It is this simplicity of the sport that makes running and running events a popular pastime among fitness enthusiasts in the Philippines.
Olympic gold medalist Deena Kastor once said, “The beauty of running is its simplicity; the beauty of runners is that we all have a similar drive to improve. We are either trying to run a personal best or toeing the line for the first time, which will snowball into a future of trying to run personal bests.”
Ask any runner—it doesn’t matter if they are newbies or veterans—and they will all have the same answer: all you need is a pair of shoes to start running.
It is this simplicity of the sport that makes running and running events a popular pastime among fitness enthusiasts in the Philippines. And from that pastime to stay fit or shed some weight, they will transition to breaking their personal bests, signing up for their first marathon, or traveling to other parts of the country—or the world—to experience a whole new level of competition, make new friends, expand their connection, and make a statement of their hard-earned progress.
𝐑𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐩—𝐓𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡
This is a “running joke” in the community where people tend to make puns on the fact that running is insanely cheap. Most, if not all of us, have sneakers or athletic shoes lying around and gathering dust. You can actually use those together with your DriFit shirt and shorts, and you’re off on Day 1 of your running journey.
But then again.
Most runners will confess that the sport can be quite expensive once the “addiction” kicks in. For starters, modern running shoes with all the bells and whistles of carbon plates and novel technology will make your bank account cringe. Then comes your running-inspired OOTD, GPS watch, sweat-proof earphones, anti-slip socks, heart rate monitor, hydration belt, running cap, and sunglasses—the list will be endless for someone who wants to look, feel, and run like a true-blooded runner.
To say the least, they can go slow, save enough cash to buy a legit running shoe, and just use what is available for the moment.
𝐑𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞
Running is one sport that requires minimal equipment to enjoy. Unlike other sports that need a gym membership or expensive gear, running comes with the benefit of being low-cost or budget-friendly. This appeals greatly to the working class—even students or the regular tambay—as something that they can do without having to spend too much.
It’s not hard to imagine waking up in the morning (they can also run in the afternoon or at night), lacing up your shoes, going out, stretching a bit, and beginning what is poised to be your daily 30-minute session around your neighborhood.
From there, newbie runners will venture outside, look for new routes (explore local trails if they’re adventurous enough), and revel in the scenery that they’ve been missing. They don’t need to travel just to run; they run to travel.
But then again.
Our competitive nature and thirst for adventure will automatically turn on once we’re out of our comfort zones. Most runners would want to “level up” after joining the tons of local races organized by private groups, LGUs, and charitable institutions.
They would scour and look for their next race on social media, prepare for close to six months, and yes, book flights, reserve hotel accommodations, and plan side trips thereafter.
The Philippines is known for its diverse geography that is perfect for running events. From the bustling cities of highly urbanized cities like Manila, Cebu, and Davao to the breathtaking landscapes of Tagaytay and the Cordilleras, the country is prepared to host marathons, ultramarathons, and trail runs now and in the future.
𝐑𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 C𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲
The growing popularity and the number of fun runs, marathons, and all other races in between have made the Philippines a breeding ground for running groups and communities to take part and represent their tribe. Come to think of it, some of these organized runs are affordable, making them suitable for anyone who is just learning to love the sport of running.
Along this line, beginner runners can join clubs where they can learn from the best, share their improvements, and celebrate with like-minded people who are more than willing to cheer and pass the hat for a pizza party after breaking their first-ever
But then again.
Budol is real. Just in case you forgot, your running mates can be quite persuasive when they want to join events that can be out of your league—or budget. They’re not going to ask right there and then (although some do), but the constant nagging will eventually get to play its role.
𝐑𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨s
We are on the verge of transforming ourselves from being a resident couch potato to the monthly registrant whose social media posts are filled with running shoes, beautiful medals, and that next running event that they want to join.
It’s a healthy shift, though, where people understand that the proverbial “health is wealth” saying goes true, especially in today’s time where depression and mental health are recurring topics of coffee shops and podcasts.
But then again.
Filipinos are, at best, generous when it comes to sharing their insights and expertise with their peers. This can go anywhere from sharing tricks of the trade on how not to bore yourself while doing your weekly LSD to finishing a half marathon without puking to tips on eating healthy, how to get enough sleep before a big race, and what should be on your shoe rotation.
