MANILA, Philippines (Jun 2026) — For one weekend, Metro Manila’s most notorious stretch of road stopped being a traffic nightmare and became something else entirely: a marathon route.
The Galaxy Manila Marathon 2026, held June 12 to 13, marked the first time a full 42-kilometer race traversed EDSA from end to end. Around 25,000 runners took part across 5KM, 10KM, 21KM, and 42KM categories, turning the country’s most congested highway into a finish-line moment for thousands of Pinoys — elite athletes, first-timers, and families alike.
The timing was deliberate. The full marathon launched late on June 12, coinciding with Philippine Independence Day, framing the run as something of a national celebration on foot.
A historic highway, reimagined
The event was organized in partnership with RUNRIO and SM Supermalls, with support from the Department of Tourism (DOT). Race routes were certified by World Athletics and the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), and sanctioned by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA).
Documenting the whole thing was photographer Jilson Tiu, who shot the event exclusively using the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. His photos chronicle what it looked like when 25,000 runners converged on a road that Pinoys usually associate with gridlock, not personal bests.
Samsung’s bet on connected wellness
For Samsung, the marathon was more than a sponsorship. The brand showcased its Galaxy Watch lineup at the event, including the Galaxy Watch8, Galaxy Watch8 Classic, and Galaxy Watch Ultra, positioning its wearables as everyday training companions rather than race-day accessories.
The Galaxy Watch8 includes a Running Coach feature that provides tailored training plans and real-time guidance based on individual fitness levels. An Energy Score readout gives users a snapshot of physical and mental readiness, while the BioActive Sensor and Antioxidant Index add health context beyond standard performance metrics.
“The Galaxy Manila Marathon is a strong expression of Samsung’s vision for connected wellness, where technology and lifestyle intersect to inspire healthier, more intentional living,” said Kristine Go, Samsung Electronics Philippines Mobile Experience Head. “Through Samsung’s Galaxy ecosystem, we aim to enable more seamless wellness journeys that extend beyond race day.”
The deals, if you’re shopping
Samsung is running a limited-time sale on select Galaxy wearables tied to the marathon:
- Galaxy Watch8 (40mm): PHP 8,396 (approx. $145), down from PHP 20,990
- Galaxy Watch8 (44mm): PHP 9,196 (approx. $159), down from PHP 22,990
- Galaxy Watch8 Classic (46mm): PHP 11,996 (approx. $207), down from PHP 29,990
- Galaxy Watch Ultra: PHP 16,396 (approx. $283), down from PHP 40,990
- Galaxy Fit3: PHP 1,396 (approx. $24), down from PHP 3,490
For more information, visit Samsung.com or the Samsung Philippines Newsroom.
