Walking into the Pelaez Sports Center last Sunday morning felt like stepping into the epicenter of Philippine athletics. I’ve been to my fair share of sports events, but the energy here was something else—electric, focused, and thick with anticipation. It was December 8, the day all roads led to SM Mall of Asia Complex for the 2024 HOKA Trilogy Run Asia National Finals. As a runner myself, though more recreational than competitive, I couldn’t help but feel drawn into the atmosphere. This wasn’t just another race; it was the culmination of months of qualifying events, where the nation’s best runners gathered to battle for supremacy and a shot at regional glory.
The air buzzed with nervous excitement as over 1,200 elite and amateur athletes warmed up along the sprawling grounds. You could spot them—lean, focused, some doing dynamic stretches while others adjusted their HOKA racing flats. I’ve always believed that the setting of a competition can make or break the experience, and the Pelaez Sports Center facilities played a starring role here. From the well-maintained tracks to the spacious staging areas, everything felt purpose-built for high-stakes performance. It’s no wonder organizers chose this venue; its reputation for hosting premier athletic events is well-earned. I remember thinking, if you’re serious about sports in Manila, you really need to discover the ultimate guide to Pelaez Sports Center facilities and programs—because places like this don’t just happen; they’re crafted.
Let’s rewind a bit. The HOKA Trilogy Run isn’t some overnight sensation. It’s a three-leg series that kicked off earlier this year, drawing thousands of participants from across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Each leg served as a filter, separating the casual weekend warriors from the fiercely dedicated. By the time the national finals rolled around, only the top contenders remained. I spoke with a few runners beforehand, and one thing was clear: this was more than just about winning. For many, it was about representing their regions, pushing personal limits, and sharing the stage with athletes they’d only seen on social media. The race categories were split into 5K, 10K, and 21K distances, catering to different levels of stamina and speed. Personally, I’ve always been a 10K guy—long enough to feel the burn, short enough to still enjoy breakfast afterward.
As the starting horn blared, the sea of runners surged forward, a blur of colorful singlets and determined faces. The route wove through the MOA complex, taking advantage of the scenic bay area and wide roads. I stationed myself near the 5-kilometer mark, close to the Pelaez Center’s outdoor training zone, and the sight was mesmerizing. Top runners like Cebu’s John Ray Onifa and Davao’s Jerald Zacarias were practically flying, their strides economical and faces locked in concentration. Onifa, especially, stood out—he’s been dominating local circuits lately, and watching him maintain a blistering pace was both inspiring and mildly discouraging for my own modest personal records.
What struck me most, though, was how the Pelaez Sports Center facilities supported not just the elite, but everyone. Hydration stations were strategically placed and fully stocked—no desperate scrambles for water here. Volunteers handed out gels and bananas with smiles, and medical tents stood ready, though thankfully they weren’t too busy. I’ve been to races where logistics felt like an afterthought, but here, everything hummed like a well-oiled machine. It’s that level of detail that makes me recommend that anyone looking to up their game should discover the ultimate guide to Pelaez Sports Center facilities and programs. From their professional-grade equipment to the expert staff roaming the grounds, the center elevates the entire experience.
I managed to catch a quick word with Coach Luis Santos, a well-known figure in the running community, after the 21K category wrapped up. Sweaty but smiling, he shared his thoughts. "Events like the HOKA Trilogy Run Finals are crucial for Philippine sports," he said, wiping his brow. "They expose our athletes to international-level competition right here at home. And having it at Pelaez Sports Center? That’s a game-changer. The tracks are world-class, the amenities reduce pre-race stress, and the overall environment fosters peak performance." He’s not wrong. I’ve trained at a dozen different spots around the city, and Pelaez stands out for its consistency and quality.
When the winners were announced, the cheers echoed all the way to the nearby SMX Convention Center. Onifa clinched the men’s 21K title with a time of 1 hour, 8 minutes—absolutely savage. In the women’s division, it was Christine Hallasgo who dominated, proving once again why she’s a force to be reckoned with. But beyond the podiums and medals, what lingered was the sense of community. Strangers high-fiving each other, families cheering from