MANILA, Philippines — Nearly 2,000 participants are expected to take part in the inaugural Sun Life Bike & Run on Sunday (Nov. 8) at the Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus City, Cavite, bringing together cycling enthusiasts, runners, families and health advocates in a celebration of fitness, wellness and community spirit.
Following the success of its cycling event, a new running category is being introduced to empower more Filipinos to embrace active living, chase their wellness aspirations, and connect meaningfully through shared sporting experiences.
The event features 60-km and 45-km bike rides for cycling enthusiasts seeking a greater challenge, and a 15-km ride for those who prefer a shorter distance. Kids' rides and a family ride are also part of the program, encouraging parents and children to enjoy physical activity together. The 5-km run, meanwhile, welcomes those who prefer running to cycling.
The 45-km bike category drew the biggest field with more than 800 entries, while the 5-km run attracted close to 600 participants. The strong turnout across categories reflects growing interest among Filipinos in cycling, running and other activities that promote healthier, more active lifestyles.
More than a test of endurance, the event seeks to make fitness an enjoyable shared experience, encouraging participants to step outdoors, move more and develop healthier habits with friends and family. It also highlights how sports can bring together people of different ages, abilities and interests through a common commitment to well-being.
For Sun Life, adding running to its established cycling program represents more than simply expanding the race categories. It is part of a continuing effort to make fitness more accessible and inclusive, extending the cycling community to runners, families and individuals who share the same passion for an active lifestyle.
The family-oriented activities, particularly the kids' rides and family ride, further underscore the event's emphasis on building healthy habits across generations. By introducing children to the joys of movement at an early age, the event hopes to inspire families to make physical activity a regular part of everyday life.
Cycling, meanwhile, continues to gain popularity as both a competitive sport and a lifestyle pursuit, offering physical benefits, outdoor enjoyment and opportunities for camaraderie. Together with running, it provides an accessible way for people to improve their fitness while connecting with like-minded individuals.
Organized by Sunrise Events, Inc., the event enjoys the full support of the host city and Vermosa Sports Hub, helping ensure a seamless experience for participants while reinforcing the shared commitment to promoting health and an active lifestyle.
Overall, the Sun Life Bike & Run goes beyond competition and race-day achievements. It celebrates the power of sports to bring people together, strengthen family and community ties, and inspire lasting lifestyle changes – all in pursuit of a healthier, more active and better quality of life. TMT
