Over 1,500 runners and their furry friends filled the streets with energy and enthusiasm as the second annual Run Ortigas 2023 kicked off. Organized by Ortigas Land in partnership with Runrio, the premier race organizer in the Philippines, the event brought together people of all ages and fitness levels from the Ortigas Community to enjoy a day of running, fitness, and tail-wagging fun.

Sporting Success: Top Finishers and Their Impressive Times

The participants showed their speed and stamina on the sizzling asphalt, with the top three finishers in each category making their mark on the racecourse. Here are the names, times, and cash prizes of the winners:

• In the 10K category, the male and female champions were Jackson Chirchir (32:20) and Joida Gagnao (39:00), who each received Php 8,000. The runners-up were Junel Gobotia (33:40) and Maricar Camacho (41:21), who each received Php 6,000. The third placers were Mark Anthony Oximar (35:00) and Beverly Parale (47:35), who each received Php 4,000.

• In the 5K category, the male and female champions were Ritchie Estampador (16:02) and Jennelyn Isibido (21:04), who each received Php 7,000. Edgar Lee Jr. (16:45) and Janeza Mie Sustituedo (22:40) came in second place and received Php 5,000 each. Mark Angelo Biagtan (17:30) and Maria Me Ablando (24:08) came in third place and received Php 3,000 each.

• In the 1K category, the champions were Ratos and Moose, accompanied by their owners Enrico Lorenzo Burgos and Kim Mangrobang, respectively, finishing in 3:01 and 3:44. Each winning pair received Php 5,000. The runners-up, Dino with owner Rommel Espinoza (3:55) and Bart with owner Jenna Belardo (5:49), received Php 3,000 each. Asahi with owner Alvin Catiang (4:34) and Summit with owner Lady Isis Cabanatan (7:03) secured the third spot, each earning Php 2,000.

Beyond the Finish Line: Community, Camaraderie, and Canine Companions

What made Run Ortigas exceptional wasn’t just the impressive speed displayed on the race route and the infectious enthusiasm that reverberated throughout the community. Families, local residents, commuters, and even pet owners converged to create a vibrant tapestry of fitness and camaraderie.

The winners were ecstatic and grateful for being part of the event. Female 10K champion Joida Gagnao shared that she enjoyed the challenging route and thanked Ortigas Land and Runrio for organizing the fun event. Ritchie Estampador, the 5K male champion, praised the vibe and the energy of the event and said he was glad to run with passionate racers and their pets. Ratos and Moose, the 1K pet champions, expressed their happiness in their own language: “Woof woof woof!” (Translation: “We had a blast running with our owner and meeting new friends!”) The event also had a strong online presence, as many participants and spectators posted their photos and videos on social media with the hashtags #RunOrtigas2023 and #WeBuildForLife.

A Race to Inspire: Impact Beyond the Finish Line

Run Ortigas 2023, in its second edition, continues to inspire and engage. The event, an awardee of the Gold Stevie® for Art, Entertainment & Public – Public Event in 2022, goes beyond the conventional race experience. This year’s route through Ortigas East allowed participants to experience the sights and sounds of the city while discovering the premier property developer’s dedication to creating spaces for life.

The event was a testament to the success and positive impact of Ortigas Land’s efforts to promote fitness and community engagement through its events and projects. The event also demonstrated the company’s vision of building for life, creating a memorable and meaningful experience for the runners and their families.

If you missed the race, you can still enjoy the festive atmosphere at Ortigas East, where you can marvel at the dazzling lights and sounds of the grand Christmas Street Light Musical Tunnel at Central Avenue along Tiendesitas. The award-winning lights and sound show runs every 30 minutes from 6 PM to 10 PM until January 7. And while you’re there, don’t miss the StrEAT Food Night Market, where you can enjoy delicious and affordable food from various stalls and food trucks. Make sure to experience the magic of Ortigas East this holiday season!

For more information, check out Ortigas Land’s Facebook page and Ortigas East’s Facebook and Instagram page.