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| (Image Source: Punto! Central Luzon/De La Salle Alumni Association–Pampanga Chapter) |
More than 8,000 runners gathered in Clark in the early hours of Sunday, March 8, 2026, for the 16th TCS Clark Animo International Marathon, marking another milestone for one of Central Luzon’s premier road races and signaling the running community’s continued recovery toward its pre-pandemic peak of 10,000 participants from more than 24 countries and territories. Organized by the De La Salle Alumni Association–Pampanga Chapter, the event featured race categories including the 42.2 km marathon, 21 km half marathon, 10 km, 5 km, and 2.5 km fun and kids’ run, attracting elite athletes, recreational runners, corporate teams, and families.
“We started with around 600 participants in our first year in 2009. Today, seeing thousands of runners join the race shows how the event has grown into a meaningful platform promoting health and fitness while supporting community and environmental initiatives,” said De La Salle Alumni Association–Pampanga Chapter President and Race Director Abe Tayag. Event Chairperson Aries Patawaran emphasized that the race maintains international standards, stating, “The TCS Clark Animo International Marathon and all its race distances are conducted on WORLD ATHLETICS® certified courses, ensuring accurate distances and internationally recognized results. This is important for runners aiming to qualify for major global races such as the Boston Marathon while also guaranteeing a high-quality race experience for all participants.” “TCS is proud to once again support the Clark Animo International Marathon, which energizes the running community and inspires healthy lifestyles and camaraderie among participants. Athletic events foster unity, resilience, and innovation — values at the heart of TCS’ partnership with communities worldwide,” said TCS Philippines Country Head Shiju Varghese.
Marathon Champions
In the 42.2 km marathon, Welfred Esporma won the men’s division with a time of 2:44:05, followed by Arjay Navida (2:46:28) and Jeremy Enreras (2:50:58). In the women’s division, Jewel De Luna finished first in 3:12:05 with Hazel Mata (3:23:16) second and Lady Madonna (3:41:27) third.
Half Marathon Champions
In the 21 km half marathon, John Paul Cumagun claimed the men’s title in 1:22:14, narrowly ahead of Alfonso Ampalo Jr. (1:22:30) and Juan Antonio Damasig (1:22:31). In the women’s division, Krystal Paa won in 1:38:21, followed by Jenalyn Galvez (1:41:51) and Angela David (1:47:11).
Cash prizes were also awarded in the 10 km and 5 km races. In the 10 km, Daniel Esguerra, Dave Maglaya, and Allorenz Pascual placed first to third in the men’s division while Merry Joy Trupa, Angel Mae Saysay, and Aika de Vera topped the women’s division. In the 5 km, Lance Tayag, Rusty Cayabyab, and Mari Tayag led the men’s division while Sam Corpuz, Elaine Quismundo, and Kamilah Lorraine Bumagat finished as the top three in the women’s division. Adding creativity to the event were the Best Costume Awards, recognizing runners who brought extra flair and fun to the race. The event also saw strong corporate participation including over 1,600 runners from title sponsor Tata Consultancy Services, one of the world’s largest multinational information technology consulting companies operating at Nepo Center in Angeles City. Proceeds from the marathon will support the association’s environmental and community programs including tree-planting initiatives, maintenance of the Angeles City Watershed, and support for the La Salle Botanical Gardens at Alviera in Porac, Pampanga. The event was made possible through the support of Title Sponsor Tata Consultancy Services and partners Clark Global City, Angeles Industrial Park Inc., The Hauslands, INBOX Store, Smart Communications Inc., NIKE Clark, SM City Clark, JDN Realty, Pocari Sweat, Cherifer, Ford Clark, Clark Water, KALU Fitness, Stretchlab PH, Lasik Clinic–AUF, Park Inn Clark, Eurotel, ROMAC Services, Meifoods, and Titan Watches along with numerous donors, volunteers, and supporters.
Media partner CLTV36 provided coverage, with institutional support from the Clark Development Corporation, Bases Conversion and Development Authority, the Angeles City Government, and Mt. Carmel Medical Center–Clark. Organizers look forward to an even bigger edition next year as the marathon continues to strengthen Clark’s reputation as a premier destination for endurance sports and active lifestyle events.
