The street was turned into a running track as more than 1,300 runners dashed up to run at full speed during the 1st Banana Fun Run held last September 11, Sunday, in Panabo City. The event was organized by the 911 Save Our Sagingan Movement in line with the celebration of their 2nd Anniversary.
“Daku kaayo ko ug pasalamat sa tanang nitambong sa 1st Banana Fun Run ug sa pakigduyog sa selebrasyon sa 2nd anniversary sa 911 Save Our Sagingan Movement. Kini naghatag ug dugang inspirasyon nga pakusgan pa namo ang pakigbisog para sa industriya sa saging ug sa kaugmaon sa mga bananeros,” said Reynante Bangoy, chairman of 911 Save Our Sagingan Movement.
The race, which was set in 3k and 5k categories, featured a field of runners from Davao del Norte and other parts of the Davao region, with bananeros spread all over the entire region.
The runners revved up their bodies and energetically loosened up just before the race started. The cool and friendly weather as well helped each runner to cast off inhibitions to fully take off on a sprint and win.
Junel Boncit, a student from the University of Mindano, Tagum City, won 1st place in the 5k men’s category with a time of 15 minutes and 20 seconds. In the 5k women’s category, Judelyn Miranda, a housewife, made it to the tape first to finish the race with a time of 17 minutes and 31 seconds.
In the 3k men’s category, Roel Mahinay, a student from the University of Mindanao-Tagum won the men’s race while Lara June Gayramara, a student from Suaybaugio Elementary School, bested all runners in the 3k women’s category.
All the winners received cash and medals and all participants received finisher’s certificates and enjoyed freebies and games.
The 1st Banana Fun Run was held in partnership with the Panabo City government and the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association, Inc. Other sponsors included the office of Cong. Anton Lagdameo, Vincent Floirendo, TriStar Group of Banana Companies, Tadeco, Anflocor Group of Companies, Biotech, Bangoy Farm, Sumifru, Bayer CropScience, Syngenta, Dole, Unifrutti, TUCP, Manolette Bakeshop, Macondary Plastic, Dizon Farms and Jaconima Corp.
