Arbois Jr., De Luna top Galaxy Manila Marathon 42K race

Southeast Asian Games silver medalists Arlan Arbois Jr. and Jewel De Luna ruled the 42-kilometer division of the Galaxy Manila Marathon 2026, from SM Mall of Asia Arena (MOA) to EDSA, on June 12 to 13.

The marathon, which started at the SM MOA Complex in Pasay City, drew more than 25,000 participants and featured a historic route stretching through major thoroughfares, including EDSA, Roxas Boulevard, Ayala Avenue, and other key roads in the metropolis. 

Arbois showcased his elite form in the premier men’s marathon category, clocking in a winning time of 2:31:16 to outpace defending champion Eduardo Flores, who finished second in 2:31:40.

Edsel Moral rounded out the podium with a third-place finish, ticking in 2:34:51, while James Kevin Cruz and Roy Laudit completed the top five after clocking 2:36:37 and 2:49:27, respectively. 

In the women’s division, Jewel De Luna snared the title in convincing fashion, logging in 3:22:07 to gap her closest challenger by seven minutes.

Jocelyn Elijeran settled for second place after posting a time of 3:29:29, while May Angelie Mag-Aso completed the podium in third with a clocking of 3:37:08. 

Cecille Vael and Raven Kamyl Sarita rounded out the top five finishers with times of 3:50:51 and 3:58:38, respectively.

Among the international participants, Kenyan runner Elias Oloitiptip Taiswa emerged as the fastest foreign finisher in the men’s category with a time of 2:34:18, while American runner Eloisa Cusi topped the women’s international field after clocking 3:13:03.

Beyond the competition, the Galaxy Manila Marathon also carried a charitable cause, as organizers Runrio Inc., together with presenting partners Samsung and SM Supermalls, announced a P1-million donation to the Philippine Red Cross to support relief and rehabilitation efforts for communities affected by the recent Mindanao earthquake.

The 2026 edition marked one of the country’s largest road racing events, highlighted by its World Athletics-recognized course and the rare sight of thousands of runners taking over EDSA in celebration of endurance, fitness, and community spirit. 

With reports from PhilStar Global