MAKATI CITY — A wave of yellow took over Ayala Triangle Gardens on Sunday as approximately 12,000 runners participated in the SpongeBob Run 2026, transforming the city’s premier urban park into a lively version of Bikini Bottom. The family-oriented fun run attracted participants of all ages, from children dressed in pineapple-themed outfits to adults sporting their favorite SpongeBob-inspired costumes. Leading the field in the 10-kilometer race were Ritchie Estampador and Maricar Camacho, who recorded the fastest times of 34 minutes and 18 seconds and 42 minutes and 41 seconds, respectively.
A Race for Every SpongeBob Fan
The event featured both 10K and 5K categories, giving runners of varying fitness levels an opportunity to take part. In the men’s 10K division, Estampador was followed by Edgar Lee (34:51), and Neil Maramba (35:04). In the women’s division, Camacho was joined on the podium by Jocelyn Elijeran (44:48) and Elena Camu (48:39). The 5K race also produced strong performances. Cavin Vidal topped the men’s category (16:52), followed by Kristoffer Troy Sison (18:45) and Edwin Garcia (20:50). In the women’s division, Melody Lantad secured first place (21:58), while Michelle Manuel and Joana Dres completed (24:49 )and (24:53), respectively.
Promoting Fitness Through Popular Culture
By drawing on the enduring popularity of SpongeBob SquarePants, the event successfully brought together families, fitness enthusiasts, and longtime fans of the beloved animated franchise. “True to what was promised, it was one of the most fun runs we’ve had and we’re glad to share it not just with our usual fitness enthusiasts but also the longtime SpongeBob fans,” said RUNRIO president Rio de la Cruz. The event highlighted how Makati’s public spaces can serve as welcoming venues for activities that combine fitness, entertainment, and community engagement, creating memorable experiences for participants of all ages.
A Boost for Makati’s Sports Tourism Calendar
The SpongeBob Run 2026 adds another unique and family-friendly event to Makati’s growing sports tourism calendar, with support from Paramount and Nickelodeon. Alongside competitive races, charity runs, and wellness events, themed fun runs continue to strengthen the city’s reputation as a preferred destination for sporting activities. The impressive turnout also reflected the increasing popularity of creative race concepts that transform exercise into a celebration, encouraging more people to embrace active lifestyles while enjoying a fun and engaging atmosphere.
