Malumpati Eco-Run sets record pace in Pandan

1 of 3

By Trisha Lozano and Carmila Uy

PANDAN, Antique — The Malumpati Eco-Run Challenge 5 brought together runners, advocates, and the local community in a show of endurance, sustainable tourism, environmental awareness, and conservation, highlighted this year by a record-breaking performance in the full marathon category.

Held April 19, 2026, the race started and finished at Malumpati Cold Spring.

Known as the head spring of the Bugang River, the site provided a fitting backdrop for the event.

Bugang River, located in Pandan, has been recognized as one of the cleanest inland bodies of water in the country, reinforcing the event’s focus on environmental stewardship.

The event was organized by Pandan Bay Institute Batch 2000 in partnership with the Pandan municipal government.

It was supported by Gov. Paolo Javier, Grace Bravo and Agara Team, Dionela Law Office, Ivo’s Minimart, and community stakeholders.

The Malumpati Eco-Run has steadily grown into one of Panay Island’s premier sporting events, combining athletic competition with environmental advocacy and local pride.

The race traces its beginnings to a vision first conceptualized by Atty. Isagani Dionela.

What started as a community-backed running event has grown into one of Panay Island’s anticipated sporting activities, drawing runners from across the country.

It is one of the highlights of the Tugbong Festival, the municipal and religious fiesta of Pandan in Antique.

The 42-kilometer category served as this year’s highlight, with runners setting a strong and competitive pace throughout the course.

In the men’s division, Marlo Quiachon led the race, followed by Neil John Lacerdo and Jason Apolinario.

In the women’s division, Dima Daniel topped the category, followed by Angelica Alejo and Bing Donasco.

The race featured 5-kilometer, 10-kilometer, 21-kilometer, and 42-kilometer categories, with staggered gun starts beginning as early as 1 a.m. for marathon runners.

Participants navigated rolling terrain that offered both a physical challenge and a scenic journey through Pandan’s natural landscapes.

The event drew participants from running groups across the country, further showing the growing reach of the Malumpati Eco-Run and the strong support of the regional running community.

As runners crossed the finish line at Malumpati Cold Spring, they did more than complete a race.

They became part of a movement that celebrates endurance, community, and the beauty of nature.