On April 18, 2010 at the SM Mall of Asia National Geographic Channel will have a race to celebrate Earth Day—the Earth Day Run.  What sets this race apart from other events is the proceeds aren’t just handed over to an organization and you won’t know how it would be spent—proceeds of NatGeo Earth Day Run will support the Design Against the Elements (DAtE), a global architectural design contest that aims to provide a solution to the problems presented by climate change.

We all know that the Philippines, while may not be a significant contributor to climate change, is one of the countries most susceptible to its effects.  We’ve all seen how typhoon Ketsana (Ondoy) flooded 80% of Metro Manila in 2009 and it is just but one of many strong typhoons that would come our way in the future.  We’ve all seen how Filipinos and even the international community joined hands to help the victims but ask yourself, “do I still have clothes/goods/donations to give for the victims of the next ‘Ondoy?’”

The DAtE project aims to reduce losses by designing communities that are both sustainable to build and can withstand the rigors of the Philippines’ typhoons and consequent flooding made worse by increasingly alarming effects of climate change.  It shows the world that the Philippines isn’t just a country that constantly asks for help—we are doing something about it—and you can be a part of it.

According to Jude Turcuato, Territory Director of FOX International and National Geographic Channel Asia, “the funds we’ll generate out of the event will help build affordable, sustainable, eco-friendly, and disaster-resistant model houses in Taguig City that can withstand environmental calamities like last year’s Ondoy flooding.”

NatGeo Earth Day Run

When: April 18, 2010, 5:00AM

Where: SM Mall of Asia

Distances and Fees: 3K (P500), 5K (P600), and 10K (P700) inclusive of a limited edition Earth Day Run technical shirt

Registration: Nike Park Bonifacio High Street and Timex stores in SM Mall of Asia and SM North EDSA until April 11, 2010; online via www.natgeorun.com until April 4, 2010.

“On April 18, show the world how much we care.  Join the thousands who will wake up early to run, walk, and be counted.  A little sacrifice will definitely inspire people to care about our planet,” Turcuato said.

Race Results

Update: Race results for 3K, 5K, and 10K are now furnished courtesy of www.natgeorun.com.