The 16th TCS Clark Animo International Marathon drew more than 8,000 runners on Sunday, March 8, 2026, underscoring the event’s growing stature as one of Central Luzon’s biggest and most anticipated road races.
Held in Clark in the early hours of the morning, the marathon marked a strong step forward for the local running community as participation continued to rebound toward the event’s pre-pandemic high of 10,000 runners from more than 24 countries and territories.
Organized by the De La Salle Alumni Association–Pampanga Chapter, the race featured multiple categories catering to a wide range of participants, from serious competitors to families and first-time runners. Distances included the 42.2-kilometer full marathon, 21-kilometer half marathon, 10-kilometer race, 5-kilometer race, and a 2.5-kilometer fun and kids’ run.
“We started with around 600 participants in our first year in 2009,” said Abe Tayag, race director and president of the De La Salle Alumni Association–Pampanga Chapter. “Today, seeing thousands of runners join the race shows how the event has grown into a meaningful platform promoting health and fitness while supporting community and environmental initiatives.”
Organizers said the marathon continues to distinguish itself by maintaining international race standards, giving participants the assurance of accurate distances and globally recognized results.
“The TCS Clark Animo International Marathon and all its race distances are conducted on WORLD ATHLETICS-certified courses, ensuring accurate distances and internationally recognized results,” said event chairperson Aries Patawaran. “This is important for runners aiming to qualify for major global races such as the Boston Marathon, while also guaranteeing a high-quality race experience for all participants.”
TCS Philippines, the event’s title sponsor, said its continued backing reflects a commitment to initiatives that promote wellness, unity, and community engagement.
“TCS is proud to once again support the Clark Animo International Marathon, which energizes the running community and inspires healthy lifestyles and camaraderie among participants,” said Shiju Varghese, country head of TCS Philippines. “Athletic events foster unity, resilience, and innovation—values at the heart of TCS’ partnership with communities worldwide.”
In the full marathon, Welfred Esporma emerged as champion in the men’s division after clocking 2:44:05. He was followed by Arjay Navida at 2:46:28 and Jeremy Enreras at 2:50:58. In the women’s division, Jewel De Luna took the title with a time of 3:12:05, while Hazel Mata placed second in 3:23:16 and Lady Madonna finished third in 3:41:27.
The half marathon saw a tight contest in the men’s division, with John Paul Cumagun winning in 1:22:14. Alfonso Ampalo Jr. finished a close second at 1:22:30, while Juan Antonio Damasig came in third at 1:22:31. Krystal Paa topped the women’s division in 1:38:21, followed by Jenalyn Galvez in 1:41:51 and Angela David in 1:47:11.
Top finishers in the 10-kilometer and 5-kilometer categories also received cash prizes. In the 10-kilometer race, Daniel Esguerra, Dave Maglaya, and Allorenz Pascual placed first to third in the men’s division, while Merry Joy Trupa, Angel Mae Saysay, and Aika de Vera led the women’s division. In the 5-kilometer event, Lance Tayag, Rusty Cayabyab, and Mari Tayag topped the men’s category, while Sam Corpuz, Elaine Quismundo, and Kamilah Lorraine Bumagat led the women’s side.
The event also added a festive element through its Best Costume Awards, which recognized runners who brought extra creativity and energy to the race.
Corporate participation remained a major highlight, with more than 1,600 runners coming from title sponsor Tata Consultancy Services, one of the world’s largest multinational IT consulting firms with operations at Nepo Center in Angeles City.
Beyond the race itself, organizers said proceeds will go toward environmental and community-based projects of the association, including tree-planting efforts, maintenance of the Angeles City Watershed, and support for the La Salle Botanical Gardens at Alviera in Porac, Pampanga.
This year’s marathon was staged with the support of Tata Consultancy Services and a broad network of partners, including Clark Global City, Angeles Industrial Park Inc., The Hauslands, INBOX Store, Smart Communications, NIKE Clark, SM City Clark, JDN Realty, Pocari Sweat, Cherifer, Ford Clark, Clark Water, KALU Fitness, Stretchlab PH, Lasik Clinic–AUF, Park Inn Clark, Eurotel, ROMAC Services, Meifoods, and Titan Watches.
Coverage was provided by media partner CLTV36, while institutional support came from the Clark Development Corporation, Bases Conversion and Development Authority, the Angeles City Government, and Mt. Carmel Medical Center–Clark.
With turnout continuing to climb and interest in endurance sports gaining momentum, organizers are setting their sights on an even bigger race next year as Clark further builds its profile as a hub for major active lifestyle and sporting events.