What began as a community run became a meaningful effort to raise awareness and support the fight against polio.
Hundreds of runners gathered in Dumaguete on October 19, 2026, as the Rotaract Club of Dumaguete hosted the End Polio Run, bringing together Rotaractors, community members, and fitness enthusiasts in support of the global campaign to eradicate polio.
The event was organized ahead of World Polio Day on October 24, an annual observance led by Rotary International to raise awareness and mobilize support in the fight against the disease.
Participants arrived early in the morning, filling the starting area with a mix of anticipation and enthusiasm as organizers prepared runners for the route.
Co-hosted by the Rotaract Club of Cebu Fuente, the activity drew Rotaractors from across the district who ran alongside local participants in a show of solidarity for the cause.
Throughout the run, participants cheered one another on, with some pausing at checkpoints for quick photos, while others kept a steady pace toward the finish line.
More than a fitness event, the run served as a platform to highlight Rotary’s continuing mission to eliminate polio worldwide.
Organizers emphasized that community-driven initiatives, such as fun runs, help raise both funds and awareness, allowing people to take part in advocacy in a simple yet meaningful way.
By the end of the event, runners gathered at the finish area, exchanging smiles and stories from the route.
While the run lasted only a few hours, it carried a message that extended far beyond the streets of Dumaguete: collective action, no matter how small, contributes to the ongoing effort to achieve a polio-free world.
More than a run, the gathering highlighted the power of community participation in advancing global health initiatives.
