Photo by: Olongapo City Information Center
OLONGAPO CITY — More than 4,000 runners joined the River Run 2026 on Oct. 4, setting a new participation record for the annual environmental fun run and highlighting the growing community support for the protection of Olongapo’s waterways.
The event brought together residents, government workers, students, civic organizations, businesses and running enthusiasts in a campaign that combined health, recreation and environmental advocacy.
The Olongapo Environmental Development Corp. (OEDC), SubicWater and Converge ICT Solutions Inc. joined the Olongapo City Government and the Making Riverth Possible Committee as partners in staging the event.
The strong turnout made the 2026 edition the largest environmental fun run recorded in Olongapo City, according to organizers.
LEADING THE RUN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT. Olongapo City Mayor Atty. Rolen C. Paulino Jr. joins participants during the River Run 2026 on Oct. 4, as more than 4,000 runners came together in support of environmental protection and the preservation of the city’s waterways.
Mayor Atty. Rolen C. Paulino Jr. said the participation of thousands of runners demonstrates the importance of bringing the private sector and the community together in environmental initiatives.
“Ang River Run ay hindi lamang tungkol sa pagtakbo. Ito ay tungkol sa pagkakaisa ng ating mga kababayan para pangalagaan ang ating mga ilog at kalikasan. Ang mahigit 4,000 runners ngayong taon ay patunay na kapag sama-sama ang komunidad, kaya nating gawing bahagi ng ating buhay ang pangangalaga sa kapaligiran,” Paulino said.
He thanked the organizers, partners, volunteers and participants for helping make the Oct. 4 event a record-breaking edition.
The participation of OEDC, SubicWater and Converge underscored the role of public-private partnerships in supporting community-based environmental programs.
Beyond promoting physical fitness, the River Run serves as a platform for raising awareness about the importance of clean and healthy waterways and encouraging residents to take part in environmental protection efforts.
The event also brought economic activity to the city as thousands of runners, supporters and organizers converged in Olongapo, providing additional business for restaurants, retail establishments, transportation providers and other local enterprises.
The growing participation in the River Run reflects the increasing public interest in activities that connect environmental responsibility with community wellness.
For the organizers, the record turnout provides momentum for future editions and stronger collaboration among the local government, private companies, civic groups and residents in protecting Olongapo’s rivers and surrounding environment.
“Ipinagmamalaki natin ang tagumpay na ito, at umaasa tayong mas marami pang Olongapeño ang makikiisa sa ating mga programang pangkalikasan,” Paulino said.
The River Run 2026 ended as more than a sporting event, bringing together more than 4,000 people behind a common message: protecting Olongapo’s waterways is a shared responsibility that requires the participation of the entire community.