Eight runners outpaced a field of 310 participants to claim top podium titles at the Stouthearted Run held at Lake Drive, Burnham Park, Baguio City today, Sunday, June 21, 2026.
Division champions Pauline Taasan, Michaela Karuncho, Jennifer Chao, Cytel Geron, Nash Valdez, Michael Bognadon, Arjay Navida, and Dash Ramos secured premium athletic gear in the multi-category event.
Overall Project Coordinator Rey Balanon, of the Stouthearted Men of Class ’79 of Saint Louis University Boys’ High School, said, “I would like to encourage you to join not only for the fun, for health, but also to be able to support a meaningful purpose, and that is with regards to funding the Stouthearted Men projects.”
To ensure that registration proceeds go directly to community welfare, organizers skipped standard cash prizes and instead rewarded top finishers with runner-specific gear, including specialty sports watches and premium headphones.
Balanon explained that the race aims to establish a sustainable fundraising framework for local healthcare networks, educational scholarships, and indigent community projects. “It’s not only for fun, for health, for camaraderie, but for a noble intention of supporting humble organizations like the Stouthearted Men,” he said.
Champions Pauline Taasan and Nash Valdez topped the 3K category, while Michaela Karuncho and Michael Bognadon took the 5K category. Jennifer Chao and Arjay Navida ruled the 10K category, and Cytel Geron and Dash Ramos crossed the line first for the 16K category.
Balanon added that the event, staged by Race Director Che Alberto, serves as the launching pad for a multi-year municipal race series scheduled to run once or twice annually until 2028. Sean Lardizabal, UC intern
