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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/RUNRIO Inc.) |
More than 10,000 runners painted the SM Mall of Asia Complex with color, energy and pride as the Pride Run 2026 Manila staged its biggest edition yet, celebrating inclusivity, equality and diversity through sport. The country’s premier LGBTQIA+ running event drew participants from all walks of life, reaffirming its growing status as one of the nation’s most meaningful road races.
“We’re happy to continue being allies of the LGBTQIA+ community, and you can see it with the strong turnout that we’ve had for this year,” said RUNRIO President Rio De La Cruz. As part of its continued commitment to the community, RUNRIO donated Php500,000 to advocacy partner PANTAY, supporting the organization’s initiatives to promote equal access to sexual healthcare, strengthen HIV awareness, and champion a more inclusive society. On the course, Jonathan Caraang emerged as one of the day’s standout performers after ruling the 16-kilometer non-binary division with a winning time of 1 hour, 12 minutes and 46 seconds. Prince March Son Petallana settled for second in 1:18:26 while Jay-R Cuevas completed the podium in 1:18:29. In the traditional 16K divisions, Mark Anthony Oximar captured the men’s title after clocking 57:44, narrowly edging Neil Maramba (57:46), with Aldrin Serrano finishing third in 1:03:41. Jeziel Roque dominated the women’s race in 1:28:36, holding off Danella Bianca Bona (1:28:51) and Sandra Bunda (1:30:47). The 10K non-binary division belonged to Jesmar Ignacio, who crossed the finish line in 43:02, comfortably ahead of Martin Felisilda (48:02) and Blair Divina (49:10). Renz Mirasol ruled the men’s 10K in 35:09, followed by Jay Fernandez (36:25) and Caesar Benson (38:53), while Melody Lantad topped the women’s field in 46:27, finishing ahead of Jodee Guinever Gilfole (49:02) and Sophia Vasquez (51:43). John Christopher Agra claimed the non-binary 5K crown in 21:15, with Wilmar Pajanustan (23:29) and Carlo Cabanlit (27:23) placing second and third, respectively. King Agas sprinted to victory in the men’s 5K in 16:34, just two seconds ahead of Mark Angelo Biagtan (16:36), while Peter Glenn Rapiz placed third in 18:43. Jhazelyn Lapuz captured the women’s 5K title in 22:47, narrowly defeating Elena Camu (22:58), with Mary Jane Chiong finishing third in 28:47.
Co-presented by SM Supermalls and Mogu Mogu, the Pride Run continues to grow beyond a competitive road race, serving as a platform that celebrates acceptance, self-expression and equality while bringing together runners from the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies. The Manila leg followed a successful stop in Davao and now heads to Cebu for the series finale, where organizers hope to continue building momentum and inspiring even more participants to run for a shared cause. Pride Run 2026 was staged with SM Mall of Asia Complex and SM Mall of Asia as venue partners, SHIP and SAIL as event partners, Healthy and Pure Brand as hydration partner, Pocari Sweat as electrolyte partner, and the Philippine Reclamation Authority as official location partner. The event was also supported by numerous sponsors and partners that helped make this year’s celebration of diversity and inclusion its biggest yet.
