The Department of Tourism (DOT) reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the Philippines as a sports and running tourism hub through its renewed partnership with premier race organizer RunRio.
The running scene in the Philippines just got a major boost.The Department of Tourism (DOT) has officially renewed its partnership with RunRio through a ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding—strengthening its TakbuRismo initiative, a movement that turns ordinary races into unforgettable cultural experiences.
This means more scenic runs, more world-class races, and more reasons to lace up and explore the Philippines.
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A runner’s tour of the Philippines
With the partnership in place until 2028, runners can expect events that go beyond the usual race day. Imagine racing through Intramuros, crossing Jones Bridge at sunrise, or passing by Rizal Park and Binondo—iconic spots that double as race routes and history lessons.
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“This is not just about running. It’s about telling stories—about our culture, our resilience, and our hospitality—through every race,” said RUNRIO founder Rio de la Cruz.
From pavement to postcard, every race is designed to celebrate what makes the Philippines special, all while promoting health, fitness, and tourism.
Why running matters to tourism
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco highlighted how the country’s growing calendar of sports events—including running—is helping bring more international visitors to the Philippines.
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“You know the positive thing about all of the sporting events in the Philippines, is that it’s providing opportunities for our known source markets to have more reasons to visit the country,” said Frasco.
The numbers back it up: a 22% increase in tourists from Australia, 18% more from the U.S., and continued growth from Japan.
But the impact isn’t just on tourism. These races also boost local businesses, DOT-accredited hotels, and small vendors—making every run a win for the community too.
From local streets to global stage
With the Manila Marathon now certified by World Athletics and AIMS, the Philippines can now host official international marathon qualifiers—putting the country on the global radar for serious runners.
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More than a race—it’s a movement
With DOT’s support in promotions and logistics, and RunRio’s proven track record of organizing top-tier races, TakbuRismo is shaping up to be more than just a series of events. It’s a movement that unites runners, travelers, and communities through one common goal: to explore and celebrate the Philippines, one stride at a time.
Whether you're chasing a PR, a casual runner looking for your next adventure, or a tourist with a love for both travel and the track—TakbuRismo invites you to run the Philippines.
With reports from Maureen Muarip/One Sports