Caraang reigns in Pride Run 2026 Manila
MANILA, Philippines — Jonathan Caraang shone the brightest in the biggest celebration of inclusivity on Sunday's Pride Run 2026 Manila, with 10,000 runners joining in the fun at SM Mall of Asia Complex.
Caraang was the fastest non-binary in the 16K race after clocking in at 1:12:46, ahead of Prince March Son Petallana (1:18:26) and Jay-r Cuevas (1:18:29) as the LGBTQIA+ community flaunted their flair through running in this race co-presented by SM Supermalls and Mogu Mogu.
Mark Anthony Oximar and Jeziel Roque also emerged in the traditional categories topping their respective divisions as the communities' allies also joined in the fun.
Oximar prevailed among the men by timing in at 57:44, just two seconds ahead of Neil Maramba (57:46) and Aldrin Serrano (1:03:41), while Roque delivered a commanding performance in the women at 1:28:36, in front of Danella Bianca Bona (1:28:51) and Sandra Bunda (1:30:47).
"We're happy to continue being allies of the LGBTQIA+ community and you can see it with the strong turnout that we've had for this year," said RUNRIO president Rio de la Cruz, with the premier race organizer also donating P500,000 to advocacy partner PANTAY as a gesture of support for its continuous efforts in promoting equal access to sexual healthcare, advancing HIV awareness, and advocating for a more inclusive society.
Jesmar Ignacio also placed first among non-binaries in the 10K race, crossing the line in 43:02, a full five minutes agead of Martin Felisilda (48:02) and Blair Divina (49:10).
Renz Mirasol topped the men's 10K in 35:09, ahead of Jay Fernandez (36:25) and Caesar Benson (38:53); while Melody Lantad led the women's 10K in 46:27, in front of Jodee Guinever Gilfole (49:02) and Sophia Vasquez (51:43).
John Christopher Agra took home the 5K title in the non-binary division in 21:15, followed by Wilmar Pajanustan (23:29) and Carlo Cabanlit (27:23).
King Agas led the men in 16:34, nipping Mark Angelo Biagtan (16:36) and Peter Glenn Rapiz (18:43); while Jhazelyn Lapuz paced the women in 22:47, narrowly beating Elena Camu (22:58), and Mary Jane Chiong (28:47).
Pride Run 2026, which also has SM MOA Complex and SM Mall of Asia as venue partner, SHIP and SAIL as event partner, Healthy and Pure Brand as hydration partner, Pocari Sweat as electrolyte partner, and Philippine Reclamation Authority as official location partner, continues to grow as one of the country's most meaningful running events, blending athletic competition with a message of acceptance, equality and self-expression.
The Manila leg followed a successful stop in Davao and precedes the series finale in Cebu, with organizers once again drawing runners from various communities and backgrounds under one shared cause.
This year's Pride Run also had Hop Inn, Lanson Place Manila, Citadines Bay City, Hotel Sogo, and Astrotel as hotel partners, Anytime Fitness as gym partner, Philstar as media partner, and has Singlife, SM Active Hub, Puma, Salonpas, DailyFix, Wellspring, Lubie, Chlorelief, ManilaMed, GRWM Cosmetics, Quaker Oats, Monde Nissin, Passionmax, Wheyl, Omega, Komyo Aesthetic and Medical Institute, Everest Appliances, Hoka, and Beauti Drink as sponsors, and is supported by Russett Accessories. (Contributed story)
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