Manila, Philippines, 24 June 2025 – More than 3.5 million steps and over 2,500 collective kilometers were logged during the Move for Play: Infinity 116KM Run, the country’s first-ever open-road ultra-endurance community run. Organized by the non-profit organization FundLife, the event held from June 14 to 15 brought runners from Clark to Makati in a call to action for safe, inclusive, and accessible play spaces for children in under-resourced communities. The run coincided with the United Nations International Day of Play and was conducted on active roads and highways, requiring participants to navigate traffic, potholes, heat, and city congestion. The 116-kilometer route symbolized the difficult and often dangerous terrain many Filipino children must cross daily to access education and recreation.
A total of 31 ultra-runners registered to complete the full route, while over 40 additional runners joined for various segments. 20 completed the entire course in a feat of physical endurance and social purpose. Leading the finishers were ultra-endurance athlete Natalie Dau and community runner Cecille Wael, who crossed the finish line together at 6:23 a.m. after running for 16 hours and 12 minutes.
Dau, who also served as an ambassador for the campaign, used her platform to amplify the message behind the movement. Her race updates and advocacy posts reached more than 100,000 people organically. “It was a tough day—the heat, the distance, the traffic—but we all knew why we were out there,” said Dau. “Running 116KM was never about personal achievement; it was about showing up and showcasing what’s possible when we move with a clear purpose. I’m proud to support Move for Play, and I’ll continue using running as a way to raise awareness and help more children access safe spaces where they can grow, play, and just be free to move.”