HERMOSA, Bataan: About 4,000 runners participated in the initial leg in this town of the provincial fun run known as Hataw Takbo Bataan early morning of Sunday aimed at convincing Bataeños to engage in a healthy lifestyle.

“Ito ang unang edisyon ng Hataw Takbo Bataan kung saan kada bayan ay magho-host ng fun run para nang sa gayon ang ating mga kababayan ay may paraan upang regular na makapag-exercise sa ating bayan (This is the first edition of Hataw Takbo Bataan where a town hosts a fun run so that people can exercise),” Gov. Jose Enrique Garcia 3rd explained.

The governor said he was happy that more than 4,000 joined the first activity in Hermosa with Bagac town as the next venue.

The activity will make the rounds of 11 towns and a city in Bataan.

“Inaasahan ko na mas marami pang sasali dahil nakita naman na masaya ang lahat lalo na’t bumabangon tayo sa pandemya at kinakailangan talagang mapalakas ang ating katawan at isang paraan ay sa pamamagitan ng ating pagexercise, physical activity para tayo ay maging malusog (I hope that many more will join the fun runs, especially now that we are trying to recover from the pandemic and we need to be strong and healthy by engaging in physical activities)” Garcia said.

Hermosa Mayor Antonio Joseph “Jopet” Inton thanked the governor for holding the first leg of the fun run in his town, as well as the participants.

He asked motorists for patience and understanding for the temporary closure from 4 a.m. to 12 noon of a portion of MacArthur Highway from Barangay Mabuco to Barangay Culis.

Travelers were advised to use the Roman Highway.

Participants had the choice of the 3K (three kilometers), 5K and 10K distances plus the chance to join the zumba contest and win various prizes.

Joining the fun run were provincial, congressional and Hermosa municipal officials.