EastWest Dream Run 2026 draws nearly 7,000 dreamers for Manila kickoff

Nearly 7,000 runners, families, friends, and fur babies gathered at the Filinvest Event Grounds for EastWest Dream Run 2026 Manila leg—the first of the four-leg series organized by RUNRIO. 

The event turned the venue into a vibrant celebration of movement, community, and the pursuit of dreams through health and wellness.

Now in its second year, the event drew participants across the 21K, 10K, 5K, 3K, and 1K Dog Run categories, with both the 21K and 5K races selling out ahead of race day. 

From serious runners chasing podium finishes and personal bests to families and friends enjoying an active weekend together, the event showcased the many ways Filipinos are prioritizing healthier lifestyles and striving toward personal goals.

Among the standout performances of the day was Kenyan marathoner Evans Bomer's victory in the 21K Men's Division, while SEA Games medalist Arlan Arbois secured second place. 

In the Women’s Division, the podium was swept by inspiring mothers, led by 21K champion Marickz Camacho, a breastfeeding mom, followed by Jocelyn Elijeran and Nikka Panlaqui, highlighting how women can thrive in both sport and motherhood.

Camacho continues to compete at an elite level while raising her child, and Panlaqui’s passion for running has inspired her son to pursue sports. 

Their journeys show that motherhood is not a barrier to pursuing one’s goals, but a source of strength that empowers women to prioritize their health, chase their dreams, and inspire other mothers and the next generation.

Adding to the festive atmosphere were runners donning colorful and creative costumes, while the crowd cheered on dogs of all shapes and sizes during the crowd-favorite 1K Dog Run. 

Together, these moments highlighted the inclusive, family-friendly spirit that has become a hallmark of the EastWest Dream Run.

Beyond the race course, participants enjoyed a bustling Race Village filled with sponsor activities, games, giveaways, and treats. Many headed to the EastWest Horizons Recovery Lounge to enjoy post-race massages and recovery sessions after crossing the finish line.

The excitement continued well beyond the finish line as EastWest and its partners gave away over P500,000 worth of raffle prizes, including staycations, theme park passes, fitness equipment, portable appliances, and shopping vouchers. 

The Manila leg was made possible through the support of partners including Filinvest, Filinvest Land, Visa, Quest Plus Conference Center Manila, EastWest Ageas, Nutribullet, Dyson, Ford, foodpanda, Puregold, Mizuno, Saucony, Toby's Sports, REV, Concepstore, and Colgate Plax.

Other supporting partners included C2, Asiaprime Philippines Corporation & Asiaprime Beauty and Wellness, Mogu Mogu, Gumtect, Aqua Planet, Nature’s Spring, Chlorelief, Salonpas, DailyFix, Lubie, and DentaCare, as well as the Department of Tourism. 

"As someone who enjoys running, I know that getting to the starting line is already a win," said EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo. 

"What started as a celebration of EastWest's 30th anniversary has grown into one of our biggest traditions. Seeing thousands of dreamers, families, friends, and even their fur babies come together today reminds us why we're excited to bring the Dream Run to more cities across the country," Ngo added.

In support of the Department of Tourism’s "Love the Philippines" campaign, the EastWest Dream Run 2026 will head to Clark on August 30, Iloilo on September 20, and Cagayan de Oro on October 18, where runners can look forward to the same race-day excitement, vibrant Race Village, sponsor activities, recovery lounges, and raffle prizes. The final Cagayan de Oro leg will also feature EastWest brand ambassador Donny Pangilinan.

To sign up for the next legs, visit https://www.eastwestbanker.com/dream-run-2026.

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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by EastWest Bank.