Registration still open for 5th edition of MASIS 5K in Añasco.

The fifth edition of the MASIS 5K “Run or Walk” in Añasco will be held on Sunday, April 12.

By THE STAR STAFF

With the return of the MASIS 5K “Run or Walk” (Corre o Camina) to Añasco on Sunday, April 12, the registration period for the fifth edition of the race has now entered its final stage. Registration will remain open until one hour before the start of the long-distance running event, which has attracted up to 500 participants -- including both runners and walkers -- in previous editions.

The race, organized by the private MASIS school in Añasco, aims to promote physical activity within a family-friendly and educational environment, encourage healthy eating habits and raise funds for the school. The event will start at 4 p.m. from the service road alongside Route PR-2, at kilometer marker 143.6, directly in front of the MASIS school.

Cash prizes of $275, $200 and $150 will be awarded to the top three finishers in the “Overall” category, for both men and women. Prizes of $40, $30 and $20 will also be awarded to the first three students to finish within their respective age categories. Additionally, medals and T-shirts will be given to the first 500 people to cross the finish line; participants are eligible for only one prize (no double awards).

In addition, a children’s race will be held along the service road of Route PR-2, with the finish line located at the school. The categories for the kids’ race, which has a $10 registration fee, are: ages 6-7 (50 meters), ages 8-9 (200 meters), ages 10-11 (400 meters) and ages 12-13 (800 meters).

In the most recent fourth edition of the 5K, Luis Ortiz of Villalba successfully defended his title, setting a new record of 15 minutes and 16 seconds. Laydy Curasi Quispe of Peru won the women’s category with a time of 18:29, improving upon Lares native Yahaira Ayala’s record from the previous year by well over a half-minute.

The funds raised through the 5K event are intended to help cover the construction costs of the sports facilities at the school campus. Those interested can register via the Official Result platform at https://my.raceresult.com/374274/.