MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) took part in the Samsung Galaxy Watch Manila Marathon 2024 on Sunday, October 6, with over 7,500 local and international runners participating. Organized by RunRio Inc., the marathon passed through iconic landmarks in Manila and Pasay City, showcasing the rich cultural and historical heritage of the capital.
Runners braved the rain as they traversed a route that highlighted key sites such as Chinatown in Binondo, Jones Bridge, Luneta's zero-kilometer marker, the historic walled city of Intramuros, and the bustling SM Mall of Asia Complex. The marathon featured 42KM, 21KM, 10KM, and 5KM categories, offering participants both a physical challenge and an opportunity to experience the beauty and history of the city.
The event celebrated Manila's recognition as the "World’s Leading City Destination" and Intramuros' win as "Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction" at the 2024 World Travel Awards, reinforcing the city’s global standing as a premier tourist hub.
RunRio Inc. founder Rio dela Cruz expressed his excitement about the turnout. "Despite the rain, our runners showed up, and we received positive feedback. We achieved our goal of passing through iconic tourist spots in Metro Manila," he said. Dela Cruz also noted the marathon's positive economic impact, with accommodation establishments fully booked and restaurants experiencing increased patronage.
The collaboration between RunRio Inc. and DOT underscores their shared vision of promoting sports tourism in the Philippines. DOT employees, led by the Office of Film and Sports Tourism, actively participated in the marathon, further solidifying the department's commitment to diversifying tourism offerings.
Looking ahead, the DOT is set to support more running events, including a Women’s Run, the Cebu Half Marathon, and the Trilogy Run Asia legs, which will be held in various tourist destinations across the country such as Cagayan de Oro, Baguio, Iloilo, Bacolod, and Davao, with the finals returning to Manila’s Mall of Asia.
The Manila Marathon is a testament to how sports tourism can drive both local engagement and international attention, contributing to the nation’s tourism goals while promoting a healthy lifestyle.
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