A HALF-MARATHON was held Sunday, May 10, in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. (Jerry Alcayde)
CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro – Puerto Galera is eyeing to host the first triathlon race in this province next year following the successful launching of the first half-marathon coastal challenge on Sunday, May 10.
Vice Mayor Rocky D. Ilagan said they are hoping to get the support of the Department of Tourism and other concerned government agencies and the private sector that could trigger influx of people to the premiere tourist destination of this province.
Some 600 Filipinos and foreigners joined the half-marathon with the goal of raising funds for the upgrading of the facilities of Saint John the Baptist Church in Barangay Balatero and education of Iraya Mangyan college students.
The event started at 4 a.m. at the renovated Muelle Cultural Heritage Park with 108 runners in the 21-kilometer category, followed by 73 in the 10-kilometer and the 405 in the five-kilometer.
“It was great to see people running for a cause,” said Mayor Robinhood D. Ylagan who, along with local government and tourism officials, assisted the runners.
Ilagan said a full marathon, with a distance of 42 kilometers, will be held in October and they hope to attract more contestants and sponsors in the event.