Galaxy Manila Marathon set Sunday as national qualifiers loom

The second Galaxy Manila Marathon, happening this Sunday, August 10, at the SM Mall of Asia Complex, has drawn a record 19,000 participants—solidifying its status as one of the Philippines’ largest running events for 2025.

The international marathon, organized by Runrio Inc., features 42km, 21km, 10km, and 5km categories, with ₱700,000 in total cash prizes. Both the male and female winners of the 42km race will each receive ₱100,000.

Race director and international marathoner Rio de la Cruz shared that the 21km category alone attracted 7,000 runners—their biggest half-marathon turnout yet. The full marathon drew 3,000 participants, the 10k had 5,200, and the 5k nearly 4,000.

With this surge in participation, Runrio Managing Director Andrew Neri stressed the implementation of heightened safety measures: “We doubled security, medical staff, and ambulances. Safety is our top priority.”

Sanctioned by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association and included in the World Athletics rankings, the event will showcase elite local and international runners, including national team members Christine Hallasgo, Artjoy Torregosa, Richard Salano, and Arlan Arbois, as well as competitors from Japan, the U.S., the UK, Kenya, and more.

“This is also a SEA Games qualifying race for the national team,” de la Cruz noted, referencing the upcoming Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December.

The marathon will cover notable Metro Manila routes, passing through Manila, Makati, Pasay, and Parañaque, including landmarks like Rizal Park, Intramuros, Roxas Boulevard, and the CCP Complex.

Gun start times:

42km: 12:00 midnight

21km: 4:00 a.m.

10km: 5:00 a.m.

5km: 5:30 a.m.