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Manila Pride Run Breaks Attendance Records

February 26, 2026
A journalist's photograph of a large, lively crowd of Filipino runners participating in the Manila Pride Run. The scene captures a diverse group of individuals in colorful athletic wear, some adorned with rainbow accessories, joyfully moving through a major street in Pasay City. The event takes place on a sunny day, with clear blue skies and vibrant sunlight enhancing the colors of the participants' outfits. In the background, the cityscape of Pasay provides a dynamic urban setting. The camera is positioned at street level, offering a wide-angle view that emphasizes the sheer number of participants while focusing on the energy and enthusiasm of the front runners. The depth of field is moderate, keeping the crowd in focus while slightly blurring the distant city backdrop. There should be no text in the photo.

The Manila Pride Run 2025 surpassed all expectations, with an astonishing 10,000 participants filling the streets of Pasay City on June 29. It was a active display of unity and equality under the rainbow flag, transforming the SM Mall of Asia Complex into a lively collection of colors and cheers. More than just a race, it was a celebration of the resilience and joy of the Filipino LGBT+ community.

A Surprising Turnout

With pre-event excitement mounting, over 8,000 people had registered, doubling last year’s numbers and registering for various categories including 10K, 5K, 3K, and a delightful 1K Dog category. ABS-CBN News covered the enthusiasm, noting similar events taking place in Cebu and Davao, making it a nationwide festivity. By the day of the race, the Manila turnout alone had ballooned to 10,000, as ABS-CBN Sports reported, with official results showcasing a competitive spirit, such as one runner finishing 74th out of 2,599. The thrilling energy was affirmed by RaceRoster data.

Beyond the Distance: Visibility and Unity

Co-presented by SM Supermalls, the event bathed malls in rainbow lights, with RUNRIO CEO Rio de la Cruz ensuring unforgettable experiences. Advocacy group PANTAY’s Thysz Estrada highlighted the importance of maintaining pride through sports and uplifting LGBT+ voices. Support from sponsors like Cristalino, GOMO, and IKEA kept the atmosphere festive, while hotel partners ensured participants’ comfort. In a country where Pride marches have significantly grown, like Metro Manila’s 70,000 in 2019 as per Wikipedia, this run reflects that swell in support, echoing Quezon City’s record 111,000 in 2023, highlighted by Stacker.

Why It Matters, Bakla!

For the Filipino LGBT+ community, events like these aren’t just about exercise and medals; they’re symbols of progress. Amid ongoing struggles for rights, the sight of thousands running together loudly declares, “We’re here, we’re proud, and we’re moving forward!” Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a supportive spectator, the Pride Run showcases our community’s endurance. Looking forward to next year, who will join the celebration?

Miguel Migs Santos

Migs is a sharp-eyed journalist with a nose for breaking stories and a quick wit to match. When he’s not chasing the latest headlines, he’s busy making sure the Filipino LGBT community gets the spotlight—always with a dash of cheek and charm.

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