Filipinos are totally in their "running era," turning this trendy fitness vibe into the healthiest "clout" around—just like in the Manila Marathon 2024, where thousands of runners from over 30 countries ran in spite of the heavy rain.
It seems like many Filipinos have entered their "running era"—a time of newfound passion for fitness and lifestyle improvement.
What started as a trend has quickly become the healthiest "clout" there is, and it's not hard to see why.
On October 6, the Galaxy Samsung Manila Marathon 2024 took place at the SM Mall of Asia Grounds, attracting running enthusiasts from over 30 countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan, China, and Australia.
And I was among them.
From Miles to Meaning: How My Running Era Took Off
My own running journey began earlier this year. As a young adult, I joined many others in discovering the transformative power of running. While some may joke about it being for Instagram or social media, running has become so much more for me—a pathway to self-discovery.
In the fast-paced world we live in, running offers a moment to reconnect with ourselves, beyond work and daily responsibilities.
The progress in running mirrors personal evolution, testing our patience and teaching us the importance of discipline. More than anything, it reminds us to move at our own pace, to trust in our journey.
What they don't often tell you when you start running is that it’s not just about the miles or the finish lines—it’s about discovering who you are along the way.
Racing Through the Rain: Finding Joy in Every Mile
For months, I trained tirelessly for my first-ever 10km race, just like any dedicated runner. The anticipation was building, and when race day finally arrived, I felt an exhilarating rush of excitement.
The weather, however, had other plans. What had been a sunny week turned into a downpour on that Sunday morning.
While many runners considered quitting, our collective passion for running and the thrill of the experience outweighed the discomfort.
At 4:30 a.m., despite the cold, wet socks, and dark, rainy streets, I decided to start my 10km journey.
Running long distances is challenging enough, but doing it in the rain with water splashing at every step made it even tougher.
Yet, what kept me going was seeing the joy and determination of my fellow runners.
People of all ages, some with disabilities, were out there, embracing the race with smiles on their faces. Their resilience turned the rain-soaked event into something truly special.
At times, we had to slow down due to the slippery roads, knowing it meant we might not beat our personal bests. But in those moments, I realized the journey was more meaningful than the numbers on a stopwatch.
By the end, we weren’t just running—we were having fun, literally feeling the rain on our skin, savoring every moment.
Alexa, play Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield.
From Social Feeds to Finish Lines
"Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now"—that’s the anthem for Filipinos embracing the running revolution today.
The unwavering commitment to run, even in bad weather, reflects the Filipinos’ deepening passion for the sport.
While finisher medals symbolize their achievement, it’s the personal triumph of crossing that finish line—whether it’s 1km, 3km, 5km, 10km, or a full marathon—that truly matters.
What may have started as a trend has evolved into a genuine shift towards healthier living, breaking away from the constant scroll of social media and the monotony of daily routines.
So, lace up your shoes, take that first step, and begin your own running journey. It’s not just about fitness—it’s about discovering a new, stronger version of yourself.