CLARK GLOBAL CITY, Pampanga – More than 8,000 runners converged in Clark in the early hours of Sunday for the successful staging of the 16th TCS Clark Animo International Marathon, celebrating another milestone edition of one of Central Luzon’s premier road races and signaling the continued recovery of the running community toward its pre-pandemic peak of 10,000 participants from more than 24 countries and territories.
Organized by the De La Salle Alumni Association-Pampanga Chapter, the event featured a full slate of race categories including the 42.2 km marathon, 21 km half marathon, 10 km, 5 km, and 2.5 km fun & kids’ run, attracting elite athletes, recreational runners, corporate teams, and families.
“We started with around 600 participants in our first year (2009)” said Abe Tayag, Race Director & 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 that promotes health and fitness while supporting community and environmental initiatives.”
Event Chairperson Aries Patawaran emphasized that the race continues to maintain international standards for participants.
“The TCS Clark Animo International Marathon and all its race distances are conducted on WORLD ATHLETICS® certified courses, ensuring that runners complete the accurate distance and that their official times are recognized internationally,” Patawaran said. “This is particularly important for runners aiming to qualify for major global races such as the Boston Marathon, while also guaranteeing a high-quality race experience for every participant.”
Marathon Champions
Top honors in the 42 km marathon went to the following athletes:
Men’s Division
🥇 Welfred Esporma – [2:44:05]
🥈 [Arjay Navida] – [2:46:28]
🥉 [Jeremy Enreras] – [2:50:58]
Women’s Division
🥇 [Jewel De Luna] – [3:12:05]
🥈 [Hazel Mata] – [3:23:16]
🥉 [Lady Madonna] – [3:41:27]
Half Marathon Champions
In the 21 km half marathon, the podium finishers were:
Men’s Division
🥇 [John Paul Cumagun] – [1:22:14]
🥈 [Alfonso Ampalo Jr.] – [1:22:30]
🥉 [Juan Antonio Damasig] – [1:22:31]
Women’s Division
🥇 [Krystal Paa] – [1:38:21]
🥈 [Jenalyn Galvez] – [1:41:51]
🥉 [Angela David] – [1:47:11]
Cash prizes were also awarded to the top three finishers in the 10 km and 5 km races in both the men’s and women’s divisions.
In the 10 km, Daniel Esguerra, Dave Maglaya, and Allorenz Pascual placed first, second, and third in the men’s division, while Merry Joy Trupa, Angel Mae Saysay, and Aika de Vera topped the women’s division.
In the 5 km, Lance Tayag, Rusty Cayabyab, and Mari Tayag led the men’s division, while Sam Corpuz, Elaine Quismundo, and Kamilah Lorraine Bumagat finished as the top three in the women’s division.
Adding excitement and creativity to the event were the Best Costume Awards, recognizing runners who brought extra flair and fun to the race.
The race also saw strong corporate participation, including over 1,200 runners from title sponsor Tata Consultancy Services, one of the largest multinational technology companies operating in Nepo Center, Angeles City.
Proceeds from the event will support the association’s environmental and community initiatives, including tree-planting programs, the maintenance of the Angeles City Watershed, and support for the La Salle Botanical Gardens at Alviera in Porac, Pampanga.
The TCS Clark Animo International Marathon is made possible through the support of its Title Sponsor Tata Consultancy Services and other sponsors and partners 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, along with numerous donors, volunteers, and supporters.
Media partner include CLTV36, with institutional support from Clark Development Corporation, Bases Conversion and Development Authority, the Angeles City Government, and Mt Carmel Medical Center-Clark.
Organizers look forward to an even bigger edition next year as the marathon continues to strengthen Clark’s reputation as a premier destination for endurance sports and active lifestyle events.
