The Philippine Army’s nationwide simultaneous run drew thousands of runners to Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City and key Army camps nationwide on Saturday (Mar. 1).
A huge number of Army officers, enlisted personnel, their dependents and civilians dashed to the finish line before the crack of dawn.
The runners participated in the three-kilometer, five-kilometer, seven-kilometer, and 10-kilometer categories with the Army Artillery Regiment firing the ceremonial salvo to signal the release of each batch.
The four running routes followed major roads inside the Army’s main headquarters and adjacent thoroughfares.
“We manifested today that indeed the Army is founded on healthy lifestyle,” Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido said in his remarks, emphasizing that physical fitness is a requisite for the Army to become a “Matatag na Sandigan ng Bagong Pilipinas.”
A delegation from the U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) and teams from the Philippine Army’s partner organizations also took part in the run.
The event aims to encourage commitment to health and fitness by promoting an active lifestyle and regular physical activity. It highlights the importance of physical well-being as a key component of a strong and resilient force, according to Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala.
