The EPCALM Adult Leukemia Foundation Inc. is organizing “The Gentle Mile: A 50-kilometer Ultramarathon and Fun Run” on May 11, to close the series of activities, “Dumaguete Bound: Journey to Wholeness 2014”.

The Gentle Mile is about running with a purpose, and making a difference, Riodil Montebon, EPCALM director, said. It is about kindness and caring for those afflicted, and about embarking on a journey of empowerment with those who are challenged by adult leukemia, he added.

Race director Paultom Paras, provincial sports coordinator of the Negros Oriental Sports Development Program, said the ultra-marathon will start at 11:45 p.m. on May 10 at the Bais City Hall, and will take the runners 50 kilometers south through the highway to Dumaguete City until May 11.

The fun run categories of 3K, 5K, and 10K will begin 6 a.m. on May 11 at the provincial Capitol in Dumaguete.

Other EPCALM activities are grief management conference facilitated by Mel Erickson and Boy Abunda on May 9-10 at the Silliman Hall, and a benefit concert by Ating Pamana with special guest Martin Nievera, May 10, at the Luce Auditorium of SU.

Montebon urged the public to join the race against adult leukemia, and “fight with weapons of gentleness, encouragement, and a stewardship of life that must be kept sacred and whole”.

Aside from NOSDEP, co-organizers of the running event are the Silliman University Medical Center Foundation Inc., the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Negros Oriental Chapter, the Metro Dumaguete Roadrunners Club, Dumaguete Adventure Runners and Striders, local government units of Bais, Tanjay, Amlan, San Jose, Sibulan and Dumaguete, Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army. Medical team coordinator is Dr. Kenneth Coo.

Registration coordinator Maripol Rotea-Tecson said the fees are P300 for 3K, P400 - 5K, P500 - 10K, and P1,000 for the 50K ultra, inclusive of singlet and light breakfast at the finish line. Marathon finishers will receive pre-race dinner, medal, and shirt.

Slots for the races are limited. Deadline for the 50K registration is April 19, and May 3 for the fun run. Those interested may register at the DermCorner, SU Medical Center, Perdices stadium lobby, and online at www.epcalm.org .

EPCALM was established in Dumaguete in 2009, after city fiscal Erwin Cabanag succumbed to leukemia at the age of 45. Chairman of the board is Manila-based cardiologist, Dr. Erlyn Cabanag-Demerre, and president is Justice Demerre.*IFP

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