The 2025 Manila Marathon delivered more than fast finishes and fierce competition—it turned into a showcase of celebrity stamina, camaraderie, and the kind of stories you don’t always see from the sidelines.
The 2025 Manila Marathon proved worthy of its reputation as the country’s premier road race, delivering an unforgettable weekend of record-breaking participation, international presence, and star power.
More than 19,000 runners representing 16 nations filled the streets starting from the SM Mall of Asia Grounds, with the course winding through major roads like Roxas Boulevard and Buendia Avenue, and past iconic Manila landmarks including Rizal Park and the historic walls of Intramuros.
Around 3,000 athletes took on the full 42-kilometer challenge, while the half marathon drew 7,000 participants—the largest turnout for a 21K event in the Philippines to date.
Among the standout athletes was triathlon champion Nikko Huelgas, who brought the competitive edge to the roads of Manila.
But the excitement didn’t belong to the pros alone. The start line was a mix of seasoned athletes, passionate hobbyists, and well-known personalities who brought their own flair to the race.
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray brought pageant poise to the pavement, drawing cheers from fans who lined the route.
Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio, tackling her first-ever half marathon, found her biggest win off the clock.
“Akala mo half marathon 'yung highlight mo for today. 'Yung mga kaibigan mo pala talaga 'yung totoong accomplishment. Find good friends, guys. Yung gusto talaga kayong mahalin!” she posted on TikTok.
@ricaperalejo Akala mo half marathon yung highlight mo for today. Yung mga kaibigan mo pala talaga yung totoong accomplishment 🥲🥲🥲 find good friends guys. Yung gusto talaga kayong mahalim!
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On the humor front, Ramon Bautista stayed true to form: “Hindi po pagod yan. Default settings talaga ng mukang yan ‘galit sa mundo,’” he joked after crossing the line.
Actor Dominic Roque’s 21km run was a test of both will and wit. Running on an hour’s sleep and hampered by storms that derailed training, he fought cramps from the 12km mark but still pushed to the finish.
“Sub 2 next 21K! Goal!👌🏼 Congratulations #ManilaMarathon2025 and Coach Rio,” he declared, promising a stronger return.
The 10km category had its own celebrity draw: Rhian Ramos and Sam Verzosa completed their races with style, while beauty queen Priscilla Meresilles crossed the same distance with bigger targets ahead—“Here we go again, road to 21km and 42km,” she teased.
Joining them on the course were broadcaster Bernadette Sembrano, actor Jerald Napoles, creative personality Tim Yap, and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco—a testament to how the Manila Marathon has become both a competitive arena and a community celebration.
With its combination of high-level competition, scenic routes, and a celebrity-studded field, the Galaxy Manila Marathon once again underscored why it’s the crown jewel of Philippine running—and a must-watch event as it continues to grow its profile in Southeast Asia.