SKYathon Beach Run is back and bigger on its ninth year with the opening of participation to international runners as it aims for greater awareness to raise funds that would help rehabilitate the reefs of Boracay.
Organizers of the first destination run in the country are excited with this development.
“Among the avid participants of the race are foreigners vacationing in the island. To open this to international delegates will elevate the race not just to a fun run but a race that the running communities around the world will look forward to each year,” said Delbert Santos, a senior marketing manager from SKY.
Set to happen on April 21 at Epic Boracay, it features three categories for runners to choose from; 3K, 5K, and 10K.
SKY plays its part in protecting nature by supporting this initiative. A portion of the proceeds from SKYathon will go to the coral reef rehabilitation program. Other than reef rehabilitation there is also a mangrove planting partnership with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the area.
This year SKYathon introduces #LoveBoracay, a call for a turn towards responsible tourism.
Santos said that with the current environmental troubles facing not only the island but also some major tourist spots in the country it’s important for vacationers to keep in mind preserving these natural resources.
“This year, besides pushing for the rehabilitation of the coral reefs in Boracay, we’d also like to send out a call to all tourists to take care of the places they are going to. We have to practice responsible tourism so that we can keep the beauty of nature not just for us but most especially for future generations,” added Santos.
Registration is ongoing and can be done online through www.runrio.com or onsite via selected branches of registration partners Rudy Project, Chris Sports, and Olympic Village. The Boracay Foundation Inc. Secretariat in Boracay can also accept registrations.