RUNRIO introduces non-binary division in Pride Run 2026
RUNRIO Inc. is breaking gender norms further by launching a non-binary division for its LGBTQ-themed Pride Run 2026.
Rio dela Cruz, founder and CEO of RUNRIO Inc., said in the event's kickoff in Pasay City that the new division is a aimed as a next step towards inclusion in the Philippine running scene.
"What we really want is recognition. But of course, we are not closing our door of that opportunity moving forward. So step by step, we really want to start it with us," dela Cruz said.
He went on to explain the mechanics on how runners can fall under the new classification.
"So male and female will be based on your sex at birth. If you’re male, male. But if you identify yourself as non-binary, so we are opening this category," he added.
Dela Cruz also clarified that there will be no cash prizes under the division and RUNRIO will also open the category to its future races.
LGBTQ+ youth group PANTAY chairperson Thysz Estrada, warmly welcomed the development.
"We are thankful for Runrio for giving us the space… it’s just RUNRIO trying to be there to achieve a global standard," Estrada said, citing international athletiic competition World Marathon Majors as a leader in introducing the category.
"If we want the Philippines to reach a global standard, we need to be there, we need to be pioneers and that is what RUNRIO is doing," Estrada added.
According to its Facebook page, the RUNRIO Pride Run, which started in 2024, is a "running event created to celebrate and recognize the LGBTQIA+ community and their fight for equality, tolerance, and acceptance."
The race will take place in SM malls in Davao, Cebu, and Manila on June 17, 14, and 21, respectively.
Aside from the non-binary division, the race is also introducing a new 16K run and a returning 1K dog category. The event’s colorful finisher’s medal and race kits have also been unveiled.
According to the Centre for Sexuality, non-binary identities "are any gender identities that fall outside the categories of man and woman."
