The highly anticipated Garmin Run Asia Series is expanding its footprint to the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam this year, bringing a unique blend of self-discovery, resilience, and the thrill of running. The Philippine leg of the series is scheduled for November 17, 2024, at Filinvest City in Alabang, Muntinlupa.
With the event, Garmin aims to create a unique running event in the Philippines that focuses on data-driven insights and gamification. By doing so, they hope to inspire more Filipinos to embrace running, achieve personal milestones, and foster a sense of community among runners.
“Endurance sports like running are about helping people discover their true potential. We want to help people realize they can achieve so much more,” said Ryan Tan, president of NAVCO Group, the official distributor of Garmin in the Philippines. “We hope this spirit transcends into other parts of their lives, making them grittier and more resilient.”
Central to Garmin’s philosophy is the challenge to “Beat Yesterday.” This mantra encourages runners to improve continuously, pushing beyond their previous achievements and setting new personal records. It’s about incremental progress and dedication, embracing a mindset of perpetual growth and resilience.
The Philippine leg features three race categories: 5km, 10km, and 21km.
This year’s theme, “From Zero to Hero,” aims to motivate runners of all levels to strive for personal bests and memorable experiences. To help runners prepare, Garmin is also launching the “Zero to Hero” training program. This program is designed to cater to both new and intermediate runners, offering face-to-face group classes and gamified features through the Garmin Sports app.
“With the Garmin Sports app and your Garmin wearable, training becomes more fun and exciting. It’s a data-driven, insightful, and rewarding experience,” he said.
Additionally, there will also be a Garmin Asia Virtual Run in August (featuring 10km and 21km categories), which will serve as a lead-up to the main event in November. This virtual run allows participants to engage in the running culture even before the physical race. The fastest runner in the 21km category will earn a spot in the inaugural Garmin Run Taipei.
A vibrant event atmosphere
Participants can expect a lively and engaging event atmosphere. “We’re bringing in drummers, DJs, and health brands to make sure everyone feels taken care of,” Tan said. The event will also feature a raffle with at least three Garmin watches up for grabs, in addition to the watches awarded to podium finishers.
Filinvest City was chosen as the venue due to its well-planned routes and proximity to the metro, which helps reduce traffic congestion for participants. This location provides a scenic yet challenging route that adds to the overall experience of the event.
Garmin Run Asia 2024 Philippines promises to be an exciting event for both seasoned runners and beginners looking to challenge themselves.
Registration is open until November 15, with early bird fees available until June 30. Participants can register via Garmin Philippines’ website and social media pages.