Cagayan de Oro just made its case as Mindanao’s next running hub. The sold-out EastWest Dream Run 2026 drew more than 4,000 runners, families and fans, and every race category sold out before race day.

Organized by RUNRIO in support of the Department of Tourism’s Love the Philippines campaign, the event was the third of four stops in the nationwide series, after Manila and Iloilo. Participants came from across Northern Mindanao and neighboring areas.

Cagayan de Oro Strengthens Its Case as a Mindanao Sports Tourism Hub

The race offered a 1K Dog Run and 3K, 5K, 10K and 21K categories, and all of them sold out ahead of race day. The turnout added to Cagayan de Oro’s growing reputation as a sports tourism destination.

Runners covered portions of the BCI Highway before reaching a festive finish area at Limketkai Center. Families, friends and furparents joined the celebration alongside runners chasing personal bests.

In the 21K, Aialou Guinayon topped the women’s division, while Mark Calamba Gumaya won the men’s category in the event’s premier distance. The results capped a race that mixed serious competition with a festival feel.

EastWest brand ambassador Donny Pangilinan was one of the day’s biggest draws, with fans lining up for photos and selfies. Runners also had surprise encounters with the actor during race-day activities.

EastWest Dream Run Pairs Race-Day Festival With Push Into Northern Mindanao

The race village stayed busy long after the finish line, with complimentary taho, donuts and ice cream on offer. Participants also claimed race entitlements, loot bags, giveaways and partner offers amid music, games and sponsor activations.

The weekend coincided with the recent opening of EastWest’s new Limketkai Store, steps from the venue. The branch reinforces the bank’s growing presence in Northern Mindanao, where EastWest Chief Marketing Officer Martin Reyes says it aims to serve customers.

Reyes outlined the bank’s mission. “At EastWest, our mission is to help make our customers’ dreams more attainable, whether that’s owning a home or a car, growing a business, achieving financial independence, or securing their family’s future,” he said.

Reyes said the run puts that mission into action. “Dream Run brings that same idea to life. The thousands who joined the event are a reminder that dreams come in many forms, but they all begin the same way: by taking that first step.”

Reyes said EastWest wants to take Dream Run to more communities. “That’s why we’re thrilled to bring the event to Cagayan de Oro, and we hope to share this experience with even more communities across the Philippines in the years ahead,” he added.

The event was supported by partners including Filinvest, FDC Misamis Power Corporation, Visa, EastWest Ageas and Ford. A long list of other brands also backed the run.

From competitive runners and first-timers to families and fans hoping to see Pangilinan, the sold-out event drew a diverse crowd from across Northern Mindanao and beyond. The turnout reflected the following EastWest Dream Run has built across the country.