GRCA Members on the Set: Running with a Splash of Fun and A Sense of Community

While checking-in for the 3K category, GRCA members did not miss the opportunity of having a photo with the Municipal Mayor of Compostela who had been showing his support to the event, and backing up the Local Government Unit of the municipality who spearheaded the event.

The guns start for the 3K category set at exactly 4:55 AM, it has been a mixture of run-jog-walk as the route gets packed with people whose faces are all smiles and fun. While others are still running to reach their chosen category, others are already on their way back to the finish line.

Yet, not a fear of being raced behind can make them feel a sense of urgency. Most participants of the 3K category took their time, some even joked about it being more like a procession than a fun run. Since the 3K category has the greatest number of participants, narrow road gets really jam-packed.

Nevertheless, it has been a spirited morning for everyone - for families, for couples, for friends, for young ones and even seniors who graced the path with a strong sense of purpose.

“Rather than scrolling through my phone or lying in bed to de-stress, I chose to run—and it made all the difference. This fun run became my healthy escape from the demands of the week.” said Sarah Mag-asin, a Grade 1 adviser at GRCA. “It reminded me that movement is medicine, and that taking care of myself physically helps me cope better emotionally and mentally. I returned feeling stronger and more balanced,” she added.

Apparently, the fun run has become an outlet for employees who have a hectic week at work. Moreover, it also helps attain a balanced and healthy lifestyle which most workers forget to give much attention to.

“I ran a half marathon and joined a fun run 8 years ago, I just got back to running last April 2025. It is for my health, stress reliever, to lose weight, and to meet new friends.” said Teacher Fhat, a previous pre-school teacher of GRCA who participated in the 12-kilometer category. “If I don’t have training for my stamina, I don’t think I’ll survive. I started with 3 km as well then 5 km, and now 12 km. I’m aiming for 21 km this September. I don’t run to compete. I run for fun,” she added.

The event caps off with the awarding of winners for the fun run and raffle draws, there was also a short but fun twisted-bring-me-game that was participated by the GRCA faculty.

Indeed, the people who joined the event served a different goal but one purpose. In the end, it has not been a matter of who reaches the finish line first, but a matter of dashing it for health, unity, and joy. More than just a shoe laced for a good run, it was always the effort of making your body fit while upholding the value of community spirit. On all these, Green Rose Center for Academe Inc. stands as an embodiment - full of purpose and a sense of community.