One marathon is already a lifetime goal for many runners—RunRio’s Coach Rio De La Cruz went even further, being the first Filipino to complete all seven World Marathon Majors in just one year, inspired by the grit of Filipino runners.
One marathon in your lifetime is already a huge goal… imagine completing seven in just one year.
That’s exactly what RunRio CEO and Founder Coach Rio De La Cruz did, becoming the first Filipino to finish all seven World Marathon Majors in a single year.
But for him, the true inspiration wasn’t personal glory—it was the grit and passion of Filipino runners.
“Chinallenge ko ‘yung sarili ko, sinubukan ko kung kaya kong tapusin ‘yung seven World Marathon Majors in one year. Very challenging siya, maraming pagsubok. Kasi ‘yung inspiration natin ‘yung mga Filipino runners natin,” Coach Rio shared to One Sports during Sante Barley Trilogy Run Asia awards night.
Beyond breaking records, Coach Rio aimed to learn from world-class races and bring those insights back to the Philippines.
“‘Yong main objective is basically to learn, to get knowledge, and para ma-implement natin sa mga races natin. Kasi syempre ‘yong mga races natin dito, gusto din nating itaas ‘yong standard.”
The experience allowed him to study how top marathons are organized. “‘Yung mga natutunan ko do’n, as a runner and as an organizer… marami tayong napulot na pwede nating magamit,” he added.
His goal is to raise the quality of local races so Filipino runners—casual or competitive—can experience events on par with international standards.
“‘Yong objectives is … ‘yong quality, at least closer to them or equally, para ‘yong mga runners natin is ma-experience din nila ‘yong gano’ng quality ng races,” he added.
Looking ahead, Coach Rio will run four marathon majors in 2026—London, Sydney, Chicago, and Berlin—to reclaim his Six Star medal and prepare for 2027, when Cape Town and Shanghai may join the calendar.
For everyday runners dreaming of their first marathon—or their second—there’s more to get excited about.
Trilogy Run Asia is expanding nationwide in 2026, with races in Manila, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, and Iloilo.
[ALSO READ: Long run pays off: Marathoners shine at Trilogy Runs Asia awards night]
More races mean more chances to challenge yourself, reach new milestones, and be part of a growing Filipino running community.
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Inna Mina is a sportswriter with a passion for telling stories that go beyond the scoreboard.
She covers running, athletics, and other major Philippine sporting events, while also following grassroots sports, athlete journeys, and women in sports. Her work also includes lifestyle stories on health, fitness, and community.