Description
This is a self-paced virtual 5K run/walk event in support of the CHamoru Roots Genealogy Project that can be ran (or walked) from any location you choose. You can run, jog, or walk on the road, on the trail, on the treadmill, at the gym, or on the track (or even at another race). Although some of the information identifies Tamuning, Guam as the location, you get to run your own race at any place, at your own pace, and time it yourself. Some families and people even do it as a group with a prearranged date, time and location.
Registered participants can begin running this virtual race event as soon as registration is completed.
If you are one of the first 100 paid registrants, you will receive a medal and will be shipped within a couple of business days directly to you whether or not you complete the virtual run. Please allow up to 2-3 weeks for receipt once mailed out.
At this point and depending on the number of interests, I am uncertain if I will allow more than 100 participants. However, if. I do, shipping of medals after the first 100 registrations will likely take a few weeks more depending on the medal vendor and manufacturer. We will do our best to send them out as soon as they are received.
If your shipping address is international, you may receive an extra billing for any additional shipping and handling costs. Unfortunately, this system does not calculate beyond flat shipping rates.
Registration closes 11:59pm, September 29, 2024, which is the day before the end of this event. All registrants must complete their virtual run/walk by 11:59pm on the last day of the event.
- To sign up for the CHamoru Roots v5K run/walk event click on the "Sign Up" button on the top right side of this page.
- Create a free RunSignUp account: https://runsignup.com/Login/?redirect=%2FProfile&sso_verified=T
- How to Register for an event on RunSignUp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOnarcyEfsA
- How to submit your virtual results: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4yroZpawEg
Also, please share your journey with us by posting photos of your virtual participation with your medal on this page! And remember to always have lots of fun doing healthy things!
Proceeds
Proceeds of this virtual run/walk go to the sustainment and maintenance of the CHamoru Roots Genealogy Project. The cost for web hosting services went up significantly. Anyways…
Si Yu’os ma’åse! Thank you for your support!
About the Medal…
It was designed with elements of the CHamoru Roots Genealogy Project’s logo.
-Pulan (moon). The design of the moon (which also incorporates the archipelago of the Mariana Islands) was created by Brandon Cruz. The white part of the moon features a Sinåhi or new moon crest. The orange part of the moon is also symbolic of a sling stone. The native word Pulan not only means the moon, but also means to watch over, just at it does shining down upon us.
-The archipelago of Låguås (Marianas Islands). The medal features all the main islands that comprise the Marianas. Our ancestors referred to these native islands as Låguås.
-Stick Family. The stick family is inspired by the ancient pictograph found in Gadao’s Cave, Inarajan, Guam and represents the importance of family, CHamoru genealogy, and in this case running together as a family.
-Indigenous colors. Orange (red), yellow, black and white are generally considered representative of indigenous colors.
The Why…
Why did I decide to do this?
Last year in 2023, I started feeling more tired and felt my body slowing down. At 62 years old then, I didn’t feel healthy and peaked at 181 pounds. I tested my cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure levels. Each reading result indicated that I was on the path to either a stroke or heart attack. This revelation woke me up. I decided to change my diet and start walking with some jogging. My goal was to get my weight down to 148 pounds.
The beginning of this journey was very painful on my foot, legs and body. I could barely walk a quarter mile without my shins hurting. Granted, I do tend to naturally walk a fast pace. As my body began to condition my walking regimen became two walking sessions a day: Monday - Friday while at work. One two-mile walk in the morning and one two-mile walk in the afternoon.
In support of my goal and efforts, last year, my wife and sons bought me a treadmill for Father’s Day. So after work, I also hop on the treadmill. I will be on the treadmill on Saturdays and Sundays as well, and sometimes twice on those days. My walks and jogs turned into running. I am currently at the point of running up to 10 miles in one session on a good day. But for the most part my primary objective is to be on the treadmill for at least 60 minutes a day.
Just this year alone (2024) from January through April, I have logged 730 miles on the treadmill. There are some days where I do not run because of a foot injury. I have to listen to my body and try not to over work it. But I have my met weight goal of 148 pounds and now trying to lose another 10 more pounds.
During my younger years I used to take my wife and sons with me to run at 5K events. So my sons recommended that I start doing that again. As I was researching, that is where I learned of virtual runs and decided to take the challenge and host one. And because I am the Founder and Principal Investigator for the CHamoru Roots Genealogy Project, I felt this would be a great opportunity to serve as a fundraising mechanism to help sustain the costs of the project. And here we are.
Here’s to wishing you good heath and having fun at it!
~ Team Mani-Punz (Bernard, Josphine and family)
Race Contact Info
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