The Organization of Young Filipino Americans held its fifth annual Lakas 5K at the Nameless Field March 18.
Three years ago, OYFA was looking for a way to increase accessibility and participation in their annual 5K. OYFA President Kimberly Hall said the planning team in charge of redesigning the relay originally laughed off the idea of a glow-run; however, whoever proposed the idea was persistent, and they managed to convince the OYFA planning team to try a glow-run.
“To this day, we are happy we took the chance on this new event because it is one of our most successful outreach and philanthropic events to date,” Hall said in an email statement.
Before the introduction of the glow-run, around 30 people participated in the 5K, Hall said. Currently, about 300 people participate in the glow-runs.
After increasing the turnout by so much, Hall said she was surprised by the amount of participation they received from the local community.
“We do get a lot of participation from University-affiliated people, but most of the people that historically run our 5K are locals, such as families,” she said.
Everyone who participated was provided with glow sticks and other glowing materials. Live music, food and raffles were also provided to all participants.
The Lakas 5K is also a large fundraising opportunity which benefits non-profits and charities like Relay for Life and The HeCares Foundation, a charity which houses and cares for children who live on the streets of Metro Manila.
The event usually raises around $1,500, and this year's earnings were consistent with those of previous years, Hall said. The proceeds are split up equally between the two organizations.
Correction: The previous subheadline of this article incorrectly listed the HeCares Foundation as "HeShares."
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