Save the Date: Irrawaddy Dolphins and the Nat Geo Earth Day Run 2016

Have you ever seen one of these creatures? I haven't. In fact, this is the first time I've known that these species of dolphins even existed. And what's even more amazing (or alarming), is that these marsupials are found right here in our country! 

Irrawaddy Dolphins
(Source: http://www.fondationsegre.org)

These funny-looking, beak-less dolphins are Irrawaddy Dolphins, and they're found in the coastal areas of Southeast Asia. They're highly regarded and even considered sacred creatures by the Khmers. Had I known that they'd existed, I would have gone to check them out at a dolphin-watching eco tour while I was in Cambodia for their marathon. The good news is, I might still get a chance to see them, especially since they also have habitats in our very own strip of paradise, Palawan! The bad news is, there's a big chance that the irrawaddy dolphin species might soon disappear because they're accidentally getting trapped by fishing nets or illegally caught by poachers. :(

And this is where you can help. 

The National Geographic Channel Earth Day Run 2016 has teamed up with the folks from WWF (World Wildlife Fund) to bring more awareness to these creatures, as well as other worthy causes:

1) Oceans- Marine conservation in Apo Reef, Mindoro

2) Waters- Reforestation of the Ipo Watershed in Bulacan and Rizal

3) Climate Solutions- Building the Earth Hour village in Masbate

4) Species- Conservation of the Irrawaddy Dolphins in Malampaya Sound, Palawan

I'll be running for the dolphins, but you can choose which among the 4 causes you're willing to run 5K, 10K, 21K, or 42K for. :)

Jinoe of Takbo.ph

The men of WWF, Nat Geo, Takbo.ph, and host, Rico Robles.

This year's Nat Geo Run on April 17, 2016 will also be the day other countries join us in fighting for the environment.  The race will be held simultaneously in Hong Kong (Hong Kong), Shanghai (China), Singapore (Singapore), and Tai Chung (Taiwan) too. 

Hope to see you at the run with your eco-warrior faces on! Oh, and please do try to bring your own water bottles to reduce the amount of paper cups that will be used (and eventually end up in a landfill or oceans.) ;) 

EVENT: NAT GEO Earth Day RUn 2016
DATE: April 17, 2016
VENUE: Bonifacio Global City (Start for 21/42K)/McKinley West (Finish line for 21/42K)
WEBSITE: www.natgeoearthdayrun.com

GUN START:
42K- Assembly Time 11:00 P.M. (April 16)- Gunstart 12:00 MN
21K- Assembly Time 2:00 A.M.- Gun Start 3:00 A.M.
10K- Assembly Time 3:30 A.M.- Gun Start 4:30 A.M.
5K- Assembly Time 5:00 A.M.- Gun Start 6:00 A.M.

EVENT DISTANCES: 
5K, 10K, 21K, 42K

REGISTRATION FEE:
5K – Php 750
10K – Php 850

*5K and 10K fees are inclusive of singlet, race bib, RFID timing

21K – Php 1300
42K – Php 1700

*215K and 42K fees are inclusive of singlet, race bib, RFID timing, finisher shirt and finisher medal.

WHERE TO REGISTER:

On-site: Ground Floor, SM Aura (in front of Uniqlo & Forever 21) from March 1-31, 2016.

Online: Click here.