More than 300 runners took to the streets for charity on Sunday, June 21, 2026, as the Stouthearted Men of Class 79 of Saint Louis University Boys’ High School successfully hosted the inaugural Stouthearted Run at Lake Drive in Burnham Park.
Proceeds from the multi-category footrace are designated for local scholarships, indigent community projects, and medical workers at the Baguio General Hospital as top finishers were given premium running gears instead of the usual cash prizes.
In the flagship 16K division, Dash Ramos claimed the men’s title with a time of 58 minutes, 49 seconds, narrowly defeating runner-up Azor Tangalin (58:54). Mark Agrcia finished third in 1:02:41.
On the women’s side, Tziete Dee Geron crossed the finish line first at 1:27:13, followed by Chiqui Beuno (1:27:23) and Lou Ramos (1:31:40).
The 10K category saw Arjay Navida secure the top spot for the men in 36:30, ahead of Josh Ramos (37:30) and Kevin Cruz (39:01) while the distaff side saw Jennifer Chow led with a time of 54:24, with Sharmaine Donaal (56:07) and Krizelle Solomon (56:53) rounding out the top three.
In the shorter distances, Michael Bognadon took the men’s 5K crown in 18:09, with Arrow Ramos (18:13) and Justin Eslay (18:21) rounded up the top three while Mikaela Caruncho paced the women in 23:30 followed by Shy Burgos (25:22) and Claire Chel Gallardo (27:08).
In the 3K sprint, Nash Valdez won the men’s division with a time of 12:39 with Denzel Pagaduan coming in at second with a time of 13:10 while Aaron Andres finished third after clocking 13:45.
Pauline Taasan claimed the women’s title in 17:24 with Avon Rulloda (24:28) and Marites Bulatao (24:35) rounding up the top three.
“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,” overall project coordinator Rey Balanon, of the Stouthearted Men of Class ’79 of Saint Louis University Boys’ High School said.
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.
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
