TABOGON, Cebu — A new running event in this northern Cebu town will focus on mental health, drug-free communities and youth empowerment.
The first “Keep Going Tabogon: Run for a Cause 2026” is expected to gather more than 2,500 runners from the municipality’s 25 barangay, and nearby local government units on Oct. 18, 2026.
The town, which is located approximately 90 kilometers north of Cebu City, is organizing the event with Bornwinner and Coco Running, with proceeds intended to support selected beneficiaries while promoting anti-bullying efforts.
For Run Ambassador Jid Durano, who is also a musical artist and social media personality, this running event is personal.
He said the organizers developed the run amid concerns over mental health and drug-related problems, including recent shooting and stabbing incidents in Philippine schools.
“We create a run for our cause, and not only to benefit the beneficiaries, but to empower people, that they would know that the communities are not alone, the runners are not alone,” he said in a press conference on Tuesday.
The event will also change how participants identify their reason for running. Instead of simply completing a race, runners can use an advocacy bib to write why, what or whom they are dedicating their run to.
Advocacy walls and banners will likewise be placed at the venue for participants to highlight the causes they support.
The race will have three distances: 1K, 3K and 5K. Registration fee is P750 for the 1K, P850 for the 3K and P950 for the 5K.
Each registration includes an advocacy bib, a finisher medal, an advocacy singlet, post-run snack and Run for a Cause kit. The 5K package also comes with a drawstring bag.
Durano said the race entitlements, including the medals and singlets by AndotSports, will be delivered on time, with veteran race director Joel Juarez providing technical support.
Juarez, who heads Coco Running, said the course will include uphill sections that will add a challenge for participants.
“I will assure everyone who will join, especially those coming from different cities and places, I will make this event a high-end event,” Juarez said.
Organizers are targeting more than 2,500 runners, with all the barangay in Tabogon encouraged to participate to promote sports and fitness among the youth, said Association of Barangay Captains president Salome Bungabong.
Municipal Information Officer John Hortelano said organizers are also considering onsite registration.
He added Mayor Francis Salimbangon is helping secure partnerships with brands and neighboring municipalities, particularly in northern Cebu.
