Find Your Pace Together: PUMA Kicks Off 2026 PH Half Marathon Series and Unveils the Deviate Route in Bridgetowne

Manila, Philippines (May 25, 2026) — PUMA gathered the Philippine running community at the 2026 PUMA Philippine Half Marathon Series kickoff, unveiling the brand-new "Deviate Route" in Bridgetowne through a special 5K community run. Designed as an optimized running track, the route will be available for an entire month and is tied to an official Strava route challenge. All month long, runners can head to Bridgetowne to conquer the course at their own pace and log their miles to compete in the online challenge with the rest of the running community.

Runners from all over the city, including members of the PUMA Nitro Run Club, had the exclusive opportunity to experience the Deviate Route and lace up with the all-new Deviate NITRO™ 4. Attendees got to connect with fellow runners, share training tips, and feel the difference that elite cushioning brings to every run.

The launch of the “Deviate Route” is part of the 2026 PH Half Marathon Series kickoff event. Bringing the thrill of premier racing to more athletes across the country, the series will expand across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, hosting events in Manila, Clark, Iloilo, Cebu, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro.

Experience Responsive Bounce with the Deviate NITRO™ 4

By combining the plush, cloud-like comfort of nitrogen-injected NITROFOAM™ with the gentle, forward-propelling spring of a carbon PWRPLATE, the Deviate NITRO™ 4 (PHP 10,500) equips every run with fun, comfort, and unparalleled support. 

The silhouette is specifically engineered to reduce leg fatigue and deliver responsive energy return to your stride, making it an incredibly accessible choice for everyday joggers who want to enjoy a smoother, more energized run.

Whether you are aiming for your first Half Marathon Series or gunning for a podium spot, this event gave the community a firsthand look at how PUMA’s top-tier running shoes can elevate their race-day performance. The Deviate NITRO™ 4 provides exactly the propulsion you need to ace the race.

A Nationwide Celebration of the Running Community 

The PUMA Philippine Half Marathon Series is more than a competition—it is also a celebration of the country’s diverse landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant running community. Organized in partnership with RUNRIO, the series guarantees a world-class racing standard that challenges runners while fully immersing them in the distinct charm of each host destination. Every leg of the series promises a unique running experience. 

Hosted in six different cities, participants will conquer diverse routes ranging from mountainous terrain to scenic coastal roads and bustling urban streets:

Race Leg

Host City

Official Date

Leg 1

Iloilo

July 12, 2026

Leg 2

Davao

July 19, 2026

Leg 3

Cebu

August 2, 2026

Leg 4

Clark

August 23, 2026

Leg 5

Cagayan de Oro

September 6, 2026

Leg 6

Manila

October 11, 2026

Similar to last year’s race, runners who complete all six cities in the circuit will be rewarded with the exclusive All-City Finisher Medal. Serving as a cultural showcase, the events will also feature post-race festivities showcasing local cuisine, music, and arts, allowing runners to refuel and celebrate alongside the community.

From the First 5K to the Finish Line, We Run Together

Built for speed, comfort, and every kind of runner with PUMA Deviate Nitro™ 4

Whether squeezing in a quick morning 5K with friends or gradually building up your endurance for longer weekend distances, the right footwear ensures every step feels effortless. By bringing the community together to test out the Deviate NITRO™ 4, PUMA invites every runner to set their sights on bold new fitness goals this year. 

With the support of a growing nationwide running community, a dedicated Strava route to train on, and the right shoes on your feet, conquering a half-marathon has never been more achievable.

Ready to join Philippine runners from around the country? Secure your spot at the starting line and register for the 2026 PH Half Marathon Series today. Visit PUMA Philippines’ official website and social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to learn more.

UP FOR A PLOT TWIST? Explore Unexpected Finds in Visayas at SM Supermalls

Not everything goes according to script, but honestly, that’s where the best parts can happen.

It’s all twist after twist, one minute you’re in a regular run, the next you’ve stumbled on something you didn’t expect, and suddenly it’s the highlight of your day. The kind you didn’t plan for, but made the detour oh-so-worth-it.

So if you’re up for a little scene switch, there’s always something waiting to surprise you at SM Supermalls in Visayas, where new and upcoming spots bring unexpected finds, exciting firsts, and moments that are all for you.

A Sudden Drip Addition

Just when everything’s right on track, a new name enters the mix to change the scene. Here comes the first-ever Salomon in Cebu, now open at the 2nd Level of SM J Mall–bringing in performance-driven design that moves seamlessly between function and everyday wear, adding a fresh, unexpected edge to your usual lineup. 

A Tasty Surprise 

Right when you think you’ve seen it all, something new slips in and changes the lineup. Mesa will soon return to Bacolod at the newly built block of SM City Bacolod–bringing its signature take on Filipino favorites with its crisp and flavorful Crispy Pork Belly or its fresh, savory Tinapa Roll.

This is your cue to go off script and explore, because the best things usually show themselves when you didn’t make plans to find it. Discover more firsts and experiences only here at your most-loved mall, SM Supermalls–All For You.

Follow @smsupermalls on social media or visit www.smsupermalls.com for the latest updates and events.

HOKA Celebrates Women’s Month with the Launch of the Mach 7 at the 2026 FCC Women’s Run PH

Manila, Philippines — This International Women’s Day, strength meets speed.

Women runners lace up for the 2026 FCC Women’s Run PH on March 8 at SM Mall of Asia, where a total of 16,120 participants are set to join the sold-out event, making it one of the most anticipated gatherings celebrating women’s strength, resilience, and achievement. With race categories spanning 16K, 10K, 5K, and 1K (Kids), the Women’s Run continues to serve as a powerful platform for empowerment, uniting women, companies, and brands that champion progress and equality.

Timed with this significant celebration, HOKA steps forward as the Official Shoe Partner and unveils the Mach 7, designed for runners chasing faster goals and stronger finishes.

The Mach 7 is a snappy, lightweight trainer created for women who are ready to push the pace and pursue bigger goals. A tried-and-true silhouette refined with speed-focused design details throughout, it delivers light-on-your-feet cushioning powered by high-energy foam for a responsive ride. Engineered for both performance and comfort, the shoe features a creel jacquard upper with zonal breathability and an internal gusset that provides a secure, locked-in fit.

As part of its Women’s Month celebration, HOKA is offering a special promotion for those eager to be part of the movement. Customers who purchase a Mach 7 will receive a free 16KM race kit for the 2026 FCC Women’s Run PH. The promo runs until March 7 or until supplies last, with limited slots available. 

The offer can be availed at HOKA exclusive stores located at Ayala Manila Bay, GH Mall, One Ayala, Trinoma, and SM Aura.

To learn more about HOKA and stay updated on upcoming activities, follow the official accounts on Facebook (hokaphilippines), Instagram (@hoka_philippines), or join HOKA’s Viber community. 

For updates on the FCC Women’s Run PH, visit https://womensrunph.com/

Watch out, Sneakerheads! New Balance Teases new Collections and more Exciting Events in 2023

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – New Balance opening more stores and launching numerous shoe models in 2022 was just the beginning. The brand, which was established in 1906, is on track this year to continue its legacy of creating lifestyle and athletic wear that empower the people who wear them while giving back to the community and the environment. New Balance will carry on championing passionate people and bringing positive and meaningful change to the world.

MAP Active Philippines and New Balance executives inaugurate the new branch in Uptown Bonifacio

Guided by this purpose, the brand is continuously expanding in the Philippines with more doors opened in Robinsons Magnolia, SM City Sta. Mesa, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Eastwood City, Uptown Bonifacio, and Ayala Malls Capitol Central Bacolod last year. 

New Balance Fresh Foam and FuelCell collections on display at the newly opened branch in Shangri-La Plaza

The store openings also marked the launch of customers’ favorite models in running and lifestyle, from the cushioned and flexible Fresh Foam 1080 to the vintage and sporty BB550. Customers who dropped by the newly opened stores would have also seen the New Balance collections like Made in USA Grey v5, Teddy Santis, Joe Freshgoods, Toast Team Cream, 580 Workwear, 580 Olive, 9060 Sea Salt, 9060 Burgundy, 2002R Rain Cloud Angora, 550 Marquette,  1906R White Navy Gold, and 1906R Beige Cream. While these models are known for different things, it embodies what New Balance is known for: fashion and function. It’s no wonder New Balance gained more loyal customers and saw a steady growth in its Viber community last year.

New Balance Joe Freshgoods known for its eye-catching pastel colors

New Balance 550 Marquette evokes Marquette University’s team colors

This 2023, New Balance promises bigger and better things to come as it gears up for the launch of new collections and opening of more stores. With the theme “Life at the Intersection,” the brand will showcase what it’s like living at the intersection of sport and culture with new performance and lifestyle items that are sure to make both loyal and new customers excited.

New Balance also invites everyone to “Run your way” this 2023. The campaign, aside from serving as the launch of new performance shoes, aims to celebrate people’s independence in running no matter how they choose to do it. The movement hopes to remind everyone who runs that they are recognized, valued, and that they are part of a larger community.

In July, children can look forward to going back to school in style as New Balance will also be launching a kids collection.

The highly anticipated annual New Balance Grey Day is another thing sneakerheads can look forward to in mid-2023. The event will pay homage to the classic and well-loved Grey Collection, including the iconic 574 and 9060 models.

As  New Balance continues its successful run in the country, new collections are expected to be released from April to July 2023. New stores will also be opened in Metro Manila (San Juan, Quezon City, and Makati) and across the region.  Ayala Malls Abreeza opened in Davao this April, Robinsons Tacloban opened in March, while the store in Glorietta was recently relocated last March. Through this expansion, the brand aims to cater to the ever-growing sneakerhead and athletic communities while remaining committed to their purpose of empowering people to run their way and pursue what they love while wearing New Balance.

To stay up to date with New Balance’s new releases and be in the loop on what’s next, join New Balance’s Viber community bit.ly/NBPHViber and follow New Balance on their official Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts.

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About New Balance

New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA has the following mission: Demonstrating responsible leadership, we build global brands that athletes are proud to wear, associates are proud to create and communities are proud to host. Manufactured in the U.S. for more than 75 years and representing a limited portion of our U.S. sales, New Balance MADE U.S. is a premium collection that contains a domestic value of 70% or greater. New Balance owns five factories in New England and one in Flimby, U.K. New Balance employs more than 7,000 associates around the globe, and in 2021 reported worldwide sales of $4.4 billion. To learn more about New Balance, please visit www.newbalance.com and for the latest press information please visit http://newbalance.newsmarket.com.