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.

The Manila Marathon will utilize EDSA as its race course when it holds its event on June 12 to 13. Runrio, the event organizer, announced the development on Saturday, saying the race aims to showcase Philippine culture through sports by using Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare as its centerpiece. “This year’s Galaxy Manila Marathon brings us a great source of pride given that this race won’t just coincide with the Independence Day but also happens in EDSA,” said RUNRIO president and CEO Rio de la Cruz in a release. “This is more than just a race—it’s an opportunity to showcase the Philippines to the world through sports,” said de la Cruz. “We want to bring in runners from across the globe and let them experience our roads, our culture, and our communities.”

MANILA, Philippines — Filipina standout Edna Magtubo needed less than an hour to defend home turf as she ruled the opening leg of the Santé Barley Trilogy Run Asia 2026 on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Grounds. The Iloilo native clocked 58 minutes and four seconds to capture the title in the women’s division of the 16-kilometer race, edging Pamela Bundotich of Africa in a tight finish. Bundotich and her compatriot Jackline Musyawa Nzivo settled for silver and bronze with 58:56 and 1:01:15, respectively. The 22-year-old runner is no stranger to winning as she is the reigning UAAP Women’s Athletics MVP after collecting two golds and silver while leading the Far Eastern University to its league-best 26th title last year.

MANILA, Philippines — Kenya’s Gilbert Muge and Filipino standout Edna Magtubo emerged as the top performers in the opening leg of the Sante Barley Trilogy Run Asia 2026, dominating the 16-kilometer race at the Manila Leg 1 staging of the multi-distance running series on Sunday at SM Mall of Asia Grounds. Muge showcased his endurance and speed to rule the men’s 16K division, clocking a winning time of 50:09 to headline the first leg of the event organized by Runrio in partnership with health and wellness brand Santé Barley. Eduard Flores finished second in 50:50, while Ricky Organiza placed third in 50:57 to complete the men’s podium.

hree months after faltering at the Southeast Asian Games, 22-year-old runner Edna Magtubo lunged a step toward redemption. The national team trackster claimed a rare feat after reigning supreme in the grueling 16-kilometer women’s event of the Trilogy Run Asia Leg 1 in Pasay. And she did it at the expense of tougher, more experienced African foes. Magtubo clocked in 58 minutes and four seconds, 48 seconds faster than silver medalist Pamela Bundotich of Kenya.

Kenya’s Gilbert Muge and Filipino standout Edna Magtubo emerged as the top performers in the opening leg of the Sante Barley Trilogy Run Asia 2026, dominating the 16-kilometer race at the Manila Leg 1 staging of the multi-distance running series on Sunday at SM Mall of Asia Grounds. Muge showcased his endurance and speed to rule the men’s 16K division, clocking a winning time of 50:09 to headline the first leg of the event organized by Runrio in partnership with health and wellness brand Santé Barley.

Running coach and Runrio founder Rio Dela Cruz said running communities in the Philippines are also expanding outside the capital region. ADVERTISEMENT Speaking during a press conference for the 10 Miler Series last Thursday, Dela Cruz said the country’s running culture has continued to grow in recent years. “Running communities are growing not only in Metro Manila but also in other cities. When you go to places like Iloilo City and Cagayan de Oro, you can really see how strong the running culture has become,” Dela Cruz said. Read more: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/othersports/979321/running-communities-growing-outside-ncr-says-runrio-founder/story/ More stories: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/ Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/gmanews/

MANILA — The Rexona 10 Miler Series is heading to cities outside Metro Manila this year. The deo brand’s multi-city race, after a successful staging of last year’s Metro Manila 10 Miler Series, which featured six NCR cities — Manila, Pasay, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Makati, and Quezon City — will be heading to Davao City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Iloilo City for 2026. Asked why they decided to go to Visayas and Mindanao, RUNRIO founder Rio de la Cruz said it is to sustain the running communities throughout the country, acknowledging the sport’s growth. “Naggo-grow ‘yung running [communities] natin, not only in Metro Manila, but also in other cities. If you go to Iloilo, to CDO, the communities are really growing,” said de la Cruz during the media launch of the running event.

More runners across the country can now take part in the Rexona 10 Miler Series as it expands its reach beyond Metro Manila this year. The deodorant brand and organizer RUNRIO unveiled the seven-leg calendar for this year’s series, bringing the action to the provinces. “Running communities are growing not only in Metro Manila but also in other cities. When you go to places like Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro, you can really see how strong the running culture has become,” said de la Cruz during the media launch on Thursday at the Unilever headquarters in Bonifacio Global City. Davao City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Iloilo have been included in this year’s calendar, with Metro Manila legs set to be staged in Pasay City, City of Manila, Quezon City, and Makati City.

MANILA, Philippines — More runners across the country can now take part in the Rexona 10 Miler Series as it expands its reach beyond Metro Manila this year. The deodorant brand and organizer RUNRIO unveiled the seven-leg calendar for this year’s series, bringing the action to the provinces. “Running communities are growing not only in Metro Manila but also in other cities. When you go to places like Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro, you can really see how strong the running culture has become,” said RUNRIO founder Rio de la Cruz during the media launch on Thursday at the Unilever headquarters in Bonifacio Global City. Davao City, Cagayan de Oro City and Iloilo have been included in this year’s calendar, with Metro Manila legs set to be staged in Pasay City, City of Manila, Quezon City and Makati City.

The Pasay leg serves as the official start of the 2026 National MILO Marathon race calendar, celebrating 50 years of the Philippines’ iconic grassroots running series aimed to develop discipline, teamwork, and grit to ignite every Filipino runner. Roy Laudit ruled the 21K race with a time of 1:09:34, followed by Dickyias Mendioro (1:09:51), and James Darrel Orduña (1:11:10). For the women’s half-marathon, perennial podium finisher Maricar Camacho stood on top with a time of 1:27:39. She was followed by Arlyn Joyce Akangan (1:30:57) and Yahchevah Daligdig (1:34:23).

MANILA — Roy Laudit and Maricar Camacho stamped their class in the 28,000-strong field to make history in the Pasay leg of the 2026 National MILO Marathon last Sunday at Mall of Asia Complex. It’s a triumphant celebration which marked the 50th anniversary of the country’s premier road race organized by RUNRIO as this kicked off this year’s series which will see 15 legs staged across the country. Laudít crossed the finish line in one hour, nine minutes, and 34 seconds, edging Dickyas Mendioro who timed at 01:09:51 for the pole position in the men’s 21K division.

MANILA, Philippines — Fifty years of competition and growth, five decades of raising champions. The golden year of the National MILO Marathon kicked off with the Pasay leg on Sunday, March 1, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, led by 21K winners Roy Laudit and Maricar Camacho. The Pasay leg serves as the official start of the 2026 National MILO Marathon race calendar, celebrating 50 years of the Philippines’ iconic grassroots running series aimed to develop discipline, teamwork and grit to ignite every Filipino runner. Roy Laudit ruled the 21K race with a time of 1:09:34, followed by Dickyias Mendioro (1:09:51), and James Darrel Orduña (1:11:10). For the women’s half-marathon, perennial podium finisher Maricar Camacho stood on top with a time of 1:27:39. She was followed by Arlyn Joyce Akangan (1:30:57) and Yahchevah Daligdig (1:34:23).

Elite runners Roy Laudit and Maricar Camacho dominated the Pasay leg of the 2026 National Milo Marathon on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Complex. Laudit topped the men’s 21K race with a time of 1:09:34, finishing ahead of Dickyias Mendioro (1:09:51) and James Orduña (1:11:10). Camacho, for her part, ruled the women’s half marathon, clocking 1:27:39. She was followed by Arlyn Joyce Akangan (1:30:57) and Yahchevah Daligdig (1:34:23). In the 10K event, Bong Sentillas paced the men’s division with a time of 33:21, narrowly beating Joel Orogan (33:35), while Drian Latagan placed third in 37:01. Decerie Encomio led the women’s side in 42:03, followed by Jo Punay (45:08) and Mary Joy San Juan (51:38). JRU product Noli Torre captured the men’s 5K title in 17:16. Reyniel Abiel came in second, seven seconds behind, while Jerico Cadag finished third, 13 seconds off Torre’s winning time. In the women’s 5K race, Asia Paraase crossed the line first in 20:18, ahead of Mary Jane Pagayon (21:22) and Bernadette Sales (23:42). The Pasay leg marks the official start of the 2026 National Milo Marathon, which will also be staged in various parts of the country.

WHEN all the dust settled over the weekend, it was Kenyan Anderson Saitoti who flashed the biggest smile. Anderson Saitoti and Ethiopia’s Beshadu Bekele Bedane showed their true worth in the Ayala Philippine Marathon at Ayala Avenue in Makati. The foreign runners stood out from the 11,000-strong field as they stamped their marksin the event, which had Ayala Foundation as the title sponsor and organized by Runrio, that served as the kickoff for the Philippine Marathon Majors. Saitoti clocked an impressive 2:19:22 to bag the overall title, followed by Ethiopia’s Abdi Asefa Kabede (2:20:22) in the men’s division. The Philippines’ own Edsel Moral (2:25:42) and Eduard Flores (2:28:46) finished third and fourth, respectively.

Former national athlete and 10K record holder Mercidita Manipol shares what can ‘make or break your run’ Running events have surged across business districts, suburbs, and open roads throughout the Philippines, turning everyday spaces into proving grounds for a growing wave of runners. For some, it’s a hobby. For others, it’s a daily battle to outdo their old form. For former national athlete Mercidita Manipol, the country’s record holder in 10-kilometer road running, becoming an elite runner starts with embracing the grind long before the finish line is in sight. “It’s not just about running. In training to improve their personal time, one must think about setting goals and having targets every month,” Manipol told Rappler in Filipino, days before the Milo Marathon on Sunday, March 1. “Because there are a lot of things to be taken into account such as pace, nutrition, and motivation to be a better runner. Progression is a must so people have to start, let’s say on 5 kilometers, and then 10K, 16K, and so on,” she added.

Kenya’s Anderson Saitoti and Ethiopia’s Beshadu Bekele Bedane outran the competition to win the Ayala Philippine Marathon 2026 on over the weekend at Ayala Ave. in Makati City. The international runners stood out from the 11,000-strong field as they stamped their class in the event, which had Ayala Foundation as the title sponsor and was organized by RUNRIO, as it also served as the kickoff for the 2026 Philippine Marathon Majors. Saitoti clocked an impressive 2:19:22 to secure the overall title followed by Ethiopia’s Abdi Asefa Kabede (2:20:22) in the men’s division. The Philippines’ own Edsel Moral (2:25:42) and Eduard Flores (2:28:46) were also in hot pursuit, while Kenya’s Eric Chepsiror (2:29:11) completed the top five.

Anderson Saitoti of Kenya and Beshadu Bekele Bedane of Ethiopia outran the competition to win the Ayala Philippine Marathon 2026 on Sunday at Ayala Avenue in Makati City. The international runners stood out from the 11,000-strong field as they stamped their class in the event, which had Ayala Foundation as the title sponsor and was organized by RUNRIO, as it also served as the kickoff for the 2026 Philippine Marathon Majors. Saitoti clocked an impressive two hours, 19 minutes and 22 seconds to secure the overall title followed by Ethiopia’s Abdi Asefa Kabede (2:20:22) in the men’s division. Filipinos Edsel Moral (2:25:42) and Eduard Flores (2:28:46) were also in hot pursuit, while Kenya’s Eric Chepsiror (2:29:11) completed the top five. Bedane was also crowned the champion after timing at 2:44:52, in front of Kenya’s Truphena Chepchichir (2:47:30), Ethiopia’s Sifen Kidane Melka (2:52:53), Kenya’s Pamela Chepkoech (2:58:01), and Eloisa Cusi (3:00:52). Read more at: https://tribune.net.ph/2026/02/24/foreign-stalwarts-top-ayala-marathon Read more Daily Tribune stories at: https://tribune.net.ph/ Follow us on our social media Facebook: @tribunephl Youtube: @dailytribuneph Twitter: @tribunephl Instagram: @tribunephl TikTok: @dailytribuneofficial

International runners ruled the Ayala Philippine Marathon held Sunday along Ayala Avenue in Makati. Kenya’s Anderson Saitoti ruled the men’s 42K race after clocking 2:19:22, with Ethiopia’s Abdi Asefa Kabede finishing second in 2:20:22. The Philippines’ Edsel Moral (2:25:42) and Eduard Flores (2:28:46) placed third and fourth, respectively, while Kenya’s Eric Chepsiror completed the top five with a time of 2:29:11. In the women’s division, Ethiopia’s Beshadu Bekele Bedane emerged victorious in 2:44:52. Kenya’s Truphena Chepchichir came in second at 2:47:30, followed by Ethiopia’s Sifen Kidane Melka (2:52:53). Kenya’s Pamela Chepkoech placed fourth in 2:58:01, while the Philippines’ Eloisa Cusi rounded out the top five with a time of 3:00:52. Read more: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/othersports/977666/international-runners-dominate-ayala-philippine-marathon/story/ More stories: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/ Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/gmanews/