Interactive livestream on Sunday: GMA's 'TATAKBO KA BA?'

Five thousand runners will sweat it out for 92 million Filipinos who are hoping for clean and honest elections as they try to conquer a five- and 10-kilometer course in Sunday’s GMA Network-organized fun run at The Bonifacio Global City.

The event will be aired live on channel 7 starting at 5:30am. GMANews.TV will also be livestreaming the event on its site from 5:30am to 10am, while viewers from around the world can share their thoughts and debate politics through a Facebook chatbox. The interactive livestream drew record numbers of page views when GMANews.TV last used it during the week of Cory Aquino's wake and funeral. A Twitter feed during the event will alert viewers about personality sightings and runners' idiosyncracies. Dubbed “Eleksyon 2010 na, Tatakbo Ka Ba? – Hamon Para sa Kaayusan ng Pilipinas", the one-day fun run – that starts GMA Network’s grand pre-election party – aims to promote the conduct of clean and honest polls in 2010 where the country is set to choose leaders that would direct the country towards change and economic growth in the next six years. The event met the target of 5000 registered runners two weeks after it was announced. The event will also assemble "perceived candidates" for high office. Most of them however will participate only in the ceremonial walk of 100 meters before making a pledge before Comelec chair Jose Melo to work for clean and honest elections and good governance. The 5K run and 10K road race kicks off the day’s activities with incumbent politicians, sector leaders from the academe, media, telecommunications and Kapuso stars among the registered runners in the event, which launches GMA News and Public Affairs’ Eleksyon 2010 coverage. Perceived candidates who already confirmed of joining the event are Vice President Noli De Castro, Sens. Francis Escudero, Mar Roxas, Richard Gordon, Jamby Madrigal and Loren Legarda; Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Bayani Fernando, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca, spiritual leaders Bro. Eddie Villanueva and Bro. Mike Velarde, and Nicky Perlas. The group will then have a ceremonial walk along a path lined with pictures that depict significant points in the Philippines’ struggle for democracy in order to remind them of their solemn vow. GMA Vice President for News Programs Jessica Soho said their oath-taking will be documented and notarized as sworn statements. “This is a unique, ambitious activity imbued with meaning. Even the title can be taken figuratively. Will the Filipinos run for peace, justice, good leadership? Tatakbo Ka Ba para sa Pilipinas (Are you going to run for the Philippines)?" Soho said. GMA Assistant Vice President for Alternative Platforms Leogardia Sanchez-Matias, one of the main organizers, said it's all for a good cause. “The run is also a great equalizer. You can have captains of industries running side by side with the youth, families and common mamamayan all for one cause. Runners are also passionate about their causes," said Sanchez-Matias. Aside from serious and recreational runners, Kapuso stars like Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez, Kuh Ledesma, primetime darlings Richard Gutierrez, Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes, boxing champion Nonito Donaire Jr., balladeer Noel Cabangon and celebrities will also join the cause. Also gracing this first event of its kind are GMA Network Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, GMA Network EVP and Chief Operating Officer Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., Smart/PLDT Chairman Manuel Pangilinan, Smart/PLDT President and CEO Napoleon Nazareno, Catholic Media Network President Fr. Francis Lucas, Youth Vote Philippines Lead Convener Nathalie Jorge, Institute for Political and Electoral Reform Executive Director Mon Casiple, Ateneo School of Government Associate Dean Dennis Gonzales, PhD. Participants can also write their messages about the 2010 elections on ten freedom walls that will be set up around the venue. “Looking back on previous elections, the one coming in 2010 will be more heavily guarded by GMA and its partners. The participation of almost all sectors in this run commences this promise," said GMA News and Public Affairs Senior Vice President Marissa Flores. – GMANews.TV