DAVAO City will hold its first RunRio Pride Run, an accredited event of the Duaw Davao 2025, on June 29, 2025, at SM Lanang Premier, marking the event’s expansion from Manila to Mindanao.
Organizers expect over 1,000 participants to take part in the early morning run, which aims to promote awareness, inclusion, and support for the LGBTQIA+ community.
RunRio Pride Run has previously made its mark in Manila, but this is the first time it’s making its way to Davao. Local race director Kenneth Sai of KinetixSports underscored the significance of the event’s debut in the city, saying it’s an important step toward creating safe and visible spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community in Mindanao.
“They’re trying to bring awareness here in Davao,” Sai shared in an interview. “In Manila, many are already open and willing to join. But here, we want to build that same environment for LGBTQ awareness and acceptance.”
Open to all genders and age groups, the event welcomes runners from across Mindanao and beyond. From beginners to seasoned athletes, participants can choose distances that suit their pace while celebrating individuality. Even pets are included, with a special 1K run for those bringing their dogs. To make the race more festive, runners are encouraged to dress in costumes, turning the route into a vibrant, moving celebration.
More than 1,000 participants are expected to take part. All registered runners will receive race kits, finisher loot bags, and access to fun post-run activities, including a Zumba cool-down and booths set up within the SM Lanang activity area. Prizes await the top three finishers in each race category.
To ensure everyone’s safety, organizers will deploy marshals along the route, along with hydration booths, medical staff, and emergency responders. Unless extreme weather hits the area, the event will push through rain or shine.
While it’s the first Pride Run in Davao, Sai hopes it won’t be the last. “Hopefully, if the reception is good and the runners are accepting, RunRio might bring this back every year,” he said.
When asked what the Pride Run hopes to convey, Sai was clear and heartfelt: “It’s a celebration. A recognition of the LGBTQ community. It’s about fighting for equality, tolerance, and acceptance. We just hope everyone enjoys the race.”
Registration remains open via RaceRoster.com, with event details also posted on the RunRio Pride Run Facebook page. As the date draws near, Sai extended a warm invitation to all: “For those who haven’t registered yet, come run with us on June 29. This isn’t just a race—it’s a statement of love and pride.”
Registration Link: https://raceroster.com/events/2025/103067/runrio-pride-run-2025-davao. Lian A. Layson, Spamast Intern