10 jogging and running spots in Manila to help with your fitness goals

Luneta Park

The beginning of the year means the start of New Year’s resolutions, and one of the most popular goals is to lose weight. A lot of people work out by going to the gym or signing up for fitness classes, but we have one suggestion: go for a jog or a run! According to studies, jogging or running can burn calories, build strength, and improve heart health. On top of that, it helps with lifting the mood and fighting stress. The best part is that going for a jog or a run is free. Just pick a good spot and go as often as you can.

If you’re thinking of picking up jogging or running as your next exercise routine, here are 10 jogging and running spots in Manila to help with your fitness goals:

UP Diliman (Quezon City)

UP Diliman Oval

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The picturesque University of the Philippines is a great backdrop for a vigorous jog or run. You can choose to explore the campus or stick to the Academic Oval, which is a 2.2-kilometer paradise filled with trees. Cars aren’t allowed at the Oval during the weekends so you can maximize your routine. Cap off your workout with some siomai or lumpia by Vinzon’s Hall and you’ll already look forward to your next run.

La Mesa Ecopark (Quezon City)

 

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Another nature-filled trail is the La Mesa Watershed Resort and Ecological Park, which houses attractions such as different trails, the butterfly garden, and the opportunity for birdwatching. There’s also a mountain bike trail so you can change up your weekly routine. There’s an entrance fee of P50 per visit but it’s worth everything you’ll see while you’re there.

Luneta Park (Manila)

Luneta Park

There’s plenty to see when going for a jog or run at Luneta Park, like monuments, gardens, and even a relief map of the entire Philippines. You can go along the length of the park or you can explore the paved paths going around the area, where you can see the different gardens (don’t miss the Noli Me Tangere Garden which has the Heidelberg fountain where Rizal used to drink from when he was staying in Germany), the orchidarium, and the butterfly garden.

Cultural Center of the Philippines (Manila)

CCP

Another great jogging and running spot in Manila is the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The ramp is a great spot for veterans but for those who can’t handle the incline, the CCP Complex is a great spot to get some exercise in. Make sure to admire the architecture of the National Theatre, the Philippine International Convention Center, the Coconut Palace, and the Manila Film Center.

Ayala Triangle and Legazpi Active Park (Makati)

 

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There are plenty of good running spots in Makati but top on our list is the Ayala Triangle Gardens. The 1.2-kilometer space has nature, restaurants, and dogs, which makes it the perfect hang out even after a good jog or run. Christmas is also a good time to work out since you get to see the lights and sounds display. The Legazpi Active Park is another good spot after it was reopened in 2017. The jogging path was improved, it’s better lit at night, and the washrooms were redesigned. There’s even a play area for kids and a plaza to cool down with friends!

Track 30th and Greenway Park (Bonifacio Global City)

 

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Bonifacio Global City is home to some of Manila’s most stunning buildings but there are great spots for joggers and runners, too. Track 30th has a dedicated jogging path and there’s also space for yoga, meditation, and other forms of exercise at the lawn. There’s even an interactive art installation made of recycled materials! Meanwhile, the Greenway Park is a 1.6-kilometer linear park that is the longest in Manila. It links several pocket parks along McKinley Road so there’s plenty of spots to catch your breath in.

Philsports Arena (Pasig)

 

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Triathletes are known to visit the Philsports Arena so you know this is a good spot to run and jog. It’s open as early as 5:30AM so you can squeeze a few laps before going to school or work. For especially hot days, you can hop in the pool after your run in the oval! Entrance is at P35 per person.

Filinvest City (Muntinlupa)

Filinvest City Lights

South people know how fresh the air is and Filinvest City is one of the best places to go for a jog or a run in the south. It’s right in the middle of the city but the sidewalks are wide enough to accommodate you while working out. There are also bike trails and lanes so you can go full-speed!

Quezon City Circle (Quezon City)

QC Circle

The QC Circle is not just the resting place of former president Manuel L. Quezon and his wife the former First Lady Aurora Quezon. The 1.8-kilometer loop is also a great jogging and running spot. There are also aerobics and fitness classes, and rental bikes in case you want to switch up your routine. After your workout, you can chill at the museum dedicated to Quezon, eat at the many restaurants there, and buy flowers and plants at the market.

Marikina Sports Complex (Marikina)

The Marikina Sports Complex is the perfect place to get your adrenaline pumping. Apart from the 400-meter track oval, there’s an Olympic-size swimming pool, a sports building, and an indoor gymnasium. There are even Zumba classes if you feel like dancing!

 

When it comes to advocating running for wellness, Sun Life is no stranger to this feat. Last January 26, Sun Life celebrated SunPIOLOgy’s 10th anniversary, a charity-sporting event with its ambassador Piolo Pascual.

 

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Dedicated to giving back to its beneficiaries Hebreo Foundation, Institute for Studies on Diabetes Foundation, Nordhoff Foundation, SunPIOLOgy hosted the Sun Life Resolution Run in Camp Aguinaldo with thousands of runners running with Piolo and fellow Star Magic Artists.

 

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Sun Life aims to spread awareness about diabetes prevention, send more scholars to school, and promote the benefits of living healthier lives. Sometimes, it starts with a few
laps jogging or running. Join them next year! For more information, visit www.sunpiology.com.

 

Sun Life

Website: www.sunlife.com.ph
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sunlifeph/
Instagram: @sunlifeph