Foot race for Pasig River rehabilitation sets new world record

The fun run for the rehabilitation of Metro Manilas' heavily polluted river which organizers refer to as "10.10.10., A Run for Pasig River" , was joined by 116,086 participants, according to Gina Lopez of ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.

Last Sunday's fun run breaks the record set by "Bay to Breakers" in San Francisco, California in 1988. Lopez said the number of participants has been validated by SGV, the country's biggest auditing firm. Race organizers will submit supporting documents to Guinness as required before an official announcement can be made. Lopez said the record attendance shows how Filipinos can be united for a good cause. “We did it! We succeeded because everyone—rich and poor, young and old—worked together. It didn’t even rain because people prayed,” said Lopez. The fun run has generated P12 million in contributions and the money will be used to start cleaning operations on the polluted portions of the river near the Malacanang Palace, the official residence of the Philippine president. Lopez said Guinness may make the official announcement on 10.10.10 A Run for Pasig River’s new record in two weeks. With the success of the fun run, Lopez said it will now be a yearly event.