The 19,000 strong-2025 Manila Marathon takes local running to a higher level, as select finishers could get slots in the 2026 Sydney Marathon. The race also serves as a qualifier for the Southeast Asian Games.
The 2025 Manila Marathon, which boasts of 19,000 participants who will run this August 10, takes running to a higher level with slots to the 2026 Sydney Marathon as well as qualifiers to the Southeast Asian Games.
“As Asia rises as a hub for sports tourism, Manila is leading the way — welcoming the world with open arms and a runner’s heart,” said RUNRIO president and CEO Rio de la Cruz. “This event is more than a marathon. It’s a movement that showcases the best of who we are as Filipinos.”
SLOTS TO THE SYDNEY MARATHON
Organizer RUNRIO Inc. announced on Wednesday that the 2025 Galaxy Manila Marathon would offer guaranteed entry slots to the prestigious 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon, specifically for the 42K age group category winners.
Guaranteed means entry eligibility. However, the race entry fee is not covered. This means travel and personal expenses are shouldered by the participant.
Meanwhile, the top three finishers per gender in each age group would also receive a priority slot to the Sydney event.
There are 11 age groups in the event: 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, as well as 70 and up.
The top three in each group for the male and female divisions in the 42K and the 21K categories will be recognized and awarded.
QUALIFIERS FOR THE SEA GAMES
The marathon also serves as a qualifying event for the Philippine national team in the Southeast Asian Games, which would be held from December 9 to 20 in Thailand.
"Karamihan po sa kanila ay tatakbo para makita nila ang kanilang performance. At kung maaabot nila 'yung standard ng SEA Games, maaari silang makuha," de la Cruz said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum.
The race will showcase members of the national team such as Christine Hallasgo, Artjoy Torresgosa, Richard Salano, and Arlan Arbois. There would also be participants from Japan, the United States, Singapore, United Kingdom, Canada, Malaysia, China, South Korea, Kenya, France, Poland, Switzerland, among others.
The event is sanctioned by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association, part of the World Athletics Rankings Competition, and is certified by World Athletics.
19,000 STRONG
The Manila Marathon drew 19,000 runners taking part in the 42K, 21K, 10K, and 5K races, which will start at the SM Mall of Asia Complex.
There will be 3,000 going through the full marathon distance, 7,000 in the half-marathon, 5,200 for the 10K, and almost 4,000 in the 5K.
"Ito 'yung nakakagulat, 'yung ating 21K ay may 7,000 runners, making it one of the biggest 21K that we have organized," de la Cruz said.
He also noted that the 19,000-strong event is around double of their usual participation, and vowed to double their efforts when it comes to health and security.
This year’s edition will take the runners on a journey through the capital’s landmarks, such as Rizal Park, Intramuros, Roxas Boulevard, and the CCP Complex.
The 42K runners will start at 12:00 a.m., followed by the 21K at 4:00 a.m., the 10K at 5:00 a.m., and the 5K at 5:30 a.m.
There is a total of P700,000 cash prize, including P100,000 each for the male and female winners of the full marathon.