Manila is the Epicenter of the Philippines’ Running Era
Aside from being a businessman, Josh Austria has been working…
If you’ve been scrolling through your feeds lately, you’ve probably noticed a massive vibe shift in how Manila spends its weekends. Instead of late nights at crowded clubs or bars, the new place to hang out is right on the asphalt.
A huge fitness wave has taken over the city, turning local parks and open streets into lively weekend hangout spots. On weekends, some cities make the most of empty morning roads and designate them as car-free tracks for people to get their runs and steps in. The wellness and fitness culture is truly alive.
And right at the heart of this movement is the rise of run clubs and crew workouts. Young pros, content creators, and everyday runners are realizing that chasing personal bests together is way more fun, fulfilling, and not to mention endorphin-giving than wilding out for the weekend.
And leading this charge is an event that blends active living with smart tech: the Xiaomi POP Run.
Starting out back in 2018 as a simple online step-counting challenge, the POP Run has grown into a much-anticipated community fitness event in Manila by leading global technology brand Xiaomi. Whether you’re a beginner tackling a chill 5K or a seasoned runner pushing through a heavy 21K half-marathon, the event is all about moving together and having a good time, especially with the latest offerings from the brand.
What makes the Manila leg special this year is how effortlessly it ties fitness tech into the mix. You’ll see runners tracking their splits and strides with their Xiaomi smart bands, but that’s not all. Capturing those sweaty group selfies, scenic route snaps, and finish-line highs made super easy with the brand-new REDMI Note 17 Series, built specifically for creators on the go.
The REDMI Note 17 Series is especially built for outdoor adventures, even if it’s just running on the road. Its Titan Durability, comprised of impact and water resistance, ensures that it’ll survive accidents like the inadvertent fall from your pocket to the asphalt or a sudden rainshower.
It’s also packed with an ultra-clear high-megapixel main camera setup for razor-sharp action shots or vivid groupfies with your run club, a brilliant high-refresh-rate AMOLED display for bright outdoor viewing, and all-day battery life to keep up with your longest training days—or the excitement of the race day at the Xiaomi POP Run.
At the end of the day, the Xiaomi POP Run isn’t just about collecting medals or scoring race kits—it’s about real-life connection. In a world glued to screens, it gives tech fans and fitness lovers a chance to meet IRL, share some miles, and celebrate progress together.
Ready to jump into Manila’s running era? Lace up your sneakers, sync your wearables, and get ready for a solid day of community energy and tech-powered fitness.
The Xiaomi POP Run event in partnership with RunRio is happening this Oct 24, at Parqal, Aseana City with gunstart at 3:30AM. See you there!
Aside from being a businessman, Josh Austria has been working in PR and media industry for more more than a decade. From his years of experience as the Marketing and Advertising Head of Village Pipol Magazine, he has built strong relationships with creative people, brands, and organizations.
