Individuals of the Basura Run gather plastic waste alongside the CCLEX. | Contributed photograph
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Veteran long-distance runner and environmental advocate Tony Galon just lately led the 89th version of the “Basura Run,” a novel working occasion with a strong mission—to lift consciousness about environmental stewardship whereas selling bodily health.
Final weekend, Galon as soon as once more rallied a devoted group of runners for the month-to-month occasion. This time it supplied not solely an 18-kilometer problem but in addition a chance to make a significant influence.
Individuals didn’t simply run the gap; alongside the route, they collected plastic waste, addressing certainly one of Cebu’s most urgent issues—rubbish air pollution.
Rubbish disposal stays a crucial environmental problem in Cebu. In line with a report from the Cebu Metropolis Coastal Administration Job Power, almost 100 metric tons of rubbish have been collected in only one cleanup drive final yr, an alarming reminder of the town’s rising waste drawback.
This air pollution not solely harms the setting but in addition contributes to flooding in city areas, affecting the lives of many.
Basura Run contributors pose for a gaggle photograph after their significant run. | Contributed photograph
Basura Run
In response to this alarming actuality, Galon launched the “Basura Run” in 2013.
Regardless of beginning with a small however dedicated group of runners, the motion has grown steadily, staying true to its advocacy of selling each well being and environmental accountability.
“Basura Run has been a month-to-month custom since July 2013. This 89th version was devoted to the Cebu-Cordova Hyperlink Expressway (CCLEX) after seeing a submit from fellow runners about plastic trash alongside the bridge. Because the first Saturday of the month coincided with October 5, we took that chance to carry the Basura Run for CCLEX,” stated Galon.
The idea of “Basura Run” is easy but important—contributors run whereas selecting up plastic trash alongside the best way.
Initially, the occasion was meant to have two teams—one ranging from Cebu Metropolis and the opposite from Cordova, with each converging on the bridge whereas amassing waste.
Nevertheless, resulting from restricted participation from Cordova, the group ran collectively, cleansing each side of the route. On the finish of the run, the group had gathered greater than 4 baggage of plastic waste.
Environmental Stewards
Galon used the occasion as a chance to remind the general public, particularly those that frequent the CCLEX, to be accountable stewards of the setting.
“We need to ship a message to fellow customers—bikers, runners, and hikers—that utilizing the bridge is a privilege, and it’s as much as us to look after it. We’re grateful to the CCLEX administration for permitting us to expertise this journey by foot or bike on the longest bridge within the Philippines,” Galon added.
“If folks actually perceive the hurt plastic causes to our surroundings, they have to act—through the use of reusable gadgets and refusing single-use plastics. Our authorities ought to lead this struggle, however it appears extra targeted on enterprise and politics than on securing a greater future,” he added.
Although contributors within the “Basura Run” don’t obtain finisher medals, they depart with a way of achievement, figuring out that their efforts helped clear up their metropolis and defend Mom Nature. Galon invitations anybody involved in becoming a member of future occasions to attach with him through his Fb account.
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