What caused the recent running boom in the Philippines, according to Coach Rio

How many of your friends entered their ‘running era’ recently?

In the recently concluded HOKA Trilogy Run Leg 3 at the Mall of Asia compound, around 10,000 runners joined the event, which is the most among the three legs of the event.

According to Runrio, Inc. president and running advocate Rio de la Cruz, one significant factor in the boom of running again is social media.

“Kaya rin nagbo-boom ‘yung running ngayon is marami silang nakikitang personalities na nagpa-participate sa races na ganito,” De La Cruz said on Sunday.

“‘Yung KOLs (key opinion leaders), maraming followers, nakikita ng individuals na ‘I want to try that one.’

“Malaking tulong dito ‘yung social media.”

Apart from social media, clubs also helped in the growth of the running community.

“Pinakaimportante ngayon na nakikita kong malaking tulong ay ‘yung running clubs,” he said.

“Mayroon silang teams na nagte-training in different locations and cities na nakakakuha ng bagong runners kasi nae-educate nila,” he added.

De la Cruz recalled they were only among the few running coaches before but now, their runners also became coaches.

He is also happy that running has somehow become a source of income for those involved in their events.

“‘Yung races, ginagawa nilang preparation, nakakakuha sila (coaches) ng clients for training,” he said, adding that even the marshals and events are also given additional sources of income.

Richard Salano completed a sweep of the Manila legs as he ruled again the 32K category with 1:52:38, while Maricar Camacho logged 2:23:25 for back-to-back victories.

Arlan Arbois Jr. topped the 10K male participants with 32:48, while Edna Magtubo was the fastest among women with 39:03.

Alfrence Braza led the males in 5K with 16:18, while Joneza Mie Sustituedo ruled the women’s side with 16:37.

Leg 3 events will still be held in other locations such as Baguio, Cebu, Bacolod/Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao, while the Trilogy’s National Finals will be held on December 8 with 10K, 21K, and 42k races.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News