Catch 'em if you can! Pokémon-themed fun run is coming to Manila this October
Pokémon is leveling up its celebrations in the Philippines! Fans can look forward to a variety of activities, including a fun run scheduled for this October.
The Pokémon Company has announced that they will be holding their "biggest Pokémon celebration in Asia" to mark the franchise's 30th anniversary. The lineup of events include PokéXciting!, Pokémon Run, Pokémon Trading Card Game, Pokémon GO, shopping mall campaigns, and more.
The fun run, in particular, will take place from Oct. 3 to 4 at the SM Mall of Asia. The course will span approximately five kilometers and is touted to be great for casual runners, enthusiasts, and Pokémon fans.
Unlike typical runs, the course features a "Pokémon Gym," which are fun obstacles designed to test your spirit and prove your strength as a Trainer.
For those needing a water break, there will also be Pokémon Center hydration stations to refresh and recharge your energy for the next leg of the race.
Of course, any Pokémon event won't be complete without its iconic creatures. As you run through the route, you'll have the chance to meeting different Pokémons and collect special stickers. By the time you cross the finish line, you’ll see your partner Pokémon evolve right along with you.
Participating in the run event requires registration, but the venue will also feature a Pokémon Festival Zone open to all with free admission. Here, you can shop for special merchandise to you heart's content.
Ticket details for the fun run have yet to be disclosed, but the company teased that participants will be given a special Pokémon RUN 30 Runner’s Kit, which includes a t-shirt, drawstring bag, arm band, Pikachu plushie, and more.
The main highlight of Pokémon's anniversary celebration, however, is their so-called PokéXciting! While there are no details yet on what fans can expect, the company described it as a "large-scale celebration" and a "tribute to everyone who has journeyed with us over the decades." It will take place in Manila from Jan. 23 to 24 next year.
Other cities that will celebrate Pokémon's anniversary include Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok, Jakarta, and Hong Kong.
The franchise began with the release of Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Green Version in Japan in 1996. Throughout the years, it has grown into one of the world's most recognizable entertainment franchises, spawning trading cards, animated series, movies, mobile apps, merchandise, and more.
