Broadcast journalist Daniel Razon is expected to join thousands of runners in a marathon-for-a-cause that hopes to break the current world record with the most number of participants in the history.

“We’ll see each other on 31st of January at the Mall of Asia. I hope everyone to support this event for the free college education,” Razon told the members of the press who attended a recent conference to announce the event.

Organizers said that more than 25,000 registered as of press time in its Kahit Isang Araw Lang Takbo Para sa Libreng Kolehiyo, already the highest number of Filipinos who expressed to run in this event.

The target is to hit 50,000 participants to beat the record held currently by New York. Few days before the event, more are still requesting to be counted and organizers hope to provide exact figures when all forms submitted from other parts of the country are tallied or after the event.

“If God will help us, it can be done,” Razon said, adding that “We have done few firsts. First gold record in one day, first platinum record. Hopefully, we can do it again, with God’s help.”

Inspired by Razon’s advocacy for change called Isang Araw Lang (Just One Day), the organizers led by Sports 37 Productions aimed to raise funds through this event to support the free college education program launched by the broadcast journalist through his public service projects.

For its part, the event will particularly support scholars of the soon-to-launch first free college institution in the Philippines registered as the La Verdad Christian College. In this college, scholars will enjoy free books, meals and uniform expenses on top of the zero tuition fees.

La Verdad will offer two courses on its initial opening: Mass Communication and Nursing.

To be held on January 31 at the Mall of Asia, considered one of the largest malls in the Philippines and Asia today, organizers said there will be cash prizes for those who will be declared the fastest in the following categories: 21-km, 10-km, 5-km challenge run, 3-km discovery run, 1-km family run, and the 300-meter kiddie run.

Organizers assured that everyone will be safe running because there will be ground marshals, security officers and stand-by mobile clinic to aid the safety and security of participants. On its website, Sports37 Productions said co-presenters of this event include Breakthrough and Milestones Productions International, Sports Basic, and UNTV.

Written by Chris Anne Gonzales