Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner chasing personal records or someone who’s been thinking about finally signing up for that first 5K, Metro Manila’s 2026 running calendar has options for everyone. From midnight races lit by neon lights to World Athletics-certified marathons that could get you to international events, the capital has everything covered.
Most of these races welcome everyone from beginners to pros, with distances ranging from fun 1K dog runs to the full 42K marathon grind.
Metro Manila Running Events 2026
- Santé Barley Trilogy Run Asia – March 15 (SM MOA)
- Rexona 10 Miler Series – March 29 (SM MOA)
- REV Tri-City Half Marathon – April 12 (Manila)
- RUNRIO Earth Day Run – April 19 (SM MOA)
- PAL Manila International Marathon – May 31 (Rizal Park)
- Galaxy Manila Marathon – June 7 (SM MOA/Manila)
- HOKA Midnight Run Asia – July 19 (SM by the Bay)
- AIA Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Manila – November 29 (Quirino Grandstand)
Santé Barley Trilogy Run Asia
When: March 15, 2026 (Saturday)
Where: SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City
Distances: 5K, 10K, 16K
Organizer: Trilogy Run Asia Inc. / RUNRIO
Think of this as marathon training with a road map. The Santé Barley Trilogy Run Asia doesn’t just throw you into a 42K and hope you survive. Instead, it builds you up across three legs throughout the year.
Leg 1 starts manageable: 5K, 10K, or 16K options in March. By Leg 2 in May, you’re tackling a proper 21K half-marathon. Then Leg 3 in September introduces the 32K “Afroman” distance, named after that dreaded wall most marathoners hit around kilometer 32. It’s strategic training disguised as a race series.
The Manila series is part of a five-city nationwide tour. National Finals happen November 8 at SM MOA. When you complete all three legs plus the finals, you get complimentary running caps. Top finishers in select age groups earn something better: guaranteed slots to the 2027 Sydney Marathon. That’s your ticket to running international without the usual qualifying stress.
Rexona 10 Miler Series
When: March 29, 2026 (Saturday)
Where: SM Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
Distances: 5K, 10K, 16K (10 Miler)
Registration: ₱1,200 (5K) to ₱1,800 (16K)
The Rexona 10 Miler Series is a multi-city race that shows off different parts of Metro Manila. The Pasay leg at SM MOA gives you a coastal route with bay views on one side, city skyline on the other. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday morning.
It’s the first of seven stops nationwide, with additional Metro Manila legs scheduled in Manila City (June 28 at Quirino Grandstand), Quezon City (August 16 at UP Diliman), and Makati (September 13 at Ayala Triangle).
Your registration includes a singlet, bib, Rexona deodorant (obviously), finisher’s medal, towel, and loot bag. If you’re committed and finish the 16K in all legs, you earn an exclusive Conqueror’s Medal. The series format is great if you like having multiple race goals throughout the year instead of just one big event.
REV Tri-City Half Marathon
When: April 12, 2026 (Saturday)
Where: Manila (specific venue TBA)
Distances: 5K, 10K, 21K
Organizer: RUNRIO Inc.
Brand new for 2026, the REV Tri-City Half Marathon spans three Metro Manila cities throughout the year. The Manila leg happens in April, followed by Makati on July 5, and wrapping up in Quezon City on December 13. RUNRIO bills this as their first dedicated half-marathon circuit across the metro, which makes it attractive for runners chasing personal records on certified urban courses.
Registration opens in February 2026, so details on fees and exact venues are still coming. But if you’re specifically training for half-marathons and want multiple shots at improving your time across different courses, this series seems built for that.
RUNRIO Earth Day Run
When: April 19, 2026 (Sunday)
Where: SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City
Distances: 1K (Dog Run), 5K, 10K, 21K
Registration: ₱1,300 (1K/5K) to ₱2,100 (21K)
Most races make you leave your dog at home. The RUNRIO Earth Day Run says bring them along for the 1K Dog Run category. It’s rare to find organized races that accommodate pets, so if your running buddy has four legs, this is your event.
RUNRIO Earth Day Run happens simultaneously in Manila, Cebu, and Davao, all pushing toward sustainability and greener practices. Registration is available through Race Roster. The 21K distance gives serious runners a solid workout while the shorter options keep it accessible for families and beginners.
PAL Manila International Marathon
When: May 31, 2026 (Sunday)
Where: Rizal Park (KM 0), Liwasang Ulalim, Manila
Distances: 5K, 10K, 21K, 42K
Registration: ₱1,299 (5K) to ₱2,500 (42K)
The PAL Manila International Marathon is hitting its 44th edition in 2026, making it one of the oldest continuous races in the country. It’s been running since 1982 with Philippine Airlines as the official carrier. The course starts at the Rizal Monument and takes you through Dewey Boulevard (now Roxas Boulevard), the US Embassy area, NAIA, Baclaran, and all the way to Ayala Avenue before looping back to Luneta.
Here’s a fun fact: the course record of 2:14:39 has stood for 43 years, set by two-time Olympic champion Waldemar Cierpinski in 1982. That’s the kind of history you’re running through when you join this marathon.
The top 50 men’s and women’s runners in the 42K category get free entry, which is a nice touch for competitive runners. Your registration includes a finisher’s medal, event shirt, finisher’s shirt, hydration and nutrition stations, and medical support. Registration closes May 24, 2026, so don’t sleep on this one.
Galaxy Manila Marathon
When: June 7, 2026 (Sunday)
Where: Manila / SM MOA Complex, Pasay City
Distances: 5K, 10K, 21K, 42K
Organizer: RUNRIO Inc.
