Over 8,000 running enthusiasts have signed up for the One Piece Run, an anime-themed fun run that’s sure to turn the streets around SM Fairview into a pirates’ world.
Get ready to set sail for the Grand Line in the One Piece Run 2025 this September 28 at SM Fairview.
About 8,000 runners are expected to join this immersive, anime-inspired adventure organized by RUNRIO as we turn the streets into the vibrant world of Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Crew.
Runners can traverse four categories — 10K, 5K, 3K, and 1K — each offering unique checkpoints that capture iconic islands and unforgettable moments from the series. Each checkpoint will feature surprises that mirror iconic moments from the anime.
“We couldn’t be more excited to stage the first-ever One Piece Run in the country,” said Rio de la Cruz, RUNRIO founder and CEO, who led Tuesday’s launch with SM’s Miguel Emmanuel Gaspi at SM North EDSA. “This is a historic moment for us as we celebrate our shared love for running, fun, and the epic world of One Piece.”
The event is perfectly timed, especially with the Philippines currently experiencing a running boom, with this uniting the growing running community with the ever-passionate anime fan base.
“We started it this year, and then this is the second of many,” said RUNRIO general manager Andrew Neri, referring to the Pokemon-themed fun run they staged earlier this year. “So we have many more happening. So we’re excited because this will encourage our cosplayers and those who are fans of manga to really get into a physical, active lifestyle.
“We’re already at 95%, so the target is 8,000, 3,000 for 10k, 2,000 for 5k and 3k, and 1,000 for 1k. So we’re already at 95%, so just a little bit. If you want to run and join, please register as soon as you can.”
Rio De la Cruz says pivoting towards anime-themed races is a good way to tap the youth segment and first-time runners.
“Actually, in our previous races, we saw the jump of participants. The first-timers were surprised. Maybe 40-60% first-timers compared to the ones before the pandemic. So it’s great that part of their journey is RUNRIO. We will continue to create races that will inspire and motivate them to continue their journey.
“That’s why in RUNRIO, we make sure that we have a variety. We cater to serious runners, intermediate, advanced, and of course, our beginners. We also have races for kids, and races for serious runners, which is the 42-kilometer race. I’m looking forward to it.”
Prepare to run, laugh, and relive the adventures of the Grand Line in the One Piece Run 2025 — no Devil Fruit powers required.
Images from RUNRIO, Inc.