CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — More than 4,000 runners and supporters filled the streets of Cagayan de Oro for the sold-out EastWest Dream Run 2026, turning race day into a celebration of fitness, family, and community, with actor Donny Pangilinan among the event's biggest attractions.
The Cagayan de Oro leg marked the third stop of EastWest Dream Run's four-leg nationwide series, following successful events in Manila and Iloilo. Organized by RUNRIO in support of the Department of Tourism's Love the Philippines campaign, the event drew participants from Northern Mindanao and neighboring areas.
With all race categories sold out before race day, the strong turnout highlighted the growing interest in running events and sports tourism in Cagayan de Oro.
Donny Pangilinan Brings Extra Excitement to Race Day
EastWest brand ambassador Donny Pangilinan added star power to the event, drawing cheers from fans and participants throughout the morning.
Attendees took the opportunity to snap photos and selfies with the actor, while some runners enjoyed surprise encounters with him during race-day activities. His appearance added a dose of excitement to an event that brought together people with different fitness goals and reasons for joining.
From serious runners aiming for a personal best to first-timers looking for a fun challenge, the event welcomed participants who wanted to be part of the growing running community in the City of Golden Friendship.
From 1K Dog Run to Half Marathon, There Was a Race for Everyone
EastWest Dream Run 2026 offered five race categories: the 1K Dog Run, 3K, 5K, 10K, and 21K.
The variety allowed participants of different ages and fitness levels to take part, including families running together and furparents who brought their dogs along for the experience.
Runners traversed portions of the BCI Highway before heading to the festive finish area at Limketkai Center. The venue became a meeting point for participants, friends, families, and supporters celebrating their race-day achievements.
For many, the experience went beyond the distance covered. It was an opportunity to spend time with loved ones, stay active, and be part of a large community event.
Race Village Offers Treats, Games, and Activities
The excitement continued after participants crossed the finish line, as the race village at Limketkai Center kept the celebration going.
Runners enjoyed complimentary taho, donuts, ice cream, and other treats while collecting their race entitlements, loot bags, and giveaways. Event partners also offered exclusive deals and product experiences through various sponsor activations.
Music and games added to the festive atmosphere, giving participants and spectators more reasons to stay and enjoy the event even after the races were completed.
The setup helped make the Dream Run more than a traditional road race, creating an experience that extended to families, friends, and other supporters who came along.
Aialou Guinayon and Mark Calamba Gumaya Win the 21K Divisions
While many participants joined for fun and personal milestones, the event also featured competitive racing in its premier 21K category.
Aialou Guinayon topped the women's half-marathon division, while Mark Calamba Gumaya claimed the men's 21K championship.
Their performances highlighted the competitive side of the event, which brought together runners with different levels of experience and ambitions.
EastWest Expands Its Presence in Northern Mindanao
The Dream Run also coincided with the recent opening of EastWest's new Limketkai Store, located just steps away from the event venue.
The opening reflects the bank's continued presence in Northern Mindanao and its commitment to serving customers in the region.
Martin Reyes, EastWest Chief Marketing Officer, said the Dream Run reflects the bank's mission of helping customers make their dreams more attainable, whether through homeownership, car ownership, business growth, financial independence, or securing their families' future.
He added that the thousands who participated demonstrated that dreams come in different forms but begin with taking the first step.
EastWest also expressed its enthusiasm for bringing the experience to Cagayan de Oro and reaching more communities across the Philippines in the years ahead.
Cagayan de Oro Strengthens Its Position as a Running Destination
The successful staging of the EastWest Dream Run adds to Cagayan de Oro's growing calendar of sporting events and reinforces its potential as a destination for sports tourism in Mindanao.
With participants coming from across Northern Mindanao and neighboring areas, the event brought together local communities and visitors through a shared interest in fitness and an active lifestyle.
The combination of road racing, family-friendly activities, celebrity appearances, and a lively race village also demonstrated how running events can attract a broader audience beyond competitive athletes.
For CDO, the sold-out turnout was another opportunity to showcase the city's capacity to host large-scale community events while bringing people together through sports and recreation.
Whether chasing a championship, completing a first race, running alongside family, or enjoying the day with a furry companion, the EastWest Dream Run 2026 gave thousands of participants a reason to celebrate their own milestones.
For more information about the nationwide series, visit EastWest Dream Run 2026.
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