This morning, I joined a community run hosted by Founders Running Club. It was my first time running with them, and the timing couldn’t have been better. Instead of their usual routes around Bridgetown near Opus Mall, the run happened on Ayala Avenue during Car-Free Sunday—when the main road at the heart of the Makati Central Business District is closed for 4-5 hours so people can walk, jog, run, or just move without worrying about traffic.
Almost immediately, it felt different from a typical run. I saw people skating, others jogging with their dogs, a few riding reclined bikes, and one dad running while pushing his kid in a big stroller. It didn’t feel like a workout in the usual sense. It felt like the city had slowed down just enough to let people exist in it properly.
I didn’t take many photos or videos, and that was intentional. I wanted to stay present, move comfortably, and just take everything in instead of thinking about documenting it. The run felt personal that way. What stood out early on was how much care went into the warm-up. It wasn’t rushed or treated like a formality. We were guided through a full sequence of movements—enough to actually prepare our bodies, not just check a box. It set the tone right away: no pressure, no ego, just showing up and moving safely.
Because it was Car-Free Sunday, Ayala Avenue was already full of people doing their own thing. There were several groups running that morning, not just ours. At one point, we crossed paths with another organized fun run, TACbo 2016, put together by a private brand. Seeing different groups share the same streets made the whole experience feel bigger than any single event. It was genuinely nice to see runners from all walks of life—different ages, speeds, and reasons for being there—moving through the city together, even if only for a few hours.
After the run, we headed to 404 Not Found Coffee, one of the sponsor cafés, where we were treated to free coffee and pastries. Inside, there was live music and a DJ playing in the background. The energy was relaxed and easy. Some people were chatting, some were quietly moving along with the music, others were just sitting with their drinks. It didn’t feel like a party, exactly—especially since it was still morning and alcohol-free—but there was a warmth to it that made it feel like a natural continuation of the run.
A few other sponsors were involved as well, including RVCA Philippines and Sunny 16 Lab. Disposable digital cameras were handed out—five main units and several more for other participants—and there was a simple photo contest. The group was split between those running and those taking photos while running, which added a playful layer to the morning without taking away from the pace.
I hadn’t planned on taking photos at all, but when we passed by Ayala Triangle Gardens, I stopped. There was a tall rainbow eucalyptus with bark peeling in streaks of green, blue, orange, red, and brown. I asked my friend to take a quick photo. And yes, I hugged the tree. After walking and running for about an hour and a half, it felt grounding. The trunk was cool to the touch. Pausing there, even briefly, felt calming—like a reminder that not everything has to be about moving forward.
If you’re looking for a running club in Manila that is open for all types if runners, this kind of community works. Not every run has sponsors like free coffee an pastry but it is the kind of running club that is easy to get along with.
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