THERE was a time when waking up early to run several kilometers sounded unnecessary. Why sweat, get tired and spend an hour on Diversion Road when there was still a perfectly good bed waiting?
Then came the races.
One became two. Five kilometers became a distance that could actually be finished. Eventually, running became a habit.
Today, Diversion Road and the Iloilo River Esplanade are filled with runners of different ages, abilities and ambitions. Some train for races, others simply want to stay active. For many, running in Iloilo has become more than exercise. It is about having somewhere to go, something to look forward to and people with whom to share the kilometers.
It starts with a race
For many runners, the journey begins at the starting line.
Hundreds gather before sunrise or in the afternoon, with beginners beside seasoned runners, friends and families running together, and clubs arriving in matching shirts. Strangers become temporary teammates, encouraging one another through the final kilometers.
The community, however, begins long before race day — through training runs, conversations about shoes and hydration, and plans for the next event.
Then comes the inevitable budol: one race leads to another until another registration link appears on the calendar.
Kyssie Pasquin, run leader of Metal Core Run Club, said Iloilo’s running community has grown significantly.
“The running community in Iloilo has grown so much. You can really see more people running in the mornings, evenings, and even joining races and running clubs,” Pasquin said.
She attributed the growth to social media, the increasing number of races and the influence of friends and running groups.
“But more than that, I think people are simply looking for something that makes them feel good and gives them a reason to get out and move,” she said.
The beauty of an ordinary run
Eventually, runners discover that they do not need a race to enjoy the sport.
Without a race bib, medal or timing chip, there are simply running shoes, the road and the city.
Running also offers a different perspective of Iloilo. At a slower pace, familiar places become more noticeable — the changing light along the river, cyclists and walkers, and fellow runners exchanging a nod or smile.
For Pasquin, Iloilo’s wide roads, scenic areas and Esplanade make it attractive to runners.
“Iloilo is a beautiful city to run in. We have wide roads, scenic areas, the Esplanade, and a generally active community,” she said.
But she said the city can still improve its pedestrian and running infrastructure through better lighting, safer crossings, continuous sidewalks and more dedicated spaces.
You start for fitness, but stay for the people
Running may look like an individual sport, but the community tells a different story.
Mike Joseph Colorado, run club leader of Run Iloilo and Lasengero Mananakbo, said running is ultimately about people and community.
“Running is more than just exercise — it is about people and community,” Colorado said.
“Many friendships and even strong relationships have started simply by running together,” he added.
A struggling runner may receive a high-five or an encouraging “Kaya mo na!” from a stranger. Such simple gestures can make the last kilometer easier.
Colorado said running also teaches discipline, patience and consistency.
A city that draws runners
Iloilo’s running culture extends beyond the city.
Mao Murguia, a leader of Anti-Club Running Club in Roxas City, has joined eight races in Iloilo. She considers the city’s races prestigious and said they motivate her to prepare and perform well.
But she also comes for the experience.
“I’ve joined races in Iloilo not only because of the events themselves, but also because running there feels like an opportunity to challenge myself, meet fellow runners, and experience a different running environment,” Murguia said.
She noted that Iloilo has more runners and established routes, as well as an active and welcoming community.
“Don’t just come for the race — come for the experience. Run the routes, meet the local runners, explore the city, and enjoy the pain,” she advised.
Running through nature, history and food
For Gabrielle Musni, run club leader of 5AM Gang, Iloilo initially attracted her because of its food and running routes.
“We decided to go to Iloilo because we kept hearing from our friends about how good the food was and how nice the running routes were,” Musni said.
She discovered that running offered a way to experience the city’s nature and history.
“Iloilo has so many nice places to run, and what really stood out to us was how you could enjoy both nature and history along the way,” she said.
Running slows people down enough to notice the river, buildings, heritage structures and everyday life that might otherwise be missed.
And after several kilometers, there is often another reward: food.
In Iloilo, the formula is simple: Run first. Eat later. Repeat.
A city learning to run with its runners
As more people take to the streets, Iloilo must also ensure that its roads and public spaces remain safe and accessible.
Adriano Lomuntad of Stride5000 cited the Esplanade, Sunset Boulevard, Muelle Street, and Sports Complex as attractive running areas, but said more can be done.
“I think we still need safer and more dedicated running lanes, better lighting, and more runner-friendly roads, especially during busy hours,” Lomuntad said.
Colorado likewise hopes the city continues developing spaces where runners and other active-lifestyle communities can exercise safely.
A walkable city is not simply one with beautiful spaces. It is one where people feel safe enough to use them.
Why keep running in Iloilo?
The answer changes with every kilometer.
You run for fitness, to clear your head, to challenge yourself or because your friends are running. Sometimes, you run simply because it feels good to be outside.
Iloilo makes running less intimidating because there is room for everyone — from marathoners and 10K runners to 5K beginners and those simply trying to finish one kilometer.
Pasquin hopes that inclusivity remains as the community grows.
“I want running to be something that is inclusive, not just about being fast or winning races, but about showing up, improving, and having people who support you along the way,” she said.
Lomuntad shares that vision: “Running should not be about competition alone, it should be about encouragement, and building a stronger community.”
Perhaps that is why runners keep returning to Iloilo.
You may start running for yourself. But somewhere along Diversion Road, the Esplanade or another familiar route, you will find people who make you want to keep going.
You come for the kilometers. You stay for the people. And eventually, you keep coming back for both./PN
