Manila lights up for AIA RnR night run

With over 8,000 runners charging to the starting line, hundreds of supporters rallying from the sidelines, and an entire city turning into a neon-lit arena, the AIA Rock ’n’ Roll Manila presented by ASICS is set to blast off this Saturday at Rizal Park, promising a high-octane fusion of athletic grit, musical energy and pure Filipino festivity.

The massive turnout — already spread across five race categories (AIA 1km KIDS, 5km, AIA 10km, Pilipinas Live 21km and ASICS 42km) cements the event as one of the country’s biggest and most anticipated running spectacles. Now on its fourth straight staging in the nation’s capital, the event continues to grow not only in numbers but in cultural vibrancy, transforming Manila into a grand nighttime celebration of movement, music and community spirit.

Runners will once again enjoy a rare treat — an opportunity to race through Manila’s historic and iconic landmarks illuminated under festive lights, on fully closed roads that showcase the city at its most enchanting. From the starting line at Luneta Park, participants will make their way past the National Museum, Manila City Hall, Fort Santiago, the bustling streets of Binondo, and the scenic Manila Bay strip.

The entire route is certified by the World Athletics Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) which means it has met stringent standards for safety and accuracy, making it not just visually memorable but also a qualifier for the World Marathon Majors. Fast, smooth and atmospheric, the course offers runners the perfect blend of performance potential and spectacle.

Adding to the electric ambiance is the series’ signature entertainment — live bands, themed water stations, cheering squads, and a full post-race concert that promises to keep the celebration alive until midnight. Exclusive race medals — now heavier and more intricately designed — and other finisher keepsakes await participants as lasting mementos of an unforgettable night run through the heart of the nation’s capital.

Meanwhile, run week continues with the Expo & Kit Claiming until today at Robinsons Place Manila, while the Festival Area opens on Friday at the Quirino Grandstand. The main marathon fires off at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday followed by the other categories throughout the morning.

One of the highlights of the 2025 edition is the debut of the AIA 1km kids’ run, a fun and family-friendly category designed to introduce children to the joys of fitness and movement. It underscores AIA’s continuing commitment to building healthier communities by inspiring the next generation to stay active early — allowing kids to experience the same Rock ’n’ Roll excitement, music and sense of accomplishment that grown-up runners enjoy.

More than just a race, the event aims to serve as a powerful platform encouraging Filipinos to embrace healthier, more active lifestyles.

With its expanded entertainment zones, iconic city course, record-breaking field of runners and unmatched festive energy, the series is poised to deliver an extraordinary night of miles, music, medals, memories — and Manila at its most vibrant.