From Mall of Asia to North EDSA. Two iconic branches of SM Supermalls will serve as bookends for what promises to be a historic Manila Marathon.
EDSA will be at centerstage for the Galaxy Manila Marathon 2026 as the country’s main highway becomes the main platform for what many expect to be a defining moment for Philippine road racing and sports tourism.
RUNRIO, in partnership with SM Supermalls, have unveiled the grand plan for the event slated on June 12 and 13 which will see the runners traverse the major thoroughfare from SM Mall of Asia to SM North EDSA.
“This year’s Galaxy Manila Marathon brings us a great source of pride given that this race won’t just coincide with the Independence Day but also happens in EDSA,” said RUNRIO president and CEO Rio de la Cruz.
This partnership unites corporate and sports leaders together with government officials all with the goal of a fruitful collaboration that pushes for more local and international runners and showcasing the country’s cities as prime venues for world-class racing events.
With EDSA being turned into a race course of its own, the organizers aim to offer a uniquely urban marathon experience while highlighting Metro Manila’s central corridor as a stage for international sporting events.
“This is more than just a race—it’s an opportunity to showcase the Philippines to the world through sports,” said de la Cruz. “We want to bring in runners from across the globe and let them experience our roads, our culture, and our communities.”
Beyond Manila, the partnership includes a series of races across key regional destinations, reinforcing the country’s sports tourism drive. These include the Singlife Iloilo Marathon (April 12), Singlife Cebu International Marathon (July 12), Singlife Davao Marathon (August 15), Singlife One Clark International Marathon (September 20), and Singlife Cagayan de Oro Marathon (December 13).
This endeavor is also aligned with SM Supermalls’ efforts to create accessible, community-centered venues that promote both wellness and tourism.
“By hosting races across our locations nationwide, we are helping bring people together while also supporting local economies through sports-driven travel,” said SM Supermalls president Steven Tan.
The marathon series is backed by Samsung Philippines as title sponsor of the Manila race, with the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) all providing support and ASICS, Gatorade, and Singlife Philippines all bolstering the series.
Banner images from RUNRIO.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Galaxy Manila Marathon 2026 is a historic road race presented by SM Supermalls and RunRio. It is renowned for being the first-ever marathon to feature a route traversing the entire length of EDSA, transforming one of Metro Manila’s busiest highways into a landmark marathon course.
The event was held from June 12 to 13, 2026, with the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex in Pasay City serving as the primary hub for the race start, finish line, race village, and marathon expo.
The marathon offered four categories to accommodate runners of various skill levels:
42KM (Full Marathon): For participants 18 years and above.
21KM (Half Marathon): For participants 18 years and above.
10KM: For participants 16 years and above.
5KM: For participants 13 years and above (runners 12 and below could participate if accompanied by a guardian).
The 42KM route was certified by World Athletics and the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). It provided runners with the rare opportunity to run the full stretch of EDSA—from the SM Mall of Asia to SM North EDSA and back—offering a unique perspective of the city’s urban landscape.
Beyond the race, the event served as a platform for community support and nation-building. Organizers dedicated the collective energy of the event to provide meaningful support for families affected by the earthquake in General Santos, reinforcing the marathon’s goal of creating impact beyond race day.