WRITTEN BY: KEZIAH JEAN SHXIERY P. FEDCHECK
In the early hours of March 14, 2026, the University of Baguio campus came alive as students, employees, alumni, and running enthusiasts gathered for “UB Love on the Run: Season 2.” With the program starting at 5:00 AM, the event brought together not just runners but a community united by movement, purpose, and shared experience.
Organized by students from the School of Business Administration and Accountancy (SBAA), the fun run carried the theme “Match My Pace,” a message that went beyond the simple act of running. It encouraged participants to find rhythm not only in their strides but also in building connections with friends, running partners, and the larger University of Baguio community. The theme highlighted the importance of pacing oneself, supporting one another, and enjoying the journey together, reflecting the values of teamwork, camaraderie, and inclusivity that the organizers aimed to instill in every participant. Through this theme, the event became more than a race. It became an opportunity for everyone to engage in wellness, foster meaningful relationships, and celebrate the spirit of UB in motion.
The event was led by Event Coordinator Prince Mac Anderson A. Baldeo, with the organizing team composed of Keziah Jean Shxiery P. Fedcheck, RC Mae V. Payumo, and Ricci Jlex Cayat. Partnering in the event was ZAER Marketing, represented by Ezra Stein S. Balway and Rianne Faye C. Pascua, while Michael Billick IV in partnership with Atty. Marissa Dacayanan of All-Out Multisports served as the Race Director, ensuring the event ran smoothly and safely for all participants.
Despite the chilly Baguio morning, with temperatures dropping to around 9°C, the cold did little to slow the energy of the participants. In fact, it added to the excitement, as runners warmed up through movement and camaraderie. Before each gun start for the different race categories, participants took part in an energizing Zumba session, helping them loosen up, stay warm, and build excitement before hitting the course.
The event featured a buddy run setup with distances of 3.2K, 5K, and 10K, allowing participants of different fitness levels to join and enjoy the experience together.
Originally expecting around 150 participants, the event exceeded expectations with a total of 187 runners. A total of 85 participants joined the 10K category, 64 runners participated in the 5K, and 38 took part in the 3.2K distance. This strong turnout highlighted the growing enthusiasm for wellness and community-based events within UB.
Adding to the experience were event partners such as PineCone Apparel, Fitbar and Popple, who supported the runners with products that complemented the event’s health and lifestyle focus.
As the race unfolded, participants pushed through the course with determination and, at times, humor. One finisher even joked that the route was “too easy,” sharing a laugh that reflected the lighthearted and enjoyable spirit of the event.
Recognition was given to top performers across the men’s open and women’s open categories for each distance. In the Men’s Open 3.2K, the top finishers were Valdez, Nash Cholo in first place, followed by Casley Espanola and Jacob C. Cachola. The 5K Men’s Open winners included Carlos Aquino in first place, Cameron Pinated in second, and Ronnie Pancho in third.
In the 10K Men’s Open, Johny Valdez Mapili took first, Clark Fattit second, and Gedwin Adjs Caliwanthird. In the Women’s Open 3.2K, Jovie Yzelle M. Calisog placed first, followed by Janice Balanza and Charlene Ranchez. The 5K Women’s Open top finishers were Cora M. Dogui-is, Krystine Kyna Pugal, and Chyrien Bacaltos.
Finally, in the 10K Women’s Open, Angel Mae Saysay finished first, with Erica Maive Bulatao in second and Felicity Lorenzo in third. Each of the top three finishers received a heart-shaped trophy along with products from event sponsors, while all participants were awarded finisher medals. Additionally, every 10K finisher received a finisher shirt.
Beyond the race itself, “Love on the Run: Season 2” served a deeper purpose. It promoted physical wellness, strengthened campus spirit, and provided SBAA students with valuable hands-on experience in organizing a large-scale event, from planning and marketing to execution and participant engagement.
More than just a run, the initiative promoted SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, turning the event into a celebration of movement, unity, and student initiative. As the morning sun rose over Baguio, it illuminated not just the finish line but the success of an event that truly brought people together, one step at a time.
