More than 1,800 participants gathered at the starting line in Mandaue City to kick off the first leg of the PalawanPay Trilogy Marathon 2026.
The finish line was only part of the story in Mandaue City on September 27. More than 1,800 runners joined the opening leg of the PalawanPay Trilogy Marathon, a three-city series raising funds to help purchase fully equipped emergency ambulances for underserved communities in Aklan and South Cotabato.
The Cebu race welcomed everyone from first-time 5K participants to runners chasing a half-marathon podium. Families, friends, employees and local running groups shared the course, giving the event the feel of a community gathering as well as a competition.
Daniel “The Beast” Boiwo led the men’s 21K field, with Arvengie Encinada second and Glady Kipto third. Teresiah Kabui won the women’s 21K, followed by Michelle Raniola and Cristine Ann Sardoncillo.
The shorter distances produced their own champions. Mark Mahinay and Michellle Zamora won the men’s and women’s 16K races; Anthony Orellano and Lijeaven Noay took the 10K titles; and Zeus Lecera and Jane Pangalao topped the 5K fields.
“Cebu has been an important part of Palawan’s growth,” said Lisa Castro-Sabado, chief business development officer of Palawan Group of Companies. She welcomed the chance to bring residents together for an activity that promotes wellness and supports communities in need.
Organized with RunRio and the UP Office of Athletics and Sports Development, the Trilogy now moves to Palawan on October 18, then Manila on November 28. For runners who missed the Cebu start, two more legs remain to join the cause.
