Over 3,500 runners flocked the annual DYAB Kapamilya Run at the Parkmall grounds in Mandaue City, Cebu.

The categories featured in the race were 21k, 12k, 6k and 3k. The 12th edition of the race was the first to feature a 21k run.

This year’s fun run was organized for DYAB’s 17th anniversary celebration with the theme, “Diyes Ug Siyete Na, Abante Pa.” The run aims not only to bring the best runners of Cebu together, but it was also organized to strengthen the charity programs of ABS-CBN and DYAB.

The funds generated from the race will go to the victims of Typhoon Sendong, which hit Cagayan De Oro City last year and the victims of an earthquake in Negros Oriental. Among these, DYAB is also planning to build classrooms in selected damaged schools in Negros Oriental.

Among the top contenders for the race include Mary Joy Tabal, Mary Grace Delos Santos and the Kenyan force led by Abraham Missos.

The 21k run seemed like a showdown between the two women, Tabal and Delos Santos. In the end, the latter outshone her rival and won her fifth straight 21k race in Cebu.

In the men’s division, the Kenyans ruled as expected, with Missos placing first and Douglas Mwiti in second.

Organizers are already planning for a full marathon next year.