The ‘’Know your status now’’ fun run was successfully held last weekend in Markina attracting 670 participants and hundreds of observers and watchers.
Lel Kipatirchir from Kenya won the men’s 5k category while Joneza Mie Sustituedo took the women’s category. Rustom Nava ruled the men’s 3k category while Mirasol Amarga took won the women’s category in the same distance.
“Our objective is to raise awareness regarding the HIV-AIDS epidemic. We succeeded by making the youth aware of the dangers of HIV infection through the fun run. The Marikina Health Office helped with the distribution of educational materials and with messages from doctors, guests and persons living with HIV. We believe that education and proper information dissemination will help curb the HIV menace,” said Delos Reyes.
Other male winners in the 5k distance are Kurt Jomar Lamparas and Joe Marie Javelo. Other female winners in the same distance are Catherine Bristol and Janette Lumidao.
Other male winners in the 3k distance are Philip John Gongob and Nick Cortes. Female winners in the same distance are Mae Ann Gongob and Marlyn Godoy.
Race organizer Adi Delos Reyes said they accomplished their objective of educating the public about the dangers of HIV and AIDS.
“Student and professional representation was at its height. Neighboring cities and municipalities of Marikina were well-represented. Even the Kenyans participated in the event,” said Delos Reyes.
Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro was represented by Assistant Health Officer Dr. Honielyn Fernando. Our Lady of Perpetual Succor College’s Dr. Mida Salvador Samaniego delivered a short message in regards to the HIV-AIDS Advocacy Program.
“The education sector is a powerful arm in supporting advocacies of the government like the anti HIV-AIDS campaign. Our role is to generate awareness, knowledge and understanding of this issue,” said Samaniego.
There was also a free rapid testing for interested parties.
After the successful run organizer Delos Reyes says there will be a follow up bike ride and pride march on Dec. 4 also in Marikina.