Training for your first marathon or addicted to the running high? Here are the marathons happening in the Philippines in 2024 to scratch your itch.
Marathon running has been all the rage recently. Many people are beginning to understand what the “runners’ high” feels like and with this, many more marathons have been popping up, left and right throughout the Philippines.
To help you plot out your own marathon-running journey this year, here are some of the top events in the Philippines, from road to trail running, for 2024!
New Clark City Marathon
When: May 19
Distances: 5km, 10km, 21km, 42km
If you’re already geared up for your first marathon, the New Clark City Marathon is one of the earliest events in the Philippines’ 2024 calendar of races. But, the organizers emphasize that this is more than just a race — it’s a full-on challenge that will test your stamina, highlighted by four uphill climbs that they have dubbed “up-hells.” You get the picture.
Gatorade Manila Half Marathon
When: June 23
Distances: 5km, 10km, 21km
For anyone who is on their running journey and is working their way up towards their first marathon, the Gatorade Manila Half Marathon is a great place to start. Taking place right in the middle of Metro Manila, and with routes that run through iconic landmarks and famous tourist spots of the Philippines’ capital, this race could be the perfect one to help you reach the next milestone on your marathon journey.
Pacific Coast Mountain Trail Festival
When: July 6-7
Distances: 100km, 50km, 25km, 12km, Kids events
Based on the distances this race offers, you already know this isn’t your typical marathon. The Pacific Coast Mountain Trail Festival is for trail runners who are looking for a new way to challenge themselves.
Taking place in General Nakar, Quezon, this two-day event will give runners of all levels a unique way to explore the beautiful landscapes of the Pacific Coast. What better way to get through a challenging trail run than by doing so while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Philippines?
Candelaria Marathon Challenge
When: August 4
Distances: 24km, 42km
Looking for another marathon that will take you through the beautiful scenery the Philippines has to offer? The Candelaria Marathon Challenge is the race for you. Taking place in Candelaria, Quezon, not only will runners get to explore the uplands of the area and enjoy the view of Mt. Banahaw, but they will also get the chance to immerse in local culture as they go through the course.
Manny Pacquiao Half Marathon
When: September 29
Distances: 3km, 5km, 10km, 21km
Channel your inner fighter at the Manny Pacquiao Half Marathon this year. Taking place in the SM Mall of Asia Complex later this year, as a half marathon event, this could be another one of the races you join as a way of working upward to the big 42. And this race won’t just be a step in your journey — this race is set to act as an aid to the eight-division World Champion’s charities and advocacies.
Gatorade Manila Marathon
When: October 6
Distances: 5km, 10km, 21km, 42km
If you checked your half-marathon off of your bucket list earlier this year, maybe it’s time to take the next step and go for the full distance at the Gatorade Manila Marathon. Set right in the heart of the Philippines’ capital, this is a great event to go for your first marathon as you can invite your friends and family to cheer you on while you run through Manila’s famous landmarks. And, with shorter distances on offer, they can run the routes, too!
ASICS Rock n Roll Running Series
When: November 24
Distances: 5km, 10km, 21km, 42km
If you’re the kind of runner who gets hyped up with music, then the ASICS Rock n Roll Running Series is perfect for you. Not only will you get to run through historical landmarks across Manila — Luneta Park, the National Museum, Fort Santiago, and more — but the event is designed to include entertainment all throughout the course — live bands, DJs, and ensembles. You’ll never be running alone.
And not to mention that this race is a qualifier for the World Marathon Majors! So if it’s a goal of yours to run the best marathons in the world, what better way to start than by running through the iconic landmarks of home?
Banner image from Miguel A Amutio on Unsplash.
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