Nelson Morales

A Pokémon-themed run is finally happening in PH. The reception is overwhelming

Article (news)

John Franklin Kennedy Caacbay

ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines – The Pokémon franchise is the latest to tap the growing culture of running in the Philippines.The household pocket monsters brand, in partnership with organizer Runrio Inc., will be conducting the &quot;Pokémon Run,&quot; the first-ever Pokémon-themed fun run in the country, next Sunday, February 9, at the SM Mall of Asia Complex.Asked how and why they finally made this happen, The Pokémon Company Asia Business Development Corporate Officer Susumu Fukunaga, through a translator, said they just needed a partner that would help them sort out the event, seeking to secure the safety of the participants.&quot;We already have Pokémon Run in other regions, such as Asia. But incidentally, last year, we were able to talk to Runrio, and we have organized the Pokémon Run,&quot; said Fukunaga. &quot;We had to find a partner that is very used to doing running events.&quot;Runrio Inc. president and CEO coach Rio Dela Cruz was elated to share the overwhelming support for the &quot;The Pokémon Run.&quot;&quot;In just 15 minutes, &#x27;yung first wave ng opening ng registration namin, sold out. When we reopened it, sold out again,&quot; Dela Cruz said.&quot;We received a lot of requests to open more slots. However, the priority is the safety of our participants,&quot; he said further.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1738316620622Image (11).jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-fil"/>A glimpse of the race shirt and finisher&#x27;s medal. Photo by Kennedy Caacbay, ABS-CBN NewsThere are four categories for the fun run: 1K, 3K, 5K, and 10K. Participants will be receiving Pokémon-inspired merch — playmat for the trading card, TCG fun pack, and race shirt.</div>The gunstarts for each category are as follows: 5 a.m. for 10K, 5:30 a.m. for 5K, 6 a.m. for 3K, and 6:30 a.m. for 1K.Those who will be able to end the race on time will receive the Pokémon-themed finisher&#x27;s medal.