Over 1,000 join Cagayan de Oro fun run for Mother Earth 2025

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PRESS RELEASE: RUN4ME is part of the broader Earth Day 2025 celebrations under the global theme, ‘Healthy Environment, Strong People’

The following is a press release from organizers of the Run for Mother Earth organizers in Cagayan de Oro.

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – Over 1,372 runners from all walks of life took part in this year’s Run for Mother Earth (RUN4ME) held in Cagayan de Oro on Sunday, April 27, shattering last year’s participation of over 800 runners and marking a powerful testament to a growing collective commitment to environmental action.

The event, which kicked off at 4:30 am with the 12K category, followed by the 6K and 3K distances, drew an inspiring mix of participants – from young children to seasoned senior citizens – united by a shared goal: running for a healthier planet.

This year, senior citizens proudly took the spotlight, demonstrating that environmental advocacy and personal wellness know no age limits. 

Senior citizen Noli Agawin with his daughter Isa.

Noli Agawin, one of the senior runners, said, “A lot of people say senior citizens shouldn’t try strenuous activities, but I believe age is not a limit. Training lang every now and then – kaya man! This run is not only for the young ones but for seniors too. Running for Mother Earth as a senior was altogether fun. Senior citizens can still make a change!”

Families turned the race into a celebration of togetherness and advocacy as well. 

Francelyn Binondo, who ran alongside her mother, described the experience as, “A reminder that we’re always connected – whether we’re running side by side or walking through life together. This run tied generations together: mother, child, and Mother Earth herself, highlighting the link between environmental health and community well-being.”

Janine and Philip Garay with their eight-year-old daughter, Chloe.

Similarly, the Garay family – parents Janine and Philip with their 8-year-old daughter Chloe – joined RUN4ME to teach the next generation the value of protecting nature. 

Married couple Lyka and Phuket Dichos chose to celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary by running together in the 6K category, reinforcing the event’s spirit of love, unity, and environmental stewardship.

Couple Phuket and Lyka Dichos.

Organized by the Samdhana Institute, in partnership with Circle Productions, RUN4ME is part of the broader Earth Day 2025 celebrations under the global theme, “Our Power, Our Planet: Himsog nga Kinaiyahan, Kusgan nga Katawhan” (Healthy Environment, Strong People).

Proceeds of the event will support local reforestation initiatives and environmental protection efforts.

As climate challenges intensify, events like RUN4ME are proving that simple, community-based actions – whether running a few kilometers or planting a tree – can make a big difference. This year’s surge in participation shows that more Filipinos are ready to step up and take action for a sustainable future. – Rappler.com