MANILA, Philippines — The PUMA Philippines Half Marathon Series 2025 officially kicked off in the Philippines with a thrilling start, uniting Filipino runners from across the country for its Manila leg at the scenic bayside SM MOA Complex in Pasay City. In collaboration with RUNRIO, the PUMA Philippines Half Marathon Series is a six-stage race spanning Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Celebrating the spirit of athleticism in every stride, PUMA Philippines Half Marathon Series rallies Filipino runners to unleash their energy and passion for long-distance running. Each leg showcases unique local locations while uniting the running community. The 21KM races are sold out in all cities, while slots for 10KM and 5KM are selling fast! Runners can choose their challenge and earn exclusive PUMA merch upon crossing the finish line for the upcoming legs:
Choose your distance, claim your rewards
Runners can select from three distances, each offering official and exclusive PUMA merchandise to celebrate their achievement and participation in the multi-stage series. Whether you take on the 21K challenge, the 10K, or the 5K run, all finishers will receive a medal, a sleek race singlet, a personalized bib, and a packed loot bag. In addition, 21K finishers will earn a special finisher’s T-shirt to commemorate their accomplishment.
The All-City Legacy challenge
A special highlight of the series is the All-City Legacy Medal, awarded exclusively to runners who complete all six races. This prestigious recognition honors dedication, consistency, and the determination to conquer every course in the nationwide series, cementing each finisher’s legacy in this historic movement.
Athletes Who Set the Pace
The Manila leg showcased an impressive lineup of PUMA-signed athletes, who included Christine Hallasgo, Junel Gobotia, and Jonna Abutas, who all served as inspiration to fellow runners throughout the race. Leading the charge was 2019 SEA Games women’s marathon gold medalist Christine Hallasgo, whose trademark determination lit up the course with a standout performance, finishing the 10KM category with an impressive time of 38:32.
She shared her thoughts on how the unique PUMA Half Marathon Series impacts runners, “Each location brings different routes and climates, so if you’re unfamiliar with the area, it takes time to adjust. That unfamiliarity can sometimes create pressure and affect performance, for better or worse. What’s truly rewarding is the chance to explore new places, experience different cultures, and build connections with fellow runners from across the country.” Grateful to be supported by a global brand like PUMA, she hopes that through this partnership, other athletes, especially the youth, will be inspired to keep working hard, so they too can be recognized and supported.
Junel Gobotia, an esteemed Filipino steeplechase athlete, who clocked a strong 17:21 in the 5KM category — once again proved his dominance in the local distance running scene. Both Hallasgo and Gobotia are now shifting focus to their preparations for the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, where they aim to once again make the country proud. Rising star Jonna Abutas also impressed with a solid 42:54 finish in the 10KM category, showcasing her steady form and reinforcing her reputation as a consistent podium contender. Her consistent form and competitive drive continue to make her one to watch as she gears up to join the Grand Finale at Clark this December.
