9 January 2014 – The Philippine Embassy in Madrid reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that a fund-raising run for victims of typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) was successfully held on January 05 in the Spanish capital. The event was organized by the Municipal Board of Fuencarral-El Pardo, in collaboration with the Solventia Foundation.

The five-kilometer and 10-kilometer runs, bearing the theme “Run for the Philippines,” collectively brought together approximately 1,500  professional runners and running enthusiasts alike. Noted participants included Chema Martinez, the long-distance runner who represented Spain at the Olympics on two occasions; Carlos Abella, cyclist; and Enrique Alvarez, runner.


The awarding ceremony was presided by Philippine Ambassador to Spain Carlos C. Salinas, Fuencarral Counselor Jose Antonio Gonzalez, Solventia Foundation President Conrado Truan and Director of La Vaguada Commercial Center Sebastian Herrero.


Mr. Martinez won first place in the men’s 10-km division with a record time of 32:13 minutes, followed by Mr. Abella  at 34:35 minutes and Mr. Alvarez at 35:18 minutes.

Ms. Raquel Juanes won in the women’s 10-km division with a winning time of 44:28, followed by Belén García Gutiérrez, and Vanessa Gutierrez.

The proceeds of the run will be donated by the Solventia Foundation to the Aboitiz Foundation for building classrooms in areas affected by typhoon Haiyan in Cebu.

The Solventia Foundation is a non-profit private organization whose mission is to create and develop better and equal opportunities in society for the children and the youth. END