Yes, this is a late upload (fashionably late, I’d say), but the memories of April 26, 2026 at Ayala Triangle Gardens are still fresh in my runner’s heart. The QuakerFit Run was more than just a race. It was my first time joining an actual, in-person run though... I joined a couple of virtual runs before. And wow! It really hits different!
The star factor!
Let’s get this out of the way: Piolo Pascual was there! And let me tell you, the crowd went bananas. I literally heard women shouting, “I love you, Piolo!” at the top of their lungs. It felt like a mall show, not a run. But oh boy! Once the race started, he was gone so fast! One second he was all pretty warming up right in front of us, the next second he was just a blur. I couldn’t even catch a sight of him after the gunstart. Talk about star power and speed rolled into one!
The organizers even had a cheeky challenge called “Sub-Piolo”finish the 10K in under 47 minutes. I didn’t even try that. My personal challenge was more like… “Sub-don’t-trip-on-my-shoelaces.” 😂 Other celebrities were spotted too like... Aubrey Miles, Troy Montero, and many more. But Piolo Pascual is the face of this event. Ang pogi talaga!The gunstart blast
Now, here’s the funny part. I had no idea what to expect at the starting line. Suddenly, there was this blast like a rush of air or pressure being released and everyone just normally surged forward. My brain went:
“Wait, was that a cannon? A rocket? Did someone just open a giant soda bottle?”
Turns out, that’s what runners call the the blast. And honestly, it thrilled me to my core. My heart was racing before my legs even started moving!
My race journey
With bib number 50238 pinned proudly, I joined the 5K crowd. The streets of Makati were alive with cheering marshals, which unbelievably felt good. Dopamine surge maybe? I mean they were clapping, shouting encouragement, and making us feel like champions. Hearing “Go, go, you can do it 5K runners!” while my legs were a little shaky it was like an instant energy boost. Honestly, their cheers felt better than any sports drink. It’s amazing how a stranger’s voice can push you to keep going when your body wants to stop. Even though... I had my trusty waist bag, full of determination inside. Their cheers helped a lot! And my stats?
- Distance: 5.55 km
- Pace: 7:22/km
- Moving Time: 40:55
- Calories: 270 (which I happily replaced with post-race snacks)
- Achievement: Fastest 5K Lifetime 🎉
Crossing that finish line, medal in hand, felt surreal. Place overall? 320th. Place by gender? 117th out of 991. Not bad for a first-timer who used to only run with an app and a playlist!
The race village vibes
After the run, the race village was buzzing. Photo booths from Quaker and partner brands, freebies, and lots of sweaty but smiling faces. It wasn’t just about running… It was about community, fitness, and yes, free loot bags which... I forgot to photograph! 🛍️
My takeaway
The QuakerFit Run 2026 was proof that fitness can be quirky, and star-studded. Whether you’re chasing a Sub-Piolo time or just chasing the next hydration station, the important thing is YOU keep MOVING FORWARD. And if it’s your first actual race like mine, savor every blast, every stride, and every entitlement. 🏅
Medal flex
Because let’s be real! if you didn’t pose for a medal shot, did you even run?