The HSBC 2011 Fun Run will be on Nov. 26 at the SM Mall of Asia grounds, with 3K, 5K, 10K races and two 100-meter dashes for children. This will be held in celebration of the bank’s 136th anniversary in the Philippines. All the proceeds from the registration fee will benefit the Sa Aklat Sisikat Foundation (SAS), an organization that promotes reading among children in public schools.
Filipino fashion designer Josie Natori, known for her simple but sexy lingerie and streamlined wearable basics, was tapped to design the singlet, a racerback for women and a muscle shirt for men. It is in elegant white with black brushstrokes, which takes inspiration from her soon-to-be launched collection “The Way of the Samurai.”
The front of the shirt features a black line across the chest, and above it is the brand name “Josie Natori” in small capital letters. On the hem is HSBC’s logo that adds a touch of red to the shirt. The word “Natori” is written in Japanese with a thick brush and covers the back.
The designer singlet was recently introduced at the run’s launch at Shangri-La Makati by HSBC president and CEO Tony Cripps, HSBC communications head Johanna Garcia, SAS cofounder and chair Lizzie E. Zobel, and SAS special projects director Margarita Delgado.
The HSBC benefit run was first held last year at Bonifacio High Street with Hands On Manila as beneficiary. With over a thousand runners (who wore singlets designed by Rajo Laurel) and HSBC’s support, P1.7 million was raised. This year, up to 3,500 can join the run.
“That run was supposed to be a one-shot deal for our 135th anniversary,” said Garcia. “But it was so successful that we thought of doing it again.” She added that Natori, who immediately said yes when SAS approached her to do the design, had a free hand in designing the singlet, and regarded it as a “way of giving back.” The designer will participate in the coming run.
Challenged
Cripps is also challenged to do better for this year’s marathon. He had only been in the country for six weeks when he joined the run last year, and was not used to the heat, so he he clocked in at 40 minutes after 5 kilometers.
“Now I am training, but will still run for fun,” he said. “There’s no 21K because that’s more for hardcore runners. We want this to be light, and a gathering for friends and family. That’s why we have two kids’ categories.”
Participants will also get loot bags with an HSBC finisher shirt, water bottle, baller ID, and a chance to win two Cathay Pacific round trip tickets to London in a raffle. Race winners in each category will each get round trip ticket to Hong Kong.
Zobel said the partnership between HSBC and SAS has been going for eight years. The aim is to build a nation of readers, and, later on, responsible and educated citizens.
“Literacy is high in the Philippines, but comprehension has to be improved,” Zobel said.
Delgado added that SAS has benefited over 20,000 teachers and 600,000 students through the Principals Leadership Enhancement and Development and Kinder College programs, these introduce new teaching methods to principals, which they pass on the teachers until it reaches the students. The programs are being implemented with the Department of Education for the past 11 years.
Registration fee is P800 for 3K, 5K and 10K; and P500 for 100m dash at ROX Bonifacio Global City; Chris Sports Glorietta and SM Megamall. An additional P200 can be added for race-kit delivery.
Visit www.hsbcrun.com.ph.