DAVAO CITY — A total of 5,500 runners answered the starting gun during the 1st Mayor Rodrigo Duterte Run last Sunday at the Davao City Coastal Road here.

Jimmy Gomez of the organizing On Any Given Sunday Riders Club Davao said the event isn’t just a mere spectacle but a display of love and solidarity for former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Duterte, the elected mayor of Davao City, was detained at The Hague in the Netherlands in March due to crime against humanity charges filed before the International Criminal Court. The confirmation of charges is scheduled on 23 September.

“These runners did not just run for fitness but for love and unity for Tatay Digong (Duterte),” Gomez said.

Councilor Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II expressed his gratitude to the organizers and participants of the successful event.

“From all of us would like to thank you for your support in the first Mayor Rodrigo Duterte Run,” said Rigo, the grandson of the former Chief Executive and the acting vice mayor of Davao City.

“Thank you so much for your love and trust.”

Rigo further added that the run is more than just a race, but a symbol of unity and love for Davao.

“With how you respond in joining the run, it is how you show the love for Tatay Digong, let us continue our call to bring him home.”