A race for a cause will be staged in one of the country's top tourist destinations – Camarines Sur – on September 26 with at least 20,000 runners from around world expected to join.

Dubbed as the Summit-CamSur Marathon 2010, the tournament hopes to generate funds to benefit three organizations – Gawad Kalinga, a nation-building organization which helps build houses for poor families, the Organ Donor Card awareness drive and the KIDS Foundation, a group which aims to uplift the standards of living of the youth.

With a theme “Race to Rebuild the Nation,” the race is tipped to be the biggest in Southeast Asia with elite runners expected to see action in the event that offers $50,000 (P2.3 million) to the top placers.

“This race is organized to inspire people that through sports, poor families can rise,” Camarines Sur Gov. Luis Raymund "LRay" Villafuerte said during Thursday's press launching of the event at the Dusit Hotel in Makati.

Popular runner Rio dela Cruz has been designated as race director of the event which will feature five events, 3K, 5K, 10K, 21K, and 42K.

CamSur, known for its world-class wakeboarding facilities, had been proclaimed by the Department of Tourism as the country's top tourist destination in 2009 after hosting several sporting events that include Ironman 70.3, World Wakeboarding Championships, Asian Wakeboard Championships and Dragon Boat Festival.

"Let us join this event and help this cause," said Villafuerte, whose turf has benefited largely from the income generated by the sporting events.