Powered by Samsung and RUNRIO, the Galaxy Manila Marathon is one of Metro Manila’s premier distance-running events. Last year’s edition pulled in 19,000 runners, and 2026 is expected to be even bigger. The race carries AIMS certification and counts toward World Athletics world rankings, making it legit for anyone chasing qualifying times.
The course starts and finishes at the SM MOA area and cuts through Manila’s urban core. Runners consistently praise the well-organized hydration stations (every 2K), quality singlets and medals, and overall event management. It’s part of the Philippine Marathon Majors series, which adds extra prestige to finishing this one.
Fair warning: the June date means you’re running in warmer weather. If heat isn’t your thing, the earlier races in February or March might be better fits. But if you can handle the warmth, this is a popular choice for first-time marathoners who want a well-supported race experience.
HOKA Midnight Run Asia
When: July 19, 2026 (Sunday, midnight start)
Where: SM by the Bay, Seaside Boulevard, Pasay City
Distances: 5K, 10K, 21K
Registration: Approx. ₱1,200 (5K) to ₱2,000 (21K)
The HOKA Midnight Run Asia is exactly what it sounds like: a nighttime race that starts at midnight. The course is lit up with neon lights, there’s music pulsing through the route, and the whole vibe is more festival than traditional marathon. Manila is one of six cities hosting this in 2026, alongside Davao, Cebu, Iloilo, CDO, and Clark.
Based on last year’s edition, registration includes a race kit, singlet, bib with timing chip, finisher’s medal, and loot bag. Running at midnight means cooler temperatures, which is huge if you hate racing in Manila’s daytime heat. Plus, there’s something genuinely fun about running when most of the city is asleep. The experience is less about competition and more about just enjoying the unique atmosphere.
AIA Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Manila
When: November 29, 2026 (Sunday)
Where: Quirino Grandstand / KM 0, Rizal Park, Manila
Distances: 5K, 10K, 21K, 42K + 1K Kids Run
Registration: Approx. ₱2,322 (5K) to ₱4,266 (42K) based on 2025 rates
Asia’s first and only Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series lands in Manila for what’s basically a running concert. The AIMS-certified course starts at Luneta Park and winds through the National Museum, Manila City Hall, Fort Santiago, Chinatown in Binondo, and the Manila Bay strip. The entire route is lined with live bands, DJs, lion dancers, and cheer squads.
The marathon kicks off at midnight, the half-marathon at 2:00 AM, with shorter distances rolling out through the morning. Last year’s edition attracted over 9,000 runners from 58 countries, so expect a genuinely international crowd. The course qualifies for World Marathon Majors entry, which is significant if you’re working toward major marathon goals.
Registration is expected to open through the official Rock ‘n’ Roll website. This is one of the pricier races on the calendar, but you’re paying for the full festival experience, not just a standard marathon.
Planning Your 2026 Race Calendar
The calendar breaks down pretty logically. March through May gives you a solid racing window before the serious heat sets in. The Santé Barley Trilogy maps out your entire year if you’re building toward a full marathon. Structured progression from 16K to 32K across three legs beats winging it on your own.
Series runners have options too. The Rexona 10 Miler hits seven cities if you want to tour the country. The REV Tri-City Half Marathon keeps you local with three Metro Manila stops. Both reward finishing the full series with exclusive medals.
The Ayala Philippine Marathon, Galaxy Manila Marathon, PAL Manila International Marathon, and Rock ‘n’ Roll Manila all carry AIMS certification and World Athletics recognition, making them solid choices if you’re chasing qualifying times or world rankings.
And if traditional race times aren’t your thing, both the HOKA Midnight Run and Rock ‘n’ Roll Manila feature midnight starts for cooler temperatures and a completely different race atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best marathon for first-time runners in Metro Manila?
The Galaxy Manila Marathon and Ayala Philippine Marathon are both excellent for first-timers. They’re well-organized with hydration stations every 2K, medical support throughout the course, and AIMS certification. The MILO Marathon Pasay leg is also beginner-friendly with shorter distance options starting at 3K.
When is the best time to run a marathon in Metro Manila weather-wise?
February and March offer the coolest and driest conditions. By June and July, you’re dealing with warmer temperatures and potential rain. If heat bothers you, stick to the early-year races or consider the midnight runs like HOKA Midnight Run Asia or Rock ‘n’ Roll Manila.
Which marathons count toward international qualifications?
The Ayala Philippine Marathon, Galaxy Manila Marathon, PAL Manila International Marathon, and Rock ‘n’ Roll Manila all carry AIMS certification and World Athletics recognition, meaning your finish times count toward official world rankings and some international qualifications.
How much does it cost to join a marathon in Metro Manila?
Registration fees range from ₱499 for a 3K at the MILO Marathon to ₱4,266 for a 42K at Rock ‘n’ Roll Manila. Most 21K half-marathons fall between ₱1,800-₱2,200, while full 42K marathons typically cost ₱2,500-₱4,000.
Can I run with my dog at any Metro Manila marathons?
The RUNRIO Earth Day Run features a 1K Dog Run category where you can run with your pet. Most other races don’t allow dogs on the course for safety and logistical reasons.
What do registration fees usually include?
Most races include a singlet, race bib with timing chip, finisher’s medal, and loot bag. Some also provide finisher’s towels, event shirts, or product samples from sponsors. Higher-tier races like Rock ‘n’ Roll Manila include entertainment along the route and festival experiences.
How do I register for these marathons?
Most races use online registration through platforms like Race Roster or the organizer’s official website. Registration typically opens 2-3 months before the event date. Popular races can sell out quickly, especially for the 42K category.
Are there training programs available for beginners?
RUNRIO and other organizers often offer training programs and build-up races. The Santé Barley Trilogy Run Asia is specifically designed as a progressive training series, taking you from 16K to 32K across three legs throughout the year.
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