Tabogon will host its first-ever “KEEP GOING TABOGON: Run for a Cause 2026” on October 18, 2026, to promote drug-free communities, youth empowerment and mental health awareness through running.
The municipal government of Tabogon, in partnership with Bornwinner and Coco Running, will stage the event at Paseo Tabogon, featuring 1K, 3K and 5K categories.
Organizers are targeting more than 2,500 runners from Tabogon’s 25 barangays, nearby communities, running clubs, partner nearby local government units.
Registration costs P750 for the 1K, P850 for the 3K and P950 for the 5K.
All categories include an advocacy bib, finisher medal, advocacy singlet, post-run snack and Run for a Cause kit. The 5K category also comes with a drawstring bag.
Participants can register through the official Keep Going Run for a Cause registration portal at https://bit.ly/KeepGoingTBGN2026.
Run Ambassador Jid Durano said the event came amid concerns over recent incidents involving shootings in Philippine schools and the need to address mental health and drug-related issues.
“With the recent nahitabo, of course sa Philippines karon sa schools [tungod] sa shootings, we believe that mental health is really a big issue now, much more so with drugs. And, sa akoang life as a recovering addict now, we created this such event,” he said.
“We create a run for our cause, and not only to benefit the beneficiaries, but to empower people, that they would know that the communities are not alone, the runners are not alone,” Durano added.
Durano said the run will also allow participants to support causes that are personally meaningful to them.
“Not only will they run for themselves, but they will also run for their advocacy,” he said, adding that organizers will introduce an advocacy bib where runners can write why, what or whom they are dedicating their run to.
Advocacy walls and banners will also be set up at the event to give participants additional spaces to express and highlight the causes they support.
Additionally, Durano said fellow event ambassador Midnasty will also perform during the Tabogon event in support of the cause.
Durano encouraged runners from Cebu City and other areas to join the Tabogon leg, saying the advocacy is meant to reach communities beyond the local government units in northern Cebu.
The event will also support anti-bullying, youth development, and community outreach, with proceeds going to selected beneficiaries and barangays in Tabogon.
Durano said race entitlements, including medals and singlets by AndotSports, will be delivered on time, with the technical preparations supported by veteran race director Joel Juarez.
Juarez, who leads Coco Running, said the route will include uphill sections that will make the race more challenging and give it a distinct character.
He said Coco Running has partnered with the Tabogon local government to ensure the route and other preparations are properly coordinated for the event.
“I will assure everyone who will join, especially those coming from different cities and places, I will make this event a high-end event,” Juarez said.
Association of Barangay Captains President Salome Bungabong said all 25 barangays will be urged to participate, particularly to encourage young people to engage in sports and fitness.
Municipal Information Officer John Hortelano said organizers are also planning to add onsite registration for participants who prefer to register in person.
Hortelano said Mayor Francis Salimbangon has expressed support for the event and is helping look for partnerships from brands and with neighboring municipalities, particularly those in northern Cebu.
Organizers expect the barangays, nearby communities, running clubs, partner municipalities and sponsors to contribute to the target field.
Tabogon Municipal Tourism Officer Roel Rey Dichos said the run also forms part of the municipality’s effort to develop sports tourism and attract more visitors to northern Cebu.
The town has previously hosted sporting events such as the TWM 32.0 Tabogon Triathlon, rally racing and endurocross.
Dichos said the tourism office is working with accommodation providers and other stakeholders to prepare for the expected visitors, who can stay in homestays, glamping sites and resorts and dine at establishments near Paseo Tabogon and the port.
He said the influx of runners and guests could also boost small businesses by increasing demand for lodging, food and other local services.
“When we’re creating some event like this, we are not just helping the LGUs, the local government, but we’re helping our small entrepreneurs,” he said.
The municipality sees sports events as one way to stimulate economic activity despite accessibility challenges, including the damaged bridge connecting Tabogon and Borbon that has forced travelers heading toward the town center to take a longer route.
Durano also said the organizers plan to bring the “KEEP GOING: Run for a Cause” advocacy to other locations after the Tabogon event.
He said the initiative will focus on connecting communities and giving back through runs that support a chosen barangay or charity in each location.
Another leg is planned in Cebu City on November 15, and in Maribojoc, Bohol on November 22.
REGISTRATION LINK: https://bit.ly/KeepGoingTBGN2026.
