Camsur Marathon 2010 Launched

  

It’s one of the biggest press launches i have ever attended on a running event and the lead organizer, led by Governor LRay Villafuerte of Camarines Sur pulled out all the stops for the staging of another international event, the Camsur International Marathon on September 26, 2010. 

The press launch was a big event in itself, where luminaries in the field of sports, politics and entertainment graced the occasion at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati yesterday afternoon. 

Big in its ambition to stage another international event after the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3, World Wakeboard Championships, Asian Wakeboard Championships and the International Dragon Boat Festival, the Camsur Marathon has been envisioned to be one of the biggest marathons in Southeast Asia, according to Gov. Villafuerte. 

With a total cash purse of about US$50,000.00, and the full back-up of the local government of Camarines Sur, Smart Telecommunications, Summit Water and other big sponsors, their efforts would seem to pull through given the success of their previous events.

Here are some highlights of yesterday’s press conference:

The crowd at the Cam Sur Marathon Presscon

With Emcees Marc Nelson, Tricia Chiongbian and Dawn Zulueta

Sen. Pia Cayetano giving her welcome remarks

Tony Meloto of Gawad Kalinga, the marathon's beneficiary

Tessa Prieto-Valdez lightens up the occasion

Actress Iza Calzado, who'll run the 10k

TV Host Dianne Castillejo

From left, Coach Rio, Cynthia Carreon, Gov. Lray Villafuerte, Sen. Cayetano, Tony Meloto

Our press table

Bloggers at the presscon

From their Press Release:

YOUR NEXT RACE: CAMSUR MARATHON  

With the much sought after CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC) and its world-class wakeboarding facilities as its centerpiece, it’s not at all surprising why the province of Camarines Sur or simply CamSur was voted as the number one tourist destination in the country in 2009.

Venue for some of the most prestigious international competitions such as the Ironman 70.3, World Wakeboard Championships, Asian Wakeboard Championships, and the International Dragon Boat Festival, CamSur’s equally famous Caramoan Islands have also become home to several franchises (France, Bulgaria, Serbia, Israel, Turkey and Sweden) of the long-running show, Survivor.

This September, CamSur is once again the site of another world-class sporting event – the first-ever CamSur Marathon 2010 “Race to Rebuild the Nation”. “As part of our continued efforts to pursue nation-building, the CamSur Marathon 2010 aims to be the premiere running event in the country to gather over 20,000 parti cipants,” declares Camsur Governor Lray Villafuerte. “The Camsur Marathon will feature elite runners from all over the world amidst the setting of mountains and greeneries.” Designed to be included among the ranks of the New York, Vienna and Boston marathons, the local government of Governor Lray Villafuerte is vying for the international accreditation of CamSur Marathon 2010.

Race Director Coach Rio dela Cruz shares, “After close to a year of preparation, our dream of organizing a bona- fide international marathon here in the Philippines has finally materialized. This historic running event aims to attract local and foreign athletic delegates, running celebrities, and runners of all fitness levels. The Camsur Marathon is sure to be race worthy and of international stature.”

With 3K, 5K, 10K, 21K and 42K runs, the magnificent scenery in Camsur will surely entertain the participants while they toil away under the sun. Utilizing the same electronic timing device used in the New York City Marathon called the D-Tag, this race event is a cut above the rest, with standards comparable to those of prestigious international marathons. Race Director Rio dela Cruz shares, “Participants can expect a fast and flat course, an equally fast release of race results courtesy of Chronotrack Timing Systems, adequate hydration in water stations located every kilometer, and accurately placed kilometer markers to help runners pace themselves.”

“Aside from the many physiological benefits we get from sweating it out on the road or on the treadmill, running is easy on the budget – all you really need is a good pair of running shoes and a comfortable running outfit and off you go!  Plus, anyone can run since it’s an innate human ability. More and more people, especially in our generation, are realizing the value of regular exercise and see running as a means to achieve a work-life balance,” explains Race Director Rio dela Cruz.

With its handle, “Race to Rebuild the Nation,” the Camsur Marathon is intended to mainly benefit Gawad Kalinga, a nation-building organization founded by Tony Meloto that builds houses for poor communities and aims to empower poverty-stricken Filipinos through dignity restoration and values transformation. This marathon is also for the benefit of the Organ Donor Card awareness drive. Headed by Director Enrique Ona of the National Kidney Transplant Institution (NKTI), the Organ Donor Card has amassed numerous supporters including Aga and Charlene Muhlach, Dawn Zulueta, Mikee Conjuangco, Martin Nievera, Derek Ramsey, Angelica Panganiban, Karylle, Iza Calzado, Carla Abellana, Gerald Anderson and many more. Another

beneficiary is the K.I.D.S Foundation as supported by Diether Ocampo which aims to uplift the standards of living of the youth. Villafuerte says, “The vision of these organizations serve as inspiration for the Camsur Marathon.”

One of the highlights of the CamSur Marathon 2010 is the Gawad Kalinga “Bayanihan Run” category. Here, participating groups will race as a team of 15 and commit to pledge to raise funds to build GK communities for the poorest of the poor, with at least a minimum of one house to building an entire Legacy Village for a period of three months from June 24 to September 24.

The CamSur Marathon 2010 is also presented by the Department of Tourism with Summit Water and Smart Communications as major sponsors. Other sponsors are Timex, 100 Plus, Nature Valley and the Philippine Star. 

The dynamic young governor promises a wonderful time at CamSur for all local and international participants of the CamSur Marathon 2010. “Our world-class sports amenities and accommodations will entice you to stay a little longer,” Governor Villafuerte confidently assures. “Our secret hideaways await your discovery and we are certain that you will want to explore the nooks and crannies of fascinating Camsur.”

Join and express your desire to rebuild the nation with Camsur. Visit www.camsurmarathon.com for more details.