Operating has taken the Philippines by storm.
From early morning joggers in parks to weekend enjoyable runs and marathons, extra Filipinos are working than ever earlier than.
Among the many many organizations driving this wave of momentum is Ladies’s Run PH, now the biggest all-women’s working occasion within the nation’s historical past.
On October 19, a record-breaking 10,610 members will head to UP Diliman for the 2025 Ladies’s Run PH — turning the monitor into an area not only for competitors, however for empowerment.
For founder Nicole de la Cruz, the numbers are thrilling, however the coronary heart of the race lies elsewhere.
“We had been capable of encourage and encourage new runners to affix the occasion — 40% this yr are newcomers,” Nicole stated.
“The sense of success, the sense of feat once they cross the end line doesn’t simply finish there — they carry that confidence all through their lives.”
Since its launch in 2023, Ladies’s Run PH has attracted members from all walks of life, from seasoned athletes to ladies working their very first race. Amongst them are most cancers survivors, ladies recovering from abuse, and runners residing with bodily disabilities.
De la Cruz recalled how one advocacy companion introduced survivors of sexual abuse to the occasion.
“They by no means thought, [that] with all of the challenges they’ve skilled, that they might nonetheless obtain one thing for themselves. This run gave them hope,” she stated.
These highly effective tales are what drive Nicole to develop the occasion, not simply in measurement, however in attain.
Using the working growth
From Metro Manila, Ladies’s Run PH has expanded to Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, with requests pouring in from cities like Iloilo, Cebu, Davao, and Laguna.
Whereas full races aren’t but doable all over the place, Nicole plans to carry free coaching runs in additional communities to present extra ladies the prospect to start out their journey.
De la Cruz sees Ladies’s Run PH as a part of the broader working growth sweeping the nation.
“Social media performs an enormous position — one individual shares their journey, evokes one other, and creates a ripple impact,” she stated.
“Put up-pandemic, persons are extra acutely aware about their well being, and working is an accessible approach to keep energetic.”
This surge in reputation has additionally meant extra visibility for feminine runners, breaking previous stereotypes that working is a male-dominated sport.
“We’re displaying that girls can take up area in these occasions — and that working could be a secure, supportive neighborhood for them,” she added.
Whereas the file numbers are trigger for celebration, Nicole’s imaginative and prescient extends additional.
Operating with a objective
Ladies’s Run PH has additionally grow to be a platform for well being advocacy.
October was chosen deliberately to align with Breast Most cancers Consciousness Month, HPV Consciousness, and Psychological Well being Consciousness.
“October is particular for girls,” De la Cruz stated.
“We need to encourage motion, unfold consciousness, and empower ladies to take cost of their well being,” she added.
De la Cruz additionally hopes to see extra Filipinas — no matter age or potential — uncover the enjoyment of working, and maybe at some point, deliver Ladies’s Run PH to the worldwide stage.
“Let’s dream massive,” she stated. “For now, I’m targeted on ensuring that each girl who joins us leaves understanding she is stronger than she thinks.”
—JKC, GMA Built-in Information
