MANILA, Philippines — When you hear EDSA, many things may come to mind. Some think of the energy-draining traffic. Others picture the overwhelming glow of giant LED billboards lining the highway. Historically, however, EDSA represents something far greater — a revolution, a People Power movement, a gathering of individuals united by a common purpose and a desire for change. Last weekend, during the celebration of the Philippines’ 128th Independence Day, people once again filled the streets, but this time, for a different cause. Some were seeking personal transformation through a healthier lifestyle. Others were challenging long-held perceptions about who gets to use the road. Some were chasing redemption from past failures. For a few hours, EDSA looked different. It felt like a scene from 1986. A sitting president is a Marcos. Thousands took to the streets. There were cheers and chants. Placards were raised. Sweat and tears flowed. Families and friends gathered in support. Flowers were offered. Prayers were whispered. The similarities ended there, but the spirit of collective action remained.

IN one of the country’s premier races, Allan Arbois Jr. and Jewel De Luna stamped their class over the weekend. Arbois and De Luna conquered the historic EDSA and topped the Galaxy Manila Marathon 2026. Traversing the iconic Metro Manila thoroughfare across seven cities, the two showed the way in the 42K race, crossing the finish line first in their respective divisions in the race that lured a total of 25,000 runners at the SM Mall of Asia. Arbois outran his rivals and ended the lap in two hours, 31 minutes, and 16 seconds, ahead of Eduard Flores, who was just 24 ticks behind at 2:31:40 in the men’s side. Edsel Moral clinched third place in 2:34:51, while James Kevin Cruz (2:36:37) and Roy Laudit (2:49:27) completed the top five. De Luna checked in three hours, 22 minutes, and seven seconds, a full seven minutes ahead of her competitors in the women’s division. Jocelyn Elijeran was a distant second at 3:29:29, followed by May Angelie Mag-Aso (3:37:08), Cecille Vael (3:50:51), and Raven Kamyl Sarita (3:58:38). International runners added spice to the race with Kenyan Elias Oloitiptip Taiswa placing first among the men in 2:34:18 and USA’s Eloisa Cusi topping the women in 3:13:03. Runrio donated P1 million through the Philippine Red Cross for the continuing aid to the victims of the earthquake in Mindanao.

ALLAN Arbois Jr. and Jewel De Luna conquered EDSA and emerged victorious in the Galaxy Manila Marathon 2026 on Saturday which drew a total of 25,000 runners. Traversing the iconic Philippine thoroughfare across seven cities, the two stamped their class in the 42K race, crossing the finish line first in their respective divisions in the event which has Samsung as title sponsor, SM Supermalls as co-presenter, ASICS as official sporting goods partner, and SM Mall of Asia Complex as official venue partner. Arbois outpaced his peers and finished the course in two hours, 31 minutes, and 16 seconds, ahead of Eduard Flores who was just 24 seconds behind at 2:31:40 in the men’s side. Edsel Moral secured third place after posting 2:34:51, while James Kevin Cruz (2:36:37) and Roy Laudit (2:49:27) completed the top five.

Allan Arbois Jr. and Jewel de Luna ruled the Manila Marathon held across Metro Manila over the weekend. Arbois needed just two hours, 31 minutes, and 16 seconds to win the men’s 42K race, which traversed EDSA. Eduard Flores, meanwhile, was 24 seconds behind in second place, while Edsel Moral placed third in 2:34:51. De Luna, meanwhile, topped the women’s 42K division in three hours, 22 minutes, and seven seconds. Jocelyn Elijeran finished second in 3:29:29, followed by May Angelie Mag-Aso in 3:37:08. Kenyan Elias Olotiptip Taiswa finished first among the international runners in 2:34:18, while Eloisa Cusi, representing the United States, topped the women’s international division in 3:13:03.

Thousands of runners took over Metro Manila’s major thoroughfares as the Galaxy Manila Marathon drew more than 25,000 participants during the Independence Day weekend. Organizers said the event, held from 12 to 13 June, featured what is believed to be the first marathon route to fully utilize EDSA, with the 42-kilometer race stretching from the SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City to North Avenue in Quezon City and back. The marathon transformed one of the country’s busiest highways into a running course, bringing together elite athletes, fitness enthusiasts and first-time runners in a celebration of endurance, community and national pride. “Running has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the Philippines, bringing together communities across the country,” said Steven Tan, president of SM Supermalls. “With the Manila Marathon, we’re transforming EDSA into the nation’s biggest running stage. This is more than a race. It’s a defining moment for Philippine running,” he added.

INANGKIN nina Arlan Arbois, Jr. at Jewel De Luna ang titulo bilang hari at reyna sa 42-kilometrong distansiya na nabahiran ng kontrobersiya bunga ng diskuwalipikasyon sa karera na dumaan sa unang pagkakataon matapos ang mahabang panahon sa makasaysayang EDSA na Galaxy Manila Marathon 2026 nitong Sabado. Ikinalungkot ng beterano at madalas magwagi na si Maricar Camacho, na unang tumawid sa finish line at dapat sana na siyang tanghaling reyna, ang pagpataw dito ng diskuwalipikasyon dahil sa umano ay pagkuha nito ng tubig mula sa isang nakabisekletang race marshall. “May iba din naman gumawa, pero ako lang ang na-video-han,” sabi ng naluluhang si Camacho. Sa pagtahak sa iconic na kalsada ng Metro Manila sa pitong lungsod, nanguna ang dalawa sa kani-kanilang dibisyon sa karera na nilahukan ng kabuuang 25,000 runners kasama ang Samsung bilang title sponsor, SM Supermalls bilang co-presenter, ASICS bilang official sporting goods partner, at SM Mall of Asia Complex bilang official venue partner. Nagawang kumawala ng national team member na si Arbois sa huling 500 metro para matapos ang karera sa loob ng dalawang oras, 31 minuto, at 16 segundo at agawin ang titulo kay Eduard Flores na pumangalawa matapos na naiwanan ng 24 segundo lamang ang layo sa oras na 2:31:40 sa men’s side. Nakuha ni Edsel Moral ang ikatlong pwesto matapos magtala ng 2:34:51, habang sina James Kevin Cruz (2:36:37) at Roy Laudit (2:49:27) ay nakapasok sa top five. Ipinakita rin ni De Luna ang kanyang galing sa pamamagitan ng pagtala ng tatlong oras, 22 minuto, at pitong segundo, na may pitong minuto na kalamangan sa kanyang mga kakumpitensya sa women’s division.

MANILA — Around 25,000 runners participated in the Galaxy Manila Marathon held in Pasay City from Friday night. The event featured four running distances: 5 kilometers, 10 kilometers, 21 kilometers, and 42 kilometers. For the 42-kilometer category, participants kicked off their run on Friday at 11:30 p.m., marking it as the first-ever marathon route laid out along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue. The marathon route stretched along EDSA, with runners starting in Pasay City, proceeding to EDSA North Avenue, and heading back to the starting point. Two lanes along EDSA were temporarily closed to traffic to accommodate the runners.

ALLAN Arbois Jr. and Jewel De Luna conquered EDSA and emerged victorious in the Galaxy Manila Marathon 2026 on Saturday. Traversing the iconic Metro Manila thoroughfare across seven cities, the two stamped their class in the 42K race, crossing the finish line first in their respective divisions in the race which drew a total of 25,000 runners in this race which has Samsung as title sponsor, SM Supermalls as co-presenter, ASICS as official sporting goods partner, and SM Mall of Asia Complex as official venue partner. Arbois outpaced his peers and finished the course in two hours, 31 minutes, and 16 seconds, ahead of Eduard Flores who was just 24 seconds behind at 2:31:40 in the men’s side. Edsel Moral secured third place after posting 2:34:51, while James Kevin Cruz (2:36:37) and Roy Laudit (2:49:27) completed the top five. De Luna also showed her class by clocking in three hours, 22 minutes, and seven seconds, a full seven minutes ahead of her competitors in the women’s division. Jocelyn Elijeran was a distant second at 3:29:29, followed by May Angelie Mag-Aso (3:37:08), Cecille Vael (3:50:51), and Raven Kamyl Sarita (3:58:38).

MANILA, Philippines — Allan Arbois Jr. and Jewel De Luna conquered EDSA and emerged victorious in the Galaxy Manila Marathon 2026 on Saturday. Traversing the iconic Metro Manila thoroughfare across seven cities, the two stamped their class in the 42K race, crossing the finish line first in their respective divisions in the race that drew a total of 25,000 runners in this race which has Samsung as title sponsor, SM Supermalls as co-presenter, ASICS as official sporting goods partner, and SM Mall of Asia Complex as official venue partner. Arbois outpaced his peers and finished the course in two hours, 31 minutes, and 16 seconds, ahead of Eduard Flores who was just 24 seconds behind at 2:31:40 in the men’s side. Edsel Moral secured third place after posting 2:34:51, while James Kevin Cruz (2:36:37) and Roy Laudit (2:49:27) completed the top five. De Luna also showed her class by clocking in three hours, 22 minutes, and seven seconds, a full seven minutes ahead of her competitors in the women’s division. Jocelyn Elijeran was a distant second at 3:29:29, followed by May Angelie Mag-Aso (3:37:08), Cecille Vael (3:50:51), and Raven Kamyl Sarita (3:58:38). International runners also added spice to the race, with Kenyan Elias Oloitiptip Taiswa placing first among the men in 2:34:18 and USA’s Eloisa Cusi topping the women in 3:13:03.

Showing that they were indeed ready, Ritchie Estampador and Maricar Camacho were the fastest in the SpongeBob Run 2026 as the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati were turned into the wonderful world of Bikini Bottom on Sunday. The two stood out in the 12,000-strong sea of yellow runners, topping the 10K race, with Estampador the fastest among the men with a time of 34 minutes and 18 seconds and Camacho clocking in at 42 minutes and 41 seconds to be the best among the women. Behind Estampador in the men’s division were Edgar Lee (34:51) and Neil Maramba (35:04), while trailing Camacho were Jocelyn Elijeran (44:48) and Elena Camu (48:39). “True to what was promised, it was one of the most fun runs we’ve had and we’re glad to share it not just with our usual fitness enthusiasts but also the longtime SpongeBob fans,” said RUNRIO president Rio de la Cruz who was humbled of the turnout and enjoyed the playful atmosphere of the event inspired by the iconic franchise that also had the support of Paramount and Nickelodeon. Cavin Vidal also topped the men’s 5K race in 16:52, followed by Kristoffer Troy Sison (18:45) and Edwin Garcia (20:50); while Melody Lantad claimed first place for the women in 21:58, with Michelle Manuel (24:49) and Joana Dres (24:53) rounding out the podium. Mark Angelo Biagtan emerged as the fastest in the men’s 3K after clocking 9:51, ahead of Patrick James Axon (11:42) and Ganimir Alvarez (11:48); as Jo Punay crossed the finish line first for the women in 12:03, followed by Paula Vina Tuazon (13:06) and Karla Marie Superiano (13:11) in this race which also had Healthy & Pure Brand as official hydration partner, Sip Plus as official electrolyte partner, Cignal Play as official media partner, Citadines Salcedo Makati as official hotel partner, Dentacare as official dental partner, and Slimmer’s World as official gym partner. Kids also joined in the fun through the 1K category, with Dustine Sicad winning the boys’ division in 3:50, as Francis Jamero (3:52) and Karl Ivan Julius Cameno (4:10) made up the top three, while Xeanna Baarde topped the girls in 4:10, followed by Jonesa Rafol (6:01) and Cindy Labaro (6:37). Beyond the finish line, runners were welcomed by a vibrant race village packed with activities, games, product sampling, and sponsor booths that kept the energy high throughout the morning.

Showing that they were indeed ready, Ritchie Estampador and Maricar Camacho were the fastest in the SpongeBob Run 2026 as the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati was turned into the wonderful world of Bikini Bottom on Sunday. The two stood out in the 12,000-strong sea of yellow runners, topping the 10K race, with Estampador the fastest among the men with a time of 34 minutes and 18 seconds and Camacho clocking in at 42 minutes and 41 seconds to be the best among the women. Behind Estampador in the men’s division were Edgar Lee (34:51) and Neil Maramba (35:04), while trailing Camacho were Jocelyn Elijeran (44:48) and Elena Camu (48:39). “True to what was promised, it was one of the most fun runs we’ve had and we’re glad to share it not just with our usual fitness enthusiasts but also the longtime SpongeBob fans,” said RUNRIO president Rio de la Cruz, who was humbled of the turnout and enjoyed the playful atmosphere of the event inspired by the iconic franchise that also had the support of Paramount and Nickelodeon.

MANILA — Showing that they were indeed ready, Ritchie Estampador and Maricar Camacho were the fastest in the SpongeBob Run 2026 as the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati was turned into the wonderful world of Bikini Bottom on Sunday. The two stood out in the 12,000-strong sea of yellow runners, topping the 10K race, with Estampador the fastest among the men with a time of 34 minutes and 18 seconds and Camacho clocking in at 42 minutes and 41 seconds to be the best among the women. Behind Estampador in the men’s division were Edgar Lee (34:51) and Neil Maramba (35:04), while trailing Camacho were Jocelyn Elijeran (44:48) and Elena Camu (48:39). “True to what was promised, it was one of the most fun runs we’ve had and we’re glad to share it not just with our usual fitness enthusiasts but also the longtime SpongeBob fans,” said RUNRIO president Rio de la Cruz who was humbled of the turnout and enjoyed the playful atmosphere of the event inspired by the iconic franchise that also had the support of Paramount and Nickelodeon. Cavin Vidal also topped the men’s 5K race in 16:52, followed by Kristoffer Troy Sison (18:45) and Edwin Garcia (20:50); while Melody Lantad claimed first place for the women in 21:58, with Michelle Manuel (24:49) and Joana Dres (24:53) rounding out the podium.

MANILA, Philippines — Ritchie Estampador and Maricar Camacho were the fastest in the SpongeBob Run 2026 as the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati was turned into the wonderful world of Bikini Bottom on Sunday. The two stood out in the 12,000-strong sea of yellow runners, topping the 10K race, with Estampador the fastest among the men with a time of 34 minutes and 18 seconds and Camacho clocking in at 42 minutes and 41 seconds to be the best among the women. Behind Estampador in the men’s division were Edgar Lee (34:51) and Neil Maramba (35:04), while trailing Camacho were Jocelyn Elijeran (44:48) and Elena Camu (48:39).

Thousands of runners turned out in force for the Sante Barley Trilogy Run Asia 2026 Manila Leg 2, sustaining the series’ strong momentum as Dickiyas Mendioro and Jessa Mae Roda dominated the 21K division on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Complex. Mendioro led the men’s 21K race, clocking 1:12:17 to narrowly defeat Ritchie Estampador, who finished in 1:13:48, while Edsel Moral placed third in 1:15:33. Roda paced the women’s field with a winning time of 1:24:04, comfortably ahead of Maricar Camacho (1:30:15) and Eloi Cusi (1:33:41). “We’re happy to sustain the momentum we got from the first leg, and it only sets us up for a more vibrant Leg 3,” said RUNRIO president Rio de la Cruz. In the 10K race, Vincent Arvin Avestruz topped the men’s division in 32:35, followed by Noli Torre (34:26) and Welfred Esporma (36:00). Edna Magtubo ruled the women’s side in 40:43, beating Nicole Diloy (44:56) and Melody Lantad (45:09).

MANILA, Philippines — PUMA Philippines and RUNRIO Inc. officially launched the PUMA Philippine Half Marathon Series 2026 at Bridgetowne, The Victor in Pasig City, signaling the return of one of the country’s premier nationwide running events. Now entering its second year, the series continues its mission of uniting runners across the Philippines through six race destinations spanning Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The nationwide circuit will once again feature races in Manila, Davao, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo and Clark. “We’re delighted to get this series off and running and we’re excited to see the number of runners who are embracing this running revolution,” said RUNRIO general manager Andrew Neri. The Puma Philippine Half Marathon Series is a new nationwide initiative featuring marquee races across key cities in the Philippines, with marathons set in Iloilo, Davao, Cebu, Clark, Cagayan de Oro, and Manila. All races will have 21K, 10K, and 5K categories in every city with runners who can complete all six races having the opportunity to earn the coveted All-City Finisher Medal.

Dickiyas Mendioro and Jessa Mae Roda outran the pack and ruled the 21K division of the Sante Barley Trilogy Run Asia 2026 Manila Leg 2 on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Complex. Mendioro was the fastest among the men as he crossed the finish line in one hour, 12 minutes and 17 seconds narrowly ahead of Ritchie Estampador (1:13:48) and Edsel Moral (1:15:33).

MANILA — Dickiyas Mendioro and Jessa Mae Roda outran the pack and ruled the 21K division of the Sante Barley Trilogy Run Asia 2026 Manila Leg 2 on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Complex. Mendioro was the fastest among the men as he crossed the finish line in 1:12:17, narrowly ahead of Ritchie Estampador (1:13:48) and Edsel Moral (1:15:33). Roda, meanwhile, was the pacesettter among the women as she clocked in at 1:24:04, in front of Maricar Camacho (1:30:15) and Eloi Cusi (1:33:41).

MANILA, Philippines — Dickiyas Mendioro and Jessa Mae Roda outran the pack and ruled the 21K division of the Sante Barley Trilogy Run Asia 2026 Manila Leg 2 on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Complex. Mendioro was the fastest among the men as he crossed the finish line in 1:12:17, narrowly ahead of Ritchie Estampador (1:13:48) and Edsel Moral (1:15:33).

Expect a bigger turnout for RUNRIO Pride Run 2026 co-presented by SM Supermalls and Mogu Mogu. Building on the momentum of the past two years, the country’s biggest and most colorful celebration of inclusivity and self-expression is expanding to two more cities, with the Manila leg at SM Mall of Asia Complex set on 21 June.

MANILA, Philippines — Expect a bigger turnout for RUNRIO Pride Run 2026. Building on the momentum of the past two years, the country’s biggest and most colorful celebration of inclusivity and self-expression is expanding to two more cities, with the Manila leg — co-presented by SM Supermalls and Mogu Mogu — at SM Mall of Asia Complex set on June 21.