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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.

Defying age and expectations, the 105-year-old Sawang Janpram of Thailand made headlines last Sunday by winning two gold medals at the 2025 World Masters Games. 

Competing in the 100+ age group, he claimed first place in both the men’s javelin and 100-meter dash.

Sawang was the sole competitor in both events, recording a javelin throw of 10.55 meters and finishing the 100-meter sprint in 38.55 seconds.

Sawang began his regular exercise at age 80, inspired by a close friend who became bedridden and by his daughter, whose health dramatically improved through physical activity.

He is a retired schoolteacher and former elementary school principal, Sawang is determined not to follow the same path as his immobile friend. Instead, he embraced an active lifestyle that would later take him to global sporting events.

He started competing internationally at age 97 and credits the experience not only with enhancing his health but also with helping him build friendships across the world.

“Next, I hope to compete in more countries and eventually become a world champion. Staying active keeps me alive and connected,” Sawang said.

Sawang’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, purpose, and the lifelong value of movement—no matter your age.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is set to deliver a more dynamic and inclusive grassroots sports program with the upcoming Batang Pinoy 2025, scheduled to take place from October 25 to 30 in General Santos City.

This year’s edition of Batang Pinoy aims to further encourage Filipino youth to engage in sports, develop their athletic potential, and embrace the values of discipline, sportsmanship, and teamwork.

According to PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann, the 2025 Batang Pinoy will showcase competitions in 27 sports disciplines, including Aquatics (Swimming), Archery, Arnis, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball (3×3), Boxing, Chess, Cycling, Dancesport, Futsal, Gymnastics, Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Kickboxing, Karate, Muay Thai, Pencak Silat, Soft Tennis, Tennis, Sepak Takraw, Table Tennis, Weightlifting, Wrestling and Wushu. 

Chairman Bachmann also emphasized that this year’s event will be grander and more organized, with modern equipment and facilities, and better logistics and accommodations for all participating athletes.

“Our main objective for this year’s Batang Pinoy is to provide the delegates an excellent experience as if they are already competing in a global level of competition they usually see in televisions and social media,” Bachman said. 

In addition to upgrading the overall competition experience, the PSC is committed to expanding participation from regions across the country, ensuring that young athletes from various provinces have the opportunity to compete and grow.

“Batang Pinoy is not just about discovering future champions,  It’s also about instilling values that shape character—discipline, hard work, and sportsmanship.” Bachman added.