The iconic PAL Manila Marathon—the first-ever international marathon in the Philippines since 1982—is making a strong comeback on June 22, in celebration of Araw ng Maynila (Manila Day), with exciting prizes and global participation expected.

In a show of continued commitment, Manila Bulletin proudly renews its role as the official media partner of the 43rd edition of the PAL Manila Marathon, celebrating more than four decades of passion, perseverance, and community through running. The strengthened collaboration was officially sealed during the agreement signing between ManilaMarathon.org President and Race Organizer Mr. Dino Bautista Jose (left) and Manila Bulletin Brand & Marketing Department Head Mr. Leslie Araujo (right).

A round-trip ticket to the Dubai Marathon 2026 awaits the overall male champion, while the top foreign runner will have the chance to win a round-trip ticket to the Tokyo Marathon 2026—provided they break the Philippine all-comers record of 2:14:34, set by East Germany’s Waldemar Cierpinski, the back-to-back Olympic marathon gold medalist (Montreal 1976, Moscow 1980), during the inaugural PAL Manila International Marathon in 1981.

To date, 98 international runners from the United States, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Singapore, Japan, Turkey, and Malaysia have confirmed their participation. The Manila Marathon remains a historic event, being the first Philippine marathon accepted into the prestigious Association of International Marathons (AIMS).

The race will begin at Roxas Boulevard, Liwasang Ulalim (in front of the CCP Complex) and will follow a 42.195-kilometer out-and-back route that finishes at the Quirino Grandstand. Race categories include 42KM, 21KM, 10KM, 5KM, and a new 3KM fun run—all professionally timed via the Check Point Timing System.

Among the notable competitors returning are last year’s men’s champion Richard Salano and runner-up Nasser Alali of France, both of whom aim to make their mark in this prestigious event.

Organized by ManilaMarathon.org, the event is spearheaded by Mr. Dino Jose, one of the pioneer runners of the original Manila International Marathon.

“As someone who personally benefited from competing at a high level in this historic race, reviving the country’s premier road marathon is my way of giving back,” shared Jose.

The 43rd PAL Manila Marathon is co-presented by Philippine Airlines and the City of Manila, and supported by major sponsors including Gardenia, IONS Energy Drink, Maynilad, Manila Bulletin, Orchid Garden Suites Hotel, Salonpas, and Unilab, with backing from the Association of Medical Doctors in Asia (AMDA).

As its official media partner, Manila Bulletin is committed to amplifying the inspiring stories, strength, and spirit behind this world-class event—celebrating every step of the journey on and off the racecourse.