Best Places to Run and Running Clubs to Join in the Philippines

Is the Philippines now entering its new “running era?” Social media is now full of stories, photos, and videos of Filipinos taking up the exercise and showing off their newfound enthusiasm to hit the road to get fit and release endorphins.

It’s no surprise that people have chosen to turn to running as a form of exercise. Running in the Philippines is easily accessible, super simple, and relatively inexpensive to start. All you need is a solid pair of running shoes, your usual workout outfits, a bottle of water, and maybe your trusty earphones/headphones to play some music while you run. Everything else is an extra perk.

But of course, the most important thing you’ll need on your run is the actual place to run. Sure, you can begin your running era on a treadmill in the gym, but unless you’re super dialed-in and hyper focused, that can eventually get pretty boring. It’s a lot more fun to hit the open road and feel the wind on your face while you’re outside, especially if the weather is nice.

Here are places where to run in the Philippines:

1. Ayala Triangle and Ayala Avenue Car-Free Sundays

For those who live in the heart of the city, one of the best and most accessible places to run in the Philippines is Makati. Legions of joggers and runners hit the pavement at the Ayala Triangle Gardens nearly every night as a safe place to run, while weekends take it a notch higher with Car-Free Sundays at Ayala Avenue. It’s easily reachable from nearby condos such as Avida Towers Asten on Yakal Street and Avida Towers Makati Southpoint on Chino Roces Avenue.

2. Ayala Malls Circuit Complex

Makati has more than one run spot for those who are closer to its south side. A quick drive away from One Antonio in San Antonio Village, Ayala Malls Circuit has a huge 1.1-kilometer oval loop owing to its history as a former horse track. Runners love it for its flat terrain and proximity to cafes, restaurants, and stores you can hit up after your workout.

3. BGC Greenway

Running in the city can also mean running in nature. The BGC Greenway strip, which spans the distance from Kalayaan Avenue on the north side and McKinley Road on the south, is a calming route away from the major bustle of the city. Runners love it for its quiet setting and challenging elevation, which ramps up as you approach McKinley – making it an optimal place to train your resistance.

4. Vertis North Rain Garden

You can also find similar natural beauty farther up in Vertis North. The pathway at the 2-hectare Rain Garden, which also serves as a catchment basin for rainwater, is designed to accommodate runners who want a serene place to train.

5. U.P. Diliman Oval

Another popular easy running course is the UP Diliman Academic Oval, which is an easy 2.3-kilometer loop. Largely flat and level throughout the entire circumference and free to enter at any time, the Oval brings together runners of all skill levels, making it a good place to start if you’re just getting into your running era.

6. CCP Complex

The sprawling roads of the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex make running in the Philippines a conducive environment. There’s a 3-kilometer run route that’s easy for beginners to practice on during the weekends – and it’s reachable from the Taft Avenue area, especially for those who will soon live in the upcoming Centralis Towers.

7. Macapagal Boulevard

Traveling a little further down south, you can reach the wide-open Macapagal Boulevard and its surrounding roads. As a common site for many race events, you can choose your own route in the area and run for as long as you need. Macapagal Boulevard is also close to the soon-to-rise Patio Madrigal, which gives fitness enthusiasts and runners another reason to consider the development.

8. Vermosa

As a center for athletics of nearly all kinds, Vermosa embraces runners and enthusiasts of any skill level. The roads of Vermosa itself are open to casual running, while the Sports Complex has its own 400-meter nine-lane track oval for those who want to get in the actual mood and spirit of a race. Sentria Storeys Vermosa is also soon to rise in the area, and it’s likely going to be the perfect place for athletes to settle in.

9. NUVALI in Laguna

Fitness enthusiasts and hobbyists already know about the gem of the South that is Nuvali– and for those who aren’t in the heart of Metro Manila, it’s easily the best place to get in a good sweat. Nuvali’s sprawling and free network of open roads actively encourages exercise; just park at Ayala Malls Solenad and hit the pavement to your heart’s delight. Those who are in any of the Avida developments in Nuvali have it best: they can just step out and start running on its wide streets.

You may also find your way home in soon-to-rise Solara Park Storeys NUVALI and have a fun run with your furbaby!

10. Alviera Open Spaces

Looking to take your running up another notch? A run in the Philippines should include Alviera. Running on a trail is a different kind of challenge, as the rough terrain takes a bigger toll on the body– but it’s even more rewarding to run in raw nature. Those living in the Alviera developments in Porac, Pampanga have a wonderful world to run in right in their backyard, and soon you may fall in love with a new home at the Avida Northdale Settings Alviera.

11. Cebu I.T. Park

For those starting their running eras farther south in Cebu, the Cebu IT Park is the hub for all physical activity, attracting people going on walks, rides, and runs. The area is also experimenting with Car-Free Sundays, allowing for greater freedom to exercise and train without worry. This is especially a lifestyle perk for those living in Avida Towers Riala at Cebu IT Park.

No matter where you are, taking the first step in your running era journey will definitely be rewarding! See you on the road!

Run Clubs in the City

• Garmin Run Club Philippines: Runs at Ayala Avenue during car-free Sundays.
• Adidas Runners Manila: Usual meetup place is at Adidas Two Parkade in BGC, Taguig City.
• EZ Run Club: Routes include Kapitolyo, Pasig City.
• Red Light Run Club: A Poblacion-based running community that goes through BGC then back to Makati.