My 9th Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Manila Marathon 2025

Filipino Marathon Slow Runner Solo Joiner 10-Aug-2025 Sunday in Manila, Philippines

My 8th Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Nueva Ecija Marathon 2025

My 1st Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner;  Manila Marathon 2024

This Fun Run served as my 2nd participation in the Manila Marathon, which started only in 2024. my official Ninth FULL-MARATHON 42.2KM and Eighth Road Marathon as a Solo Joiner, following the Nueva Ecija Marathon last July 2025. My main objective is just to finish the race (beating my previous PR is optional), I want to enjoy the run at my own pace.

Manila Marathon: Now AIMS, World Athletics and PATAFA Certified!

Manila Marathon features an AIMS-certified race route, sanctioned and accredited by PATAFA and World Athletics. This certification ensures the accuracy and reliability of our 42K race route, empowering runners to: (1) Qualify for the World Marathon Majors and (2) To be considered for national team selection in international marathon competitions, including SEA Games.

My 9th Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner;  Manila Marathon 2025

Race Name:	MANILA MARATHON 2025			Distance:	FULL MARATHON (42.2KM)
Registration:	₱2,888	Inclusion:	Race Bib, Singlet, Finisher Shirt/Medal, Towel, Loot Bag, Admin/Shipping fee
Location:	PASAY TO MANILA ROUTE (one loop)			Cut-off Time:	10-Aug-2025 Sun (8 hours)
Requirements:	NONE, registration fee only			Shoes I used:	NB FuelCell SuperComp Elite 4
Finished:	YES	Time:	05:47:40	Altitude Gain:	110m
New PR:	NO	Pace:	08:14	Rank:	48.53% (1,371st of 2,825)
My Rating:	10 of 10	well-organized, lots of refreshments, huge race village with recovery area

Route difficulty: Same route as last year but this time zero rain throughout the race. I felt discomfort/pains, especially in my stomach, legs and feet. Awesome scenic route, good for beginners. Mostly flat, uphill/downhill are the 4 bridges of Roxas Boulevard, Jones Bridge and Intra-Binondo Bridge. 

Remarks (My rating: 10 of 10 stars): (1) Well-organized, started on time. Lots of refreshments in the water stops. (2) Free professional photos with watermark. (3) Registration fee is somehow reasonable (4) New section in race village like Recovery area for 42km runners only (Free Ice bath, SanMig can drinks and PT acupuncture session) (5) Huge and vibrant race village divided to 2 sections since there were 19,000 runners (6) Respective distances has their own finisher arc

If given the chance, would I like to join this race again? Somehow Yes (maybe because I'm tired)

My 2nd Ultramarathon (60KM) Solo Joiner; Luneta to Tagaytay 2025

Filipino Ultra Marathon Solo Joiner 01-Mar-2025 Sunday in Rizal Park, Philippines

My 1st Ultramarathon (50KM) Solo Joiner; Pampanga to Bulacan 2025

"I’ve learned that it’s what you do with the miles, rather than how many you’ve run' - Rod DeHaven, Track & Field Coach

This Fun Run served as my Second ULTRAMARATHON (60KM) as a Solo Joiner and the longest run distance I have, following the Pampanga to Bulacan Ultramarathon (50KM) last Jan. 2025. My main objective is just to finish the race (beating my previous PR is optional), I want to enjoy the run at my own pace.

My 2nd Ultramarathon (60KM) Solo Joiner; Luneta to Tagaytay 2025

Race Name:	LUNETA TO TAGAYTAY ULTRA 2025			Distance:	ULTRAMARATHON (60KM)
Registration:	₱2,500	Inclusion:	Race Bib, Finisher Shirt/Medal, Trophy, Post Race Meal
Location:	LUNETA TO TAGAYTAY ROUTE			Cut-off Time:	01-Mar-2025 Sat (14 hours)
Requirements:	NONE, registration fee only			Shoes I used:	Asics Novablast 4
Finished:	YES	Time:	13:21:03	Altitude Gain:	834m
New PR:	YES	Pace:	13:00	Rank:	last finishers (no official time/list)
ITRA:	N/A	UTMB:	N/A	My Rating:	1 of 10 stars

Route difficulty: Point to point route was provided starting from Kilometer Zero, Rizal Park, Manila, passing through Pasay, Paranaque, Las Pinas, Bacoor, Imus, Dasmarinas, Silang, and ending in People's Park, Tagaytay. Total distance of more than 63 kilometers with a continuously ascending route (834m total altitude gain) which is challenging for Ultramarathon beginners (puro ahon). 

This race has a distance of around 64km and has only 4 aid stations every 10km on the first 40km only. The initial plan was to have AS every 5km after 40km, but no AS provided until the finish line. With very hot and humid weather, it is very disappointing/frustrating especially no finisher medal received for us last finishers slow runners to think we paid for it and I'm one of those who availed the early bird promo. The Organizer didn't care at all, there's NO official start/finish time recorded and NO list of official finishers. The excitement of finishing my longest distance faded away on the bare minimum expectation I have as a Slow Runner. 

Remarks (My rating: 1 of 10 stars): (1) Not beginner-friendly point-to-point route with gradually increasing high elevation gain. (2) NO FINISHER MEDAL RECEIVED to think that we paid for it for slow runners last finishers (3) Not organized, parang nagpatakbo lang ng mga tambay sa kanto (one-hour delayed start time, magulo ang start race area, no Marshals/markers on the route, magulo din ang finish race area, all last finishers didn't have the finisher medal) (4) no official start/finish time recorded, as in just run within cut-off time (Organizer told whatever recorded on my wrist watch) and no official list of finishers also (5) Very minimal aid station, every 10km of 1st 40km route only to think that the last hours was continuously ascending under scorching weather (RD posted plan was AS on every 5km after 40km) 

If given the chance, would I like to join this race again? No (not beginner-friendly, not organized)

My 4th Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; 7-Eleven Run Series 2025

Filipino Marathon Slow Runner Solo Joiner 01-Feb-2025 Saturday in Muntinlupa City, Philippines

My 3rd Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Cebu Marathon 2025

"Never limit where running can take you. I mean that geographically, spiritually, and of course, physically."- Bart Yasso, the "mayor of running"

This Fun Run served as my Fourth FULL-MARATHON 42.2KM as a Solo Joiner and a Post-Birthday adventure, following the Cebu Marathon last Jan. 2025, which started my running enthusiasm last Apr. 2024. My main objective is just to finish the race (beating my previous PR is optional), I want to enjoy the run at my own pace.

7-Eleven Run Series is an annual run event held by 7-Eleven Philippines, started in 2015, and takes place in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. I think this Fun run with Marathon route has the cheapest registration fee ever for a local marathon though the route is terrible.

 

I've been a Long-distance Fun Run Solo Joiner since Apr. 2024, from 10km joining once, to Half-Marathon joining 4x then 32km once. My main triggering factors to join were the FINISHER SHIRT (show-off entitlement shirt) and the running route location. I was so bored I had nothing to do and no regular hobby (so somehow it was an impulsive, all-of-a-sudden decision). My very first Full Marathon was MANILA MARATHON last Oct. 2024. Followed by Asics Rock N' Roll Manila last Nov. 2024. 

My 4th Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; 7-Eleven Run Series 2025 (LOOT RUN)

Race Name:	7-ELEVEN RUN SERIES 2025			Distance:	FULL MARATHON (42.2KM)
Registration:	₱1,600	Inclusion:	Race Bib, Singlet, Finisher Shirt/Medal, Towel, Loot Bag, Admin fee
Location:	FILINVEST ROUTE (4 loops)			Cut-off Time:	01-Feb-2025 Sat (7 hours)
Requirements:	NONE, registration fee only			Shoes I used:	NB FuelCell SuperComp Elite 4
Finished:	YES	Time:	06:15:56	Altitude Gain:	241m
New PR:	NO	Pace:	08:55	Rank:	79.52% (396th of 498)
My Rating:	3 of 10 stars	not so organized, CHEAPEST registration fee, boring repeated loop, singlet size not accurate

Route difficulty: Four repeated loops is not good/boring for a full marathon. Average route, good for beginners. This race is just for experience only because 7-Eleven run series is known to have a repeated loops for their full marathon route though the cheapest registration fee is enticing.

Remarks (My rating: 3 of 10 stars): (1) Full Marathon route is bad, creating 4 loops is boring. (2) Not so organized but started on time. Lots of refreshments in the water stops. (3) Singlet/Finisher shirt/medal is terrible (dugyot ng quality at design). Shirt size is not even accurate. (4) The cheapest Registration fee for a local Marathon, given item #3, and lots of sponsors that's why this is called a "Loot Run" (5) Not a single portalet is available on any part of the route to think it is repeated 4 times and there's a lot of runners (from 711m participants to Marathoners)

If given the chance, would I like to join this race again? Definitely No (repeated loops/finisher kit is horrible)

My 2nd Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Asics Rock N' Roll Manila 2024

Filipino Marathon Slow Runner Solo Joiner 24-Nov-2024 Sunday in Rizal Park, Manila, Philippines

My 1st Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Manila Marathon 2024

"Run often. Run long. But never outrun your joy of running." - Julie Isphording, long-distance runner

This Fun Run served as my Second FULL-MARATHON 42.2KM as a Solo Joiner, following the Manila Marathon last Oct. 2024, started my running enthusiasm on 13-Apr-2024. Finished a complete full Marathon trained in less than 6 months (not my aim during the early phase). My main objective is just to finish the race (beating my previous PR is optional), I want to enjoy the run at my own pace.

ASICS Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Manila with its on-course entertainment, live bands, DJs and ensembles, to its unique heavy medals. Starting in Luneta Park, then heading to the National Museum and Manila City Hall, Fort Santiago, to Chinatown in Binondo, and the Manila Bay strip, the course is certified by the World Athletics Association of International Marathons and Distances Races (AIMS). This fun run would be my last to Asics Rock N' Roll due to the awfully scammed expensive registration fee ₱4,800 (changed my distance from 21km to 42km) despite being registered more than 5 months before the event. What made me more disappointed was they kept bringing the introductory fee which was around ₱2,600 every month. I emailed and messaged them on their social media, but only seen mode with no response until now. Moreover, I heard that there was a running group that they offered around ₱400 fee only for every Marathon joiner. The race route was not even good, loop repeated three times and finished before sunrise (5am). I do not recommend this race to anyone, the most terrible fun run race I had.

 

I've been a Fun Run Solo Joiner since 2007 but not as a runner (walker actually as most of the time I was walking), just for the sake of Race Singlet and being a joiner. My longest distance was even 10km (about 2x only), and usual for 5km. I stopped joining for more than 10 years because I was lazy, tired, and lost interest.

More than 10 years later until April 13, 2024, my first official run training for Fun-Run, I was so bored I had nothing to do and no regular hobby (so somehow it was a spontaneous decision). My main triggering factor was the FINISHER SHIRT (bragging entitlement shirt) and TikTok / FB Reels of running tips randomly (not that motivated, just for a push on my interest). One week after, I joined the 10km Fun-Run (Earth Day Run) (1:15:00) then 2 weeks after my 1st Half-Marathon 21.1km (Milo Marathon 2024 Manila Leg) (2:45:00). Then, I just bought around 4 brand-new running shoes and keep reading some tips online. After four Half-Marathons and one 32km race (4:04:00), I suddenly decided again to elevate the distance to a full marathon (42.2km) as my running interest is getting addicted out of boredom and depression. My very first Full Marathon was MANILA MARATHON 2024.

My 2nd Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Asics Rock N' Roll Manila 2024

Race Name:	ASICS ROCK N' ROLL 2024			Distance:	FULL MARATHON (42.2KM)
Registration:	₱4,783	Inclusion:	Event Shirt, Finisher Shirt/Medal, Towel, Loot Bag, Admin/Shipping fee
Location:	MANILA KM 0 ROUTE (3 loops)			Cut-off Time:	23-Nov-2024 Sat (7.5 hours)
Requirements:	NONE, registration fee only			Shoes I used:	Asics Novablast 4
Finished:	YES	Time:	05:31:09	Altitude Gain:	79m
New PR:	YES	Pace:	07:45	Rank:	51.42% (578th of 1,124)
My Rating:	3 of 10 stars	well-organized, VERY expensive registration fee, boring repeated loop

Route difficulty: Awesome weather. Creating 3 loops for a marathon is boring though the music bands helped to lessen the boredome. Mostly flat, uphill/downhill part was the Jones Bridge only, good for beginners.

Remarks (My rating: 3 of 10 stars): (1) Well-organized, started on time. Lots of refreshments in the water stops. (2) 42km Event/Finisher shirt design is not readable / ease to look at. (3) Registration fee is awfully scammed expensive for a local Marathon. (4) I achieved my target time somehow with fewer body pains (stomach cramps) compared to my 1st marathon. (5) Local rock bands are electrifying.

If given the chance, would I like to join this race again? Obviously No, I don't recommend it also

My 1st Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Manila Marathon 2024

Filipino Marathon Slow Runner Solo Joiner 06-Oct-2024 Sunday in Metro, Manila Philippines

"Good things come slow - especially in distance running." - Bill Dellinger, middle-distance runner

This Fun Run served as my First FULL-MARATHON 42.2KM as a Solo Joiner, started my running enthusiasm on 13-Apr-2024. Finished a complete full Marathon trained in less than 6 months (not my aim during the early phase). My main objective is just to finish the race (beating my previous PR is optional), I want to enjoy the run at my own pace.

The MANILA MARATHON 2024 brings together athletes and enthusiasts as they traverse the streets of the Philippines’ capital. Fueled by determination and a shared passion for running, the event promotes fitness and celebrates tourism. I registered on an early bird promo for my first Full Marathon 42.2km Fun-Run for PHP 3,200 (Race Singlet, Finisher Shirt, processing fee, shipment fee).

 

I've been a Fun Run Solo Joiner since 2007 but not as a runner (walker actually as most of the time I was walking), just for the sake of Race Singlet and being a joiner. My longest distance was even 10km (about 2x only), and usual for 5km. I stopped joining because I was lazy and lost interest.

More than 10 years later until April 13, 2024, my first official run training for Fun-Run, I was so bored I had nothing to do and no regular hobby (so somehow it was a spontaneous decision). My main triggering factor was the FINISHER SHIRT (bragging entitlement shirt) and TikTok / FB Reels of running tips randomly (not that motivated, just for a push on my interest). One week after, I joined the 10km Fun-Run (Earth Day Run) (1:15:00) then 2 weeks after my 1st Half-Marathon 21.1km (Milo Marathon 2024 Manila Leg) (2:45:00). Then, I just bought around 4 brand-new running shoes and keep reading some tips online. After four Half-Marathons and one 32km race (4:04:00), I suddenly decided again to elevate the distance to a full marathon (42.2km) as my running interest is getting addicted out of boredom and depression.

My 1st Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Manila Marathon 2024

Race Name:	MANILA MARATHON 2024			Distance:	FULL MARATHON (42.2KM)
Registration:	₱3,139	Inclusion:	Race Bib, Singlet, Finisher Shirt/Medal, Towel, Loot Bag, Admin/Shipping fee
Location:	PASAY TO MANILA ROUTE (one loop)			Cut-off Time:	06-Oct-2024 Sun (8 hrs)
Requirements:	NONE, registration fee only			Shoes I used:	NB Fresh Foam X More V4
Finished:	YES	Time:	05:59:48	Altitude Gain:	104m
New PR:	NO	Pace:	08:34	Rank:	67.65% (297th of 439)
My Rating:	8 of 10 stars	well-organized, lots of refreshments, though expensive registration fee

Route difficulty: Raining throughout the race (before the start until I went home), my entire body was soaking wet (literally Raining in Manila), felt discomfort/pains, especially in my stomach, legs and feet. Awesome scenic route, good for beginners. Mostly flat, uphill/downhill are the 4 bridges of Roxas Boulevard, Jones Bridge and Intra-Binondo Bridge. 

Remarks (My rating: 8 of 10 stars): (1) Well-organized, started on time. Lots of refreshments in the water stops. (2) Finisher shirt fabric is very thin, it might not last longer. The design is not good, "FINISHER" is not readable. (3) I didn't achieve my target time due to continuous rain and body pains. (4) Free professional photos provided with a watermark. (5) Registration fee is somehow expensive 

If given the chance, would I like to join this race again? Definitely Yes (just don't rain please)