A glimpse of the first rays of sun in the dewy morning; a sloppy wake-up from an adoring ball of fur; putting on a pair of trainers and gearing up for an invigorating run. Happiness takes on many forms for many people, and some of the things that inspire pure delight—like sunlight, pets and exercise—can be enjoyed at “Run Fur Life” to be held at Bridgetowne Destination Estate in Pasig City this Oct. 1.
Robinsons Land Corporation’s (RLC) property development plays host to Animal Kingdom Foundation’s (AKF) fundraising event for the second year in a row. Established in 2002, AKF is a nonprofit organization that aims to eliminate the dog meat trade and improve animal lives in the country. It started holding Run Fur Life in 2016 to benefit rescued abused and abandoned dogs in their shelter in Capas, Tarlac.
With this year’s Disco theme, thousands of furparents are expected to come with their pets dressed in their fanciest clubwear. The wide open spaces and greenery of the 30.6-hectare Bridgetowne Destination Estate—which connects Quezon City and Pasig City through an iconic 200-meter bridge designed by the late National Artist Franciso “Bobby” Manosa, punctuated by a 60-meter air-punching art installation called “The Victor”—make for a perfectly relaxing and motivating setting for a fun run with furbabies.
During last year’s Run Fur Life, triathlete Dr. Ian Banzon joined around 800 pet owners and their dogs. She herself didn’t have a pet due to her on-the-go lifestyle, but she liked animals (and they seemed to like her, too).
“With events like these, you really get to see how much care, time and attention they give to their pets,” she said of animal lovers and supporters, whose pets have truly become cherished companions and family members. But engaging in fun runs also benefits the humans: pulling them out of doors and away from their devices; letting them connect with others, both animals and people alike; and getting them do something that enhances their health.
“It also helps build communities as it provides a venue to get to know people on a different level,” Banzon adds.
This year, a 5K division is being added to the marathon’s initial 1K and 3K divisions.
RLC has been a staunch ally of animal lovers, having partnered with AKF in various animal welfare activities through the years. In fact, its malls have been outfitted with free pet parks, designed to be pet-friendly with a lenient pet policy while also taking into consideration the comfort of its non-pet-owning patrons. They also take care of community cats through its own spay and neuter or “kapon” program and eventual pet adoption program.
Through its Happy Pets Club (HPC), Robinsons Malls likewise help promote responsible pet ownership by providing a venue for endeavors like pet adoption (The Gift of Furever Home), free spay and neuter (Snip ‘en Snap), free vet consultation (Pet Konsulta) and free vaccination (Pet Bakuna).
Since its establishment in 2015, Robinsons Malls HPC has grown to thousands of registered pets and members nationwide, enabling furparents to enjoy exclusive pet activity invitations, and perks.
In a way, RLC also encourages mental wellness through its continued support of pet ownership. Through developing residential properties with vast recreational areas that enable families to keep and care for pets, Robinsons Land truly is an ally for happiness.
