IMUS, Philippines (Jun 2026) — More than 2,000 runners and their furry companions turned discarded plastic waste into a statement for the planet at a massive dawn run in Cavite. The fifth edition of the Vermosa Green Run saw athletes and pet lovers gathering at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub on June 28 to prove that staying fit and saving the environment go hand in hand.
Small actions with a big impact
Participants did more than just break a sweat; they contributed to a circular economy by wearing singlets and finisher shirts made entirely from recycled PET bottles. Organizers even offered discounts to those who donated used plastic bottles during registration. These collected items are headed to the Makati Development Corporation to be upcycled into eco-bricks for sustainable construction projects.
Lani Tan, general manager of the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, noted that the energy across the tracks was unmatched. She explained that the community’s passion for fitness is now deeply linked with environmental action. The goal is to keep scaling this impact, proving that active, high performance lifestyles can be completely sustainable.
Leaving a green legacy
The event also served as a major boost for local reforestation. Groups of 10 runners were automatically enrolled in the Haribon Foundation’s Forests for Life Movement. This initiative focuses on planting and nurturing native tree species to restore degraded forests across the country using a science-based approach.
Letty Oh-Naňagas, marketing manager for Vermosa, shared that the funds raised from the run go directly into rainforestation programs. Because of the high turnout of group registrations this year, hundreds of new native trees will be planted as a result of the runners’ efforts.
The winners’ circle
While the planet was the biggest winner, several runners took home top honors across various categories. Edgardo Panopio and Lorely Magalona topped the 21K category, while Jomm Lacanilao-Gay and Patrice Quiday led the 10K run. In the 5K division, John Mark Balogo and Ira Alvaro finished first. The 3K category saw Jessi Valentine and Danielle Sophia take the lead, and Moises Calastravo with his dog, Onzi, made their mark in the 1K Dog Run.
The 2026 run supported the Haribon Foundation, Takbo Kabitenyo, and the Pawssion Project, helping drive advocacies for ecosystem conservation, youth sports development, and animal welfare.
