ILOILO City — The Iloilo leg of the Hakot Relay 2026 of Puregold Price Club Inc. was declared a success after drawing an estimated 4,000 participants for a large-scale event combining fitness, entertainment, and direct support for households.
Held on April 25 along the Iloilo Sunset Boulevard, the kickoff leg gathered participants from across Western Visayas and nearby areas, including Bacolod City, Cebu City, and Antique. Around 30 grocery booths were set up, allowing runners to collect essential goods throughout the race.
Organizers said the strong turnout and active participation highlighted the success of the Iloilo staging, which served as the first of three nationwide legs for this year’s Hakot Relay.
More than just a race, the event provided participants with practical takeaways, as they brought home grocery items gathered along the course—an initiative seen as timely amid rising fuel costs and increasing prices of basic commodities.
Puregold president Vincent Co emphasized that the program aims to deliver both engagement and tangible value.
“We want to create experiences that bring people together while also delivering real value to our communities,” Co said. “The Hakot Relay is one way we connect with Filipinos by giving them something they can both enjoy and take home.”
The Iloilo leg also featured live performances from Filipino hip-hop artists Skusta Clee and Flow G, adding to the event’s high-energy atmosphere.
Participants completed race waves equipped with loot stations and organized on-ground activations, receiving finisher’s medals, grocery packs, and exclusive merchandise. Select groups also benefited from surprise item drops along the route.
Building on the success of its 2025 debut, the Hakot Relay continues to evolve as a community-centered initiative that addresses everyday needs while promoting engagement.
Following the successful Iloilo leg, the Hakot Relay 2026 is set to continue in South Luzon and Metro Manila, bringing the same “panalo” experience to more Filipinos nationwide./PN
