IRun: I Give Hope, I Give Life!

As a testament to hope and strength and, in this year’s special advocacy, in being one with children fighting against cancer, participants converged in the Ateneo de Manila High School grounds last May 11, 2014 for IRun, a fun run event for the benefit of Kythe.

In a teaser for the event, “make your steps a path to hope” was a message delivered by event organizer Coach Jayvee Cruz, race director Ronald delos Reyes.

IRun’s icon and inspiration is Jayvee’s son Vien, who is visually impaired. Jayvee’s special advocacy for the “IRun, I Give Hope” non-profit events has expanded to promoting awareness on the needs of special children. This year, Cruz and delos Reyes chose Kythe, and held the fun run, which covered 3K, 5K, 10K, and 100m-dash distances, in Cruz’s alma mater.

Opening remarks were given by Kythe Board of Trustees President Atty. Arnel Bañas who also joined the 5km event, and during the program, Vien Cruz introduced himself and sang the Philippine National Anthem.

For making the event possible, Kythe offers its special thanks to 51Talk for the children’s trophies and sponsors Mizuno for the gift packs and discount coupon giveaways, Philippine Star for publicity, 51Talk for the trophies, Rounce Printing for the posters, Itemhound for the timing system and race bibs, Clifford Pontilla for the graphic art work, Edil Rubinos for the video editing, the Ateneo Taekwondo Team for their support, Gladdie Mallari for the singlets, and Celso Ylagan and family for providing the bottled water.

Lastly, the spirit of the event was especially seen in the Kythe kids, several of whom joined the fun run themselves. Friends Jomar, Rudy, Aivy, Jayson, and Sherwin ran the 5K event to the finish line, taking part in the advocacy and commemorating their successes in their own battles with cancer.

Truly, as said by this year’s IRun organizers for the kids, “let’s give them all the positivities in life!”