City to Dumaguete City.
For the fun run categories of 3K, 5K,
and 10K, Paras also anticipates to have more than 1,000 individuals or groups
to participate. NOSDEP is now accepting registration until May 3.
Related event dubbed ‘Dgte-Bound:
Journey to Wholeness, a culmination of a weekend of activities organized by
EPCALM, featuring a grief management conference facilitated by Mel Erickson and
TV host Boy Abunda on May 9-10 at the Silliman Hall, Dumaguete City.
A benefit concert will also be held by
Ating Pamana with special guest balladeer Martin Nievera on May 10 at the Luce
Auditorium, Silliman.
In support for the run for a cause, the
registration fees include P300 for 3K, P400 for 5K, P500 for 10K, P1,000 for
50K ultramarathon with singlet and light breakfast at the finish line.
The ultra finishers get a pre-race
dinner, luminous baller, medal and finisher’s shirt.
An advocacy to help leukemia patients
and their families, the first adult leukemia foundation in the Philippines,
EPCALM offers spiritual, medical and financial services.
Montebon said leukemia is cancer of the blood cells which started
in the bone marrow and chances of cure is very low. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-Negros
Oriental)