The Philippine International Marathon 2009, A Run for the Pasig River goes to the starting line on November 8, 2009 at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila.

Organized by Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig (KBPIP) and under the helm of race director Rudy Biscocho, the run with categories in 3 kilometer, 5 kilometer, 10 kilometer and the full 42 kilometer marathon, aims to boost awareness about the project as well as raise funds to rehabilitate the Pasig River. A unique feature of the race is the 42K full marathon which can also be run by a relay team of 20 people.

The route has been crafted to provide the public a glimpse of the state of the river as well as challenge marathoners with its non-traditional route crossing nine of the thirteen bridges of the Pasig River, and with portions to be run alongside the river. Gunstart for the full marathon is at 4:30 a.m.

Gina Lopez, Managing Director of ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. one of the lead partners of KBPIP called on the public to show their support for the multi-sectoral effort to save the Pasig River: “The marathon is a step of faith. Together we can go the distance and clean the river.”

The Philippine International Marathon was established in 2000 by the Clean & Green Foundation headed by First Lady Mrs. Ming Ramos. In 2008, the Clean & Green Foundation passed the torch of reviving the Pasig River to ABS-CBN Foundation along with it the task of organizing the marathon as a fund-raiser for the effort.

The run is open to the public with a participation fee of P250. Corporate groups may also register as a team.

Free Running clinics will be made available for first time runners through the Pinoy Ultra Runners which is supporting the marathon.

Pre-registration forms are available at the Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig office at the 3/F ELJ Building. Interested participants may also call: 415-2272 loc. 3797, 416-1911 or email ilogpasig@abs-cbn.com.

AFI and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources through the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission signed a Memorandum of Agreement last March 2008 to co-manage the rehabilitation of the Metro Manila river basin, with initial focus on Pasig River and its tributaries. This gave birth to Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig, which was formally launched in February 2009.