MILO Marathon champions Richard Salaño and Christine Hallasgo joined the prestigious Sydney Marathon on Aug. 31, 2025. Salaño will compete in the ASICS META: Time: Trials 10km race on Oct. 19 at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Cavite. (Contributed photo)
The global running community will shift its gaze to Cavite this October as the ASICS META: Time: Trials makes its long-awaited Philippine debut. The premier event, set for October 19 at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, promises to gather the nation’s best athletes and passionate weekend warriors in a high-stakes showcase of endurance and speed.
The highlight of the competition is the 10-kilometer Open category, which carries a total prize pool of P400,000. Both the men’s and women’s champions will take home P100,000 each, while those finishing second through 10th place are assured of P10,000 apiece.
Among those expected to generate buzz is MILO Marathon king Richard Salaño, fresh from his stint at the Sydney Marathon last August 31. Salaño, who clocked a personal best of 2:26:51 to emerge as the top Southeast Asian finisher in a field of more than 21,000, is eyeing to test his form in Cavite even while focusing on the grueling 42-kilometer event at the upcoming Southeast Asian Games.
“It’s going to be tough to get a podium here because my training is geared toward the full marathon, but I’ll give it my best,” said the 22-year-old runner.
Salaño’s fellow MILO Marathon champion Christine Hallasgo also flew the Philippine flag in Sydney, completing her race in 2:54:27 for a respectable 37th place out of over 11,000 competitors.
Beyond the prize money, organizers say the event is about celebrating the spirit of running. “ASICS META: Time: Trials Philippines gives Filipino runners a rare opportunity to experience a world-class race while also opening the door for beginners to challenge themselves,” said Ishina Buxani, marketing director of SONAK Retail Group, the official ASICS distributor in the country. “It’s not just about who crosses the finish line first, but about creating a space where runners push their own limits and walk away stronger.”
Runners aged 16 and above are eligible to compete for prizes, and registration is now open via Race Roster (https://bit.ly/ASICSMTT-PH).
In the lead-up to the event, the ASICS Running Club (ARC) is extending free weekly training sessions at ASICS Glorietta every Tuesday and at SM Mall of Asia every Friday. These workouts not only help runners prepare for the Cavite challenge but also allow them to try the latest ASICS performance gear in action.
With elite athletes chasing podiums and everyday runners chasing personal milestones, the Philippine edition of the ASICS META: Time: Trials is shaping up to be more than just a race—it’s a celebration of perseverance, progress, and passion on the road.