Fueled by friendships that first got them lacing up their shoes, Eduard Flores clocked 2:30:10 and Christine Hallasgo finished in 2:55:34 to rule the 42km crowns at the 2025 Manila Marathon.
They say, tell me who your friends are and I’ll tell you who you are. Para barkada kami! Kidding aside, when it comes to friendship, it’s not just about knowing who influences you — it’s about knowing where that influence can take you.
At the 2025 Manila Marathon, that influence took Eduard Flores and Christine Hallasgo straight to the top. Flores blazed through the streets in 2:30:10, while Hallasgo conquered the women’s race in 2:55:34 — both ruling the 42km crown in style.
For Flores, the victory was 15 years in the making. At just 27 years old, his journey began back in grade school when his barkada in General Santos invited him to join the Dadiangas Running Club.
“‘Running career ko, since grade school at napasama ako sa barkada ko na mahilig tumakbo,’” he says. “‘Dahil no’ng grade school, sila po ‘yong nag-sponsor sa mga laro ko. Then pagka-college, na-recommend ako ni Coach Rio [de la Cruz] sa UP Diliman. Doon mas lalong nag-improve ‘yong running career ko.’”
This year alone, he’s already completed two marathons — his fourth overall — proving that the friendships that start your journey can also carry you through the long miles.
On the women’s side, Hallasgo’s path to victory was just as shaped by the people around her. From being a school sprinter to embracing long-distance, her shift began in college when friends convinced her to join a fun run.
That one “yes” would eventually make her an 18-time marathoner.
“‘Malaking tulong kasi siya bilang student-athlete kaya lumipat ako from short distance na sprinter naging long distance, tapos ngayon naging marathoner na,’” she shares.
“‘No’ng dati naman talaga, hindi naman as in mag-start ka na manalo ka kaagad. Kahit top 10 nga, parang mahirap pa. Pursigido lang talagang mag-ensayo hanggang dumating ‘yong time na kaya ng makapag-compete.’”
Their stories aren’t just about talent and discipline — they’re proof of how friendships can push you toward something bigger.
And in the Philippines, that “something bigger” is the country’s booming running scene. From fun runs in small towns to major races in the city, running has grown into a community where strangers cheer each other on, training groups form lasting bonds, and coffee after a long run is practically a tradition.
So if a friend ever says, “Tara, takbo tayo” — say yes. Who knows? You might just find yourself crossing your own marathon finish line one day.
Watch the full interview here: