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.

An additional 16K race category and the recognition of the fastest runners from the non-binary division will be introduced in the upcoming Pride Run, set for June 21 at the Mall of Asia Complex. The Pride Run is a fun run that celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community which coincides with Pride Month. “As the very first major Pride running event in the Philippines, the RUNRIO Pride Run, at this point, is already an institution,” said RUNRIO president Rio de la Cruz. “It is an avenue for runners—regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, or skill level—to gather in one place for a morning of infectious fun, electrifying energy, and most importantly, community.”

RUNRIO Inc. is breaking gender norms further by launching a non-binary division for its LGBTQ-themed Pride Run 2026. Rio dela Cruz, founder and CEO of RUNRIO Inc., said in the event’s kickoff in Pasay City that the new division is a aimed as a next step towards inclusion in the Philippine running scene.

Roy Laudit and Jessa Mae Roda turned out to have the strongest forces in the first-ever Star Wars Night Run Philippines early Sunday morning at SM Mall of Asia Complex. Laudit was triumphant in the men’s 10K as he clocked 32 minutes and 48 seconds, narrowly edging Ritchie Estampador (33:00) and Vincent Avestruz (33:05) to rule the 15,000-strong empire.

The force was strong with Roy Laudit and Jessa Mae Roda as they ruled the 10K races of the Star Wars Night Run held Saturday night at the Mall of Asia Complex. Laudit clocked 32:48 to win the men’s 10K, finishing ahead of Ritchie Estampador (33:00) and Vincent Avestruz (33:05) in a field that drew around 15,000 runners. Roda, meanwhile, topped the women’s division with a time of 38:54. Maricar Camacho (40:50) and Decerie Encomio (42:33) completed the podium. In the 5K race, Noli Torre led the men’s field with a time of 15:43, followed by Cymon Richard De Jesus (15:55) and James Kevin Cruz (16:25).

NOSTALGIA and the quest for running glory were the stories early Sunday morning during the staging of the maiden Star Wars Night Run Philippines at the SM Mall of Asia Complex. Roy Laudit and Jessa Mae Roda proved to be the strongest forces after shining the brightest in the 10K races. Laudit topped the men’s side in 32:48, barely beating Ritchie Estampador (33:00) and Vincent Avestruz (33:05) to rule the 15,000-strong empire. Roda clocked 38:54 in the women’s division, followed by Maricar Camacho (40:50) and Decerie Encomio (42:33). The event transformed the SM MOA Complex into a galaxy-themed running celebration as participants donned Star Wars-inspired outfits armed with their own lightsabers. In the 5K race, Noli Torre showed the way in the men’s division with a time of 15:43, ahead of Cymon Richard De Jesus (15:55) and James Kevin Cruz (16:26), as Mary Jane Pagayon ruled the women’s category with 18:50, ahead of Meljoy Gonzales (19:49) and Jo Punay (21:31). Jevie Rebutazo won the men’s 3K category in 9:38, followed by Mark Anthony Oximar (9:53) and Mark Angelo Biagtan (10:04), while Kaye Kayralyn Villanueva led the women with 12:15, followed by Rona Rhyn Lozada (13:35) and Felicity Danao (13:40).

MANILA, Philippines — May the Force be with the runners as Lucasfilm, The Walt Disney Company, and premier race organizer RUNRIO team up for the Star Wars Night Run Philippines this Saturday. The nighttime spectacle will transform the grounds of the official venue partner SM Mall of Asia Complex into an immersive running universe where fans and fitness enthusiasts alike can celebrate one of the world’s most iconic franchises while staying active.

MANILA — More than 15,000 runners are expected to join the Star Wars Night Run Philippines on Saturday, as Lucasfilm, The Walt Disney Company and race organizer RUNRIO stage a themed nighttime event at the SM Mall of Asia Complex. The run will feature 10-kilometer, 5-kilometer and 3-kilometer categories, combining fitness with elements from the popular “Star Wars” franchise. Organizers said the event aims to bring together fans and runners in a shared experience.

MANILA, Philippines — Ritchie Estampador got the better of James Kevin Cruz in a razor-thin finish in the Manilaleg of the Earth Day Run 2026 Sunday at SM Mall of Asia Complex. Estampador and Cruz both finished the men’s 21K in one hour, 12 minutes, and 12 seconds, but the former got the win by a hair — 0.73 seconds, to be exact — in a pulsating end in this run which also had TECNO Camon 50 Series as title sponsor.

MANILA — Ritchie Estampador got the better of James Kevin Cruz in a razor-thin finish in the Manila leg of the Earth Day Run 2026 Sunday at SM Mall of Asia Complex. Estampador and Cruz both finished the men’s 21K in one hour, 12 minutes, and 12 seconds, but the former got the win by a hair — 0.73 seconds, to be exact — in a pulsating end in this run which also had TECNO Camon 50 Series as title sponsor. Joel Orogan settled for third in 01:14:00 to complete the podium in the men’s side.

The Earth Day Run 2026 Manila, held recently at the SM Mall of Asia Complex, turned into a memorable celebration of fitness and purpose, drawing 15,000 participants as premier race organizer RUNRIO donated P500,000 on behalf of the runners to the Philippine Tzu Chi Foundation. Beyond the numbers, the Manila leg delivered thrilling competition highlighted by a dramatic finish in the men’s 21K race, where Ritchie Estampador edged James Kevin Cruz by just 0.73 seconds. Both clocked 1:12:12, but Estampador surged ahead at the line in a gripping sprint finish.

MANILA, Philippines — Gilbert Muge and Christine Hallasgo stood out from the pack in the Manila leg of the inaugural REV Tri-City Half Marathon Time Trial Race on Sunday at Quirino Grandstand. Muge clocked in at 1:08:26, besting local marathoners en route to the victory. In close pursuit in the men’s 21K are Sonny Wagdos (1:08:59) and Ricky Organiza (1:09:08) as Arlan Arbois (1:10:46) and Roy Laudit (1:13:43) completed the top five. Hallasgo, meanwhile, led the way in the women’s 21K with a dominant performance, finishing in 1:21:04. She was followed by Jessa Mae Roda (1:22:55) and Nicole Diloy (1:30:38) in the podium, while Mary Jane Pagayon (1:32:15), and Jewel De Luna (1:32:26) rounded out the top five.

Sparkle artist David Licauco placed in the top 10 of the 10K race in the 10 Miler Series Pasay Leg on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Complex. Licauco, who stars in ‘Never Say Die,’ clocked a chip time of 42:41 to finish ninth overall in the said field. Noli Torre topped the men’s division of the 10K with a time of 32:51, while Joida Gagano led the women’s field in 39:00. In the 16K race, Kenyan Evans Bomer clocked 51:56 to win the men’s division, while Edna Magtubo paced the women with a time of 59:38.

Is there anything actor David Licauco can’t do? Just last Sunday, he achieved an impressive feat and finished first in his age category during the Pasay leg of the 10 Miler Series. Multi-talented actor David Licauco achieved an impressive feat last Sunday, March 29, when he participated in a fun run in Pasay. He competed in the 10K event, finishing ninth overall with a total time of 42:41. But he actually finished first in the 30-34 male category. “Finished fresh!” Licauco posted on social media. Licauco managed the feat during the Rexona 10 Miler Pasay leg by running at an official pace of 4:16/km, according to Race Roster. But that shouldn’t be too surprising. The actor is already an experienced athlete, having played basketball for the De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde.

MANILA — Evans Bomer and Edna Magtubo stamped their class in the Pasay leg of the Rexona 10 Miler Series 2026, leading a strong field of runners in one of the most anticipated stops of the nationwide series on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Complex. The Kenyan Bomer ruled the men’s division with an impressive finish in 51:56, holding off Ricky Organiza (52:56) and Justwin Guerrero (56:51) in this race organized by RUNRIO. On the women’s side, Magtubo delivered a dominant performance to capture the title in 59:38, to be followed by Pamela Bundotich (01:02:28) and Maricar Camacho (01:07:23). Noli Torre also led the 10K men’s division in 32:51, ahead of Ritchie Estampador (33:09) and Reynie Abel (35:53), as Jorida Sagana topped the women’s 10K race in 39:01, followed by Nicole Diloy (41:33) and Marjorie Denise Manguiat (45:27). Celebrity David Licauco also joined in the 10K run. In the 5K race, Alfrence Braza clocked 16:06 to win the men’s division, narrowly edging Dhem AJ Monton (16:16), while Arnold Villarube (17:04) finished third. Asia Paraase dominated the women’s side with a time of 19:10, just ahead of Meljoy Gonzales (19:20) and Mary Jane Pagayon (19:43). The Pasay leg drew a vibrant mix of elite athletes and recreational runners. With its multi-distance format and growing participation, the event continues to promote active lifestyles while building a competitive platform for Filipino runners across the country. Up next will be Davao City on April 19 at Azuela Cove, followed by Cagayan de Oro City (May 10, Centrio Mall), Manila City (June 28, Quirino Grandstand), Quezon City (August 16, UP Diliman), Makati City (September 13, Ayala Triangle Gardens), and Iloilo City (November 29, Atria Park District).

WHILE Kenyan runner Evans Bomer ruled the men’s division, Pinay ace Edna Magtubo showed the way in the women’s side in the Pasay leg of the Rexona 10 Miler Series over the weekend at the SM Mall of Asia Grounds. Bomer clocked 51:56 to frustrate Ricky Organiza (52:56) and Justwin Guerrero (56:51) in the race that had Rexona as title partner. Magtubo delivered a dominant performance to bag the title in 59:38, followed by Pamela Bundotich (01:02:28) and Maricar Camacho (01:07:23). Noli Torre also led the 10K men’s division in 32:51, ahead of Ritchie Estampador (33:09) and Reynie Abel (35:53) while Jorida Sagana topped the women’s 10K race in 39:01, followed by Nicole Diloy (41:33) and Marjorie Denise Manguiat (45:27). Celebrity David Licauco also joined the 10K run. In the 5K race, Alfrence Braza clocked 16:06 to capture the men’s division title, holding off Dhem AJ Monton (16:16) with Arnold Villarube (17:04) finishing third. Asia Paraase dominated the women’s side with a time of 19:10, just ahead of Meljoy Gonzales (19:20) and Mary Jane Pagayon (19:43) in this event that also had HydroAid as official electrolyte partner, Lanson Place and Citadines City Bay as hotel partners, in partnership with KService and is supported by Clyde, Gardenia, and Slimmers World. The Pasay stop lured a vibrant mix of elite athletes and recreational runners, reinforcing the Rexona 10 Miler Series as a key fixture in the local running calendar.

TINUNGTUNGAN ni Edna Magtubo ang puntiryang maging miyembro ng pambansang koponan sa hinaharap nang pamayagpagan ang Rexona 10-Miler Run nitong Linggo ng umaga sa SM Mall of Asia grounds. Tinuhog ng 22-anyos mula Iloilo City sa huling 5 kilometro ang African na si Pamela Bundotich upang ihanda ang sarili sa pambansang delegasyon na sasabak sa Asian Games bago matapos ang taon sa Aichi-Nagoya. “Training ko na rin po para sa gaganaping National Open ng PATAFA (Philippine Athletics Track and Field Assn) sa Capas (Tarlac),” pahayag ng kasalukuyang UAAP Women’s Athletics MVP. Itinala ni Magtubo ang 59:38 clocking upang biguin sina Bundotich (1:02:28) at pumangatlong Maricar Camacho (1:07:23). Orihinal na laro ni Magtubo ang steeplechase bago lumipat ng disiplina. Nagwagi siya dalawang ginto at isang pilak para pangunahan ang Far Eastern University sa UAAP sa league-best 26th title noong nisang taon taon. Hari sa 16km men si Kenyan Evans Bomer (51:56), kasunod sina Ricky Organiza (52:56) at Justwin Guerro (56:51). Top 3 winner sa 5 km men sina Alfrence Braz (16:06), Dhem Aj Monton (16:16) at Arnold Villarube (17:04) habang sa women sina Asia Paraase (19:10), Meljoy Gonzales (19:20) at Mary Jane Pagayon (19:43). 1-2-3 sa 10km sina Noli Torre (32:51), Ritchie Estampador (33:09) at Reyniel Abel (35:53) sa men’s. Sina Joida Gagnao (39:01), Nicole Diloy (41:33) at Marjorie Denise Manguiat (45:27) sa sa distaff side. Nagdagdag saya naman sa takbuhan ang malalaking raffle prizes at ang paglahok ng actor na si David Licauco sa pagbabalik sa pangalawang sunod na taon ng takbuhan na may yugto rin sa Visayas at Mindanao. (Lito Oredo)

EDSA will take center stage in the Galaxy Manila Marathon 2026, as the country’s main highway becomes the race route for one of the biggest running events in the Philippines. Organized by RUNRIO in partnership with SM Supermalls, the marathon is set on June 12 and 13, with runners passing through EDSA from SM Mall of Asia to SM North EDSA. “This year’s race is special as it coincides with Independence Day and will be held along EDSA,” said RUNRIO president and CEO Rio de la Cruz. The event is part of a collaboration among private groups and government agencies aimed at boosting sports tourism and attracting both local and international runners. By turning EDSA into a race course, organizers hope to offer a unique urban marathon experience while showcasing Metro Manila as a venue for world-class sporting events. “This is more than just a race—it’s a chance to showcase the Philippines through sports,” de la Cruz added.

EDSA as a running place? That will be a reality when the major circumferential road around Metro Manila takes center stage for the Galaxy Manila Marathon in what many expect to be a defining moment for Philippine road racing and sports tourism. Runrio, in partnership with SM Supermalls, has unveiled a grand plan for the event set for June 12 and 13, which will see the runners traversing major thoroughfare from the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay to SM North EDSA in Quezon City. “This year’s Galaxy Manila Marathon brings us a great source of pride given that this race won’t just coincide with Independence Day but also happens in EDSA,” Runrio president and CEO Rio de la Cruz said. “This is more than just a race — it’s an opportunity to showcase the Philippines to the world through sports. “We want to bring in runners from across the globe and let them experience our roads, our culture, and our communities,” he added. Beyond Manila, the partnership includes a series of races across key regional destinations, reinforcing the country’s sports tourism drive. These include the Singlife Iloilo Marathon (April 12), Singlife Cebu International Marathon (July 12), Singlife Davao Marathon (Aug. 15), Singlife One Clark International Marathon (Sept. 20), and Singlife Cagayan de Oro Marathon (Dec. 13).

Philippine running reaches a defining moment this year with the historic EDSA Run, a landmark race that places one of the country’s most iconic roads at the center of the nation’s growing marathon movement. The EDSA Run headlines a major partnership between SM Supermalls and Runrio Inc. that positions SM as the primary venue partner and supporter of Runrio’s 2026 race calendar. Through the collaboration, SM Supermalls co-presents seven of the eight races under the Philippine Marathon Majors and supports Runrio events across the country. The partnership firmly establishes SM Supermalls as the preferred destination for running in the Philippines. From race villages to race expos and major marathon routes, SM malls will serve as the gathering point for runners, communities, and spectators throughout the season. The nationwide series is projected to attract more than 400,000 runners and visitors, driving large scale participation and bringing marathon culture to major cities across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.