First 116KM Community Run in the Philippines Logs 3.5 Million Steps to Champion Children’s Right to Safe Play

Manila, Philippines, 24 June 2025 – More than 3.5 million steps and over 2,500 collective kilometers were logged during the Move for Play: Infinity 116KM Run, the country’s first-ever open-road ultra-endurance community run. Organized by the non-profit organization FundLife, the event held from June 14 to 15 brought runners from Clark to Makati in a call to action for safe, inclusive, and accessible play spaces for children in under-resourced communities. The run coincided with the United Nations International Day of Play and was conducted on active roads and highways, requiring participants to navigate traffic, potholes, heat, and city congestion. The 116-kilometer route symbolized the difficult and often dangerous terrain many Filipino children must cross daily to access education and recreation.

A total of 31 ultra-runners registered to complete the full route, while over 40 additional runners joined for various segments. 20 completed the entire course in a feat of physical endurance and social purpose. Leading the finishers were ultra-endurance athlete Natalie Dau and community runner Cecille Wael, who crossed the finish line together at 6:23 a.m. after running for 16 hours and 12 minutes.

Dau, who also served as an ambassador for the campaign, used her platform to amplify the message behind the movement. Her race updates and advocacy posts reached more than 100,000 people organically. “It was a tough day—the heat, the distance, the traffic—but we all knew why we were out there,” said Dau. “Running 116KM was never about personal achievement; it was about showing up and showcasing what’s possible when we move with a clear purpose. I’m proud to support Move for Play, and I’ll continue using running as a way to raise awareness and help more children access safe spaces where they can grow, play, and just be free to move.”

Fellow finisher Wael was both personal and shared. “Running for those who can’t make this experience deeply meaningful,” she shared. “Pushing my limits while sharing the road with old friends and new faces reminded me of the power of community and collective action.”

Following close behind was Jonathan Ballogan, a proud Ifugao native and the fastest male finisher, who completed the run in 16 hours and 21 minutes. “This wasn’t just a test of endurance—it was about resilience and purpose,” he said. “I ran not only with my feet, but with the support of the people who supported me through the pain.”

The campaign’s success was made possible through a network of six community-based organizations and running clubs that extended crucial logistical and volunteer support. Among them was Mountain Goats Pilipinas, led by seasoned ultra-runner Joseph Sibal, also known as Papi Otep. “When I heard about the vision behind Infinity 116, it struck a chord. It wasn’t just another long run—it was about uplifting others,” Sibal shared. “That’s why I brought our Mountain Goats community to support. We believe running builds communities, and this run embodied that. It was a meaningful way to stand with FundLife in bringing play to children who otherwise wouldn’t have safe spaces.” 

In parallel with the Luzon-based run, a youth-led campaign in Dulag, Leyte engaged more than 280 community members in a series of local activities promoting children’s right to safe spaces. These included a 6.11-kilometer coastal community walk, an art-for-sustainability workshop involving over 50 children and youth, and a 1.16-kilometer advocacy parade during the Karumata Festival that concluded with a community play session. The Move for Play campaign brought together 14 running communities, five partner organizations, and four volunteer groups across Luzon and Leyte. The effort marked a significant milestone for FundLife as it laid the groundwork for its upcoming initiative, Safe to Move—a long-term campaign focused on building protected, dignified spaces for learning, movement, and play in climate-affected and under-resourced areas. Plans are also in motion to expand the Infinity 116 run into a nationwide series, welcoming not just runners, but walkers, volunteers, and play champions across the country.

“The Infinity Run showed how sport and purpose can intersect to drive meaningful action,” said Marko Kasic, Executive Director of FundLife. “We will continue moving until every child has a safe space to play, learn, and thrive.”

For more information about FundLife’s ongoing campaigns and upcoming activities, visit www.fundlife.org or contact the team at hello@fundlife.org.