by  Stephanie Pearl DP. Orendain

The Red Cross Youth Los Baños held the fun run Across Borders II on January 18 at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) grounds.

Runners break into a start for the Across Borders II 3 km category.

Themed  “Run for Red Cross, Run for a Cause,” the activity aimed to support Red Cross medical missions and three blood drives. For this year, part of the proceeds collected will be donated to help the victims of typhoon Yolanda.

Fun Run Project Organizer Ruel Mikhael Benzon, shared that the event pushed through after overcoming difficulties in terms of finances and in securing partners. Among the Across Borders II partner organizations are the Laguna de Bay Running Team and UPLB student organizations.

About 500 participants took part in the 3 km, 5 km, and 10 km categories with 435 recorded finishers; 259 for 3 km, 138 for 5 km, and 38 for 10 km.

Francisco Kalibo, a 54-year old runner said that he joined the event in support of the Red Cross’ mission. He has been an active participant of the Red Cross’ fun runs for five years now. UPLB alumna Catherine de Guzman said that she came back to participate in the event because of her new year’s resolution to join 10 running events for the year. “I just enjoy running,” she added.

Across Borders II winners are as follows:

Across Borders II Top 3 Winners by kevinrasing

Visit the Across Borders II Facebook page for more photos and complete list of rankings.