Eco-finishers completed Galaxy Watch Earth Day Run 2024 using their own water bottles, eliminating the need for traditional plastic and paper cups at hydration stations.
Over 10,000 runners laced up their shoes and took a stand for the environment at the Galaxy Watch Earth Day Run 2024 held last Sunday, April 21, at the SM Mall of Asia Complex.
This unique race, organized by RunRio and supported by Samsung Electronics Philippines (SEPCO) and Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines, challenged participants to embrace eco-friendly practices.
"Eco-finishers" completed the course using their own water bottles, eliminating the need for traditional plastic and paper cups at hydration stations. Additionally, runners pledged to continue eco-conscious efforts beyond the race.
"This is very special. We actually committed to being more eco-friendly for the Earth Day Run, to make use of the materials na ginamit natin dito and recycle them into something more sustainable," said Rio dela Cruz, RunRio Founder and CEO.
This year marked the first collaboration between Samsung and RunRio for the Galaxy Watch Earth Day Run.
"This initiative perfectly aligns with our commitment to sustainability and promoting wellness through technology," said Jelina King, SEPCO Mobile Experience Ecosystem Category Head. "The Galaxy Watch6 is designed to be a partner for a heart healthier lifestyle."
The Samsung Galaxy Watch6 series is taking wellness to the next level with blood pressure and ECG monitoring and other features that help monitor heart health. It has a built-in PPG sensor that periodically measures heart rate and rhythm while worn, and can do a quick blood pressure check with no added equipment required.
Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines Deputy CEO Peggy Sy applauded the event's focus on sustainability.
"We turn pet bottles into pellets and fabric, we also do upcycling. What we do is we try to sort recyclables, so they do not end up in the oceans and landfills. It was very good that they promoted bring your own bottle, we reduced the single use plastic and paper cups. It’s a good start and I hope future runs will all follow this," she said.
Race Winners and Celebrity Participation
The event saw impressive performances across all categories. Yoneil Enreras (1:18:57) dominated the 21K men's division, followed by Jojie Daga-as (1:24:13) and Jevie Avila (1:24:22).
Maricar Camacho (1:29:47) secured the top spot in the 21K women's category, besting Angelie Cabalo (1:33:00) and Jocelyn Elijeran (1:38:58).
Jaspher Delfino (36:35), Aldrin Serrano (37:23), and Andrew Pope (40:02) claimed the top three spots in the 10K men's race.
Kristine Santillan (45:43), Jennifer Padallan (48:27), and Angelica Lim (52:51) led the 10K women's category.
The 5K races saw Karl Angelo Oxales (17:35), Mark Angelo Biagtan (17:36), and Christopher Iblan (18:18) triumph in the men's division, while Jyzel Gabriel (23:08), Jonezamie Sustituedo (23:18), and Maria Mae Ablando (25:15) dominated the women's division.
Adding star power to the event were celebrities like Donny Pangilinan, Gardo Versoza, Geneva Cruz, and even National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.