Around 9,000 runners are expected to compete in the AIA Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Manila presented by ASICS on Sunday at the Rizal Park in Manila.

IRONMAN Philippines general manager Princess Galura said they are just waiting for the list to be finalized as the race will feature runners from different nations to join the competition.

“We still have four days. We are confident we will be able to reach 9,000 runners this year,” Galura, also the president and general manager of Sunrise Events Inc., said during a press launch on Monday, stressing that runners from all over the world are set to take part of this unique event that combines serious competition and festive atmosphere.

“Runners from the United States, Australia, Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Israel, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand, United Kingdom and Vietnam will also be joining.”

Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila officer-in-charge Cristal Bagatsing said the race would do wonders in boosting tourism in the country’s capital city since it will pass through various historical attractions and heritage sites.

“Since the race will pass through tourism sites and is a qualifier for international races, it attracts foreign countries to come and also affects the occupancy of the hotels and the tourism establishments,” Bagatsing said. “So, it promotes the country, it promotes Manila.”

With its “Sound Mind, Sound Body” philosophy, the race starts at Roxas Boulevard and passes by the Manila Bay Dolomite Beach, National Museum, Rizal Park, Manila City Hall, Binondo Church, Intramuros, Anda Circle until the finish line at Katigbak Parkway.

The race, which promises new tech, louder beats, and bigger celebrations that drew thousands of runners and spectators for an unforgettable weekend of fitness, fun and Filipino pride, consists of 42 kilometers, 21km, 10km, 5km and the 1km kids run and will start as early as past midnight.

The post-race festival at the Quirino Grandstand will be headlined by some of the country’s most beloved performers — The Itchyworms, Basti Artadi, Gracenote, and Reujen Lista & the Trinidad Band — with DJ Marc Marasigan setting the energy at the start line. Ten Nissan music stations will also immerse runners along the course.

The 2025 finisher medals uphold the race’s tradition of oversized, highly detailed, collector-grade pieces. Participants earning multiple medals through the Remix Challenge can look forward to a set designed for display and celebration.