HOW A RUN COMMUNITY CAN BE A POWERFUL TOOL IN MENTAL HEALTH

Before the current post-pandemic resurgence, marathon running experienced a massive peak in the Philippines from 2010 to 2015.

- MYLENE MENDOZA-DAYRIT

Hiking during summer is one of the fun ways this community of runners trains for upcoming marathon events. They focus more on community building rather than competing ,though.

Back then, running events seemed to happen almost every weekend in BGC or MOA. The sport's growing appeal was largely driven by the “RunRio effect,” as Coach Rio de la Cruz introduced world-class standards — timing chips, accurate distance measurements, high-quality singlets, and well-organized hydration stations.

This was the era when a typical Facebook weekend ritual was posting the 5K, 10K, or 21K you had just completed, proudly displaying your finisher medal. Topping many runners’ bucket lists was the Condura Skyway Marathon, an annual event held from 2008 to 2016 that gave participants the rare experience of running along the Skyway. While the Milo Marathon has existed since 1974, it was during this golden era of running that it reached record-breaking participation, drawing 40,000 runners across its nationwide legs.

Today, running communities are once again on the rise—but they look different this time around. Organizers no longer wait for big corporate sponsors. Instead, the focus has shifted to grassroots efforts and genuine community building.

From BGC to the provinces, run clubs are replacing happy hours. A friend once observed that while BGC streets used to be filled with clubgoers at 4 or 5 a.m., they are now occupied by groups of young runners. The focus isn’t just cardio — it’s connection.