CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — Excitement builds as the Run for Mother Earth (RUN4ME) approaches, with organizers from Circle Productions and the Samdhana Institute putting the final touches on this year’s event, set for April 27.
Centered on the theme “Our Power, Our Planet: Himsog nga Kinaiyahan, Kusgan nga Katawhan,” RUN4ME marks Earth Day with a non-competitive, community-driven fun run designed to unite participants in support of environmental action.
All proceeds will fund indigenous and local communities’ reforestation initiatives across Mindanao, who are partnering with Samdhana. Their continuing efforts to protect and restore their forests reinforce the link between healthy ecosystems and thriving communities.
In the lead-up to the event, organizers have been working closely with partner organizations, including the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, environmental advocates, corporate partners/local businesses, government agencies, and Indigenous communities from the Higaonon and Menuvu tribes in Northern Mindanao, to mention a few.
“The current climate crisis exacerbates the worsening state of our environment; hence a collective effort of all sectors is paramount, especially the full participation of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities,” said Erwin Quinones, deputy executive director of Samdhana Institute.
Event essentials, including commemorative jerseys and medals, are now in production, with medal prototypes unveiled earlier this month. Race kits and shirts are already being distributed to early registrants.
Behind the scenes, the team is finalizing logistics—from hydration stations to the symbolic commitment wall—while coordinating volunteers and staff roles to ensure a seamless experience for participants.
“We have partnered with a reliable event organizer, Circle Productions, to ensure the success of the event. Our volunteers and partners are actively preparing as well, from mobilizing runners to register and inviting others to join. As early as today, we are already 85% of our target runners for Mother Earth,” Quinones added.
Onsite registration remains open daily (10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.) at the 3rd Floor of Centrio Ayala Mall (beside Mandarin Tea Garden). Three inclusive distance options—3 km, 6 km, and 12 km—invite runners and walkers of all levels to join the cause.
Organizers are encouraging the community to take action for the planet as the countdown approaches. For updates and registration, interested participants are invited to follow RUN4ME on social media. (Run4ME/PIA-10)
