Some 4,700 runners braved the cold air of early Sunday morning to join Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian in a citywide Fun Run traversing across Valenzuela City’s two districts from Fatima Avenue in Barangay Marulas to the Valenzuela City Astrodome in Barangay Dalandanan.

This event, dubbed as “Sama-Sama sa Pagtakbo…valenzuelako  2011 Fun Run,” is yearly celebrated during Mayor WIN’s birthday. Citizens from multi-sectoral groups ran side-by-side their beloved Mayor in an activity that promotes a healthy lifestyle through exercise.

In an address to the participants at the finish line, Mayor WIN expressed his appreciation to all the participants.  “Masaya po ako na nakasama ko kayong muli sa pagtakbo sa taong ito. Sana ay patuloy tayong magkaisa tungo sa iisang layunin para sa ikabubuti ng ating lungsod. (I am glad that we all had the opportunity to run again this year. .I am hoping that we continuously achieve our common goals for our City.)”  The Mayor said after being presented a surprise birthday cake as he ascended the stage.

The Youth, Sports and Livelihood Development Office (YSLDO) lead the organizing committee.  YSLDO Officer-in-Charge, Ms. Evelyn “Jing” Hernandez, declared that the 2011 Fun Run has broken previous local fun run records.  “We recorded 4,700 participants for this year’s Fun Run,” she said, noting the fact that there was an estimated number of 5,000 runners if the count would include unregistered runners. Past fun runs barely reached 2,000 runners.  The Philippine Red Cross-Valenzuela City Chapter took home the cup for being the “Biggest Delegation” in the group category.

As early as 4:00 in the morning, registration cues had already occupied the tree-lined streets of Fatima Avenue, from MacArthur Highway all the way up to the Museo Valenzuela where the registration was being processed.  At around 5:45 AM, a gunshot signalled the start of the run.  

Edwin Dill took the honor as the “Fastest Male Runner” to reach the Astrodome, followed by Danilo Veras, John Vince Ortiz and P/INSP Jessie Missal.  In the women’s category, Jennifer Capuli bagged the title of “Fastest Female Runner,” succeeded by Shaira De Leon, Patricia De Leon and Carmela Sugalan.

Cyril Balderrama, a freshman from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela woke up early to participate in the Fun Run together with his classmates. They were delighted to see Mayor WIN running beside their team. “First time ko pong sumama sa Fun Run… masaya! Sasama ulit ako next year.  (It’s my first time to join the Fun Run… It was Fun! I’ll join again next year.)” he concluded.

Aside from the Mayor, some City Councilors, Punong Barangays from both districts of Valenzuela City, as well as the local and national government agencies were spotted during the event.  

The participants were treated to an aerobics session and a hearty breakfast upon reaching the astrodome.

Other winners in the special categories are the following:

Youngest Runners:

- Leo Alkin Bersabe (Age 13)

- John Veejay Ortiz (Age 8)

Most Senior Runners:

- Eduardo Mabag (78)

- Catalino Timosan (78)