Earth Run adds 42k marathon to this year's event

In response to public clamor to include a full marathon in the yearly Earth Run, the National Geographic Channel will be adding a 42k event to the 2014 edition of the annual event, set for April 27 at the Bonifacio Global City.

"There was a lot of people asking us to include a full marathon in the event," said Jeremy Go of Event King, the organizer of the races, during the media launch on Monday.

Go added that the slots for the full marathon are limited to 500, while participants in the 21k and 10k events are limited to 3,000 for each category.

"We need to manage the numbers to enable us to better manage the races," Go explained.  

As of Monday night, Go confirmed that all slots for the 21k and 10k events were sold out.

"Those who wish to join the races can still register in the 5k and 3k events," Go said.

At the same press launch, NGC general manager and senior vice president Jude Turcuato said that the cable content provider company is raising money for a World Wide Fund (WWF) project that will help train fishermen affected by the Yolanda in the making and use of fiberglass boats.

"Last year, we provided P1 million worth of fruit bearing fruits for local communities in the Abuan watershed in Isabela located in Sierra Madre. This year, the aim is to raise fund for the WWF project and help provide fishermen affected by the Typhoon Yolanda," Turcuato explained.

Organizers added that they are expecting 12,000 runners to join 2014 Earth Day Run. The number is 2,000 more, compared to the 10,000 runners who participated last year..

The organizers also said that they will continue to use recyclable materials for race bibs and utilize the "Zero Paper" registration process called Centralized Registration System. - AMD, GMA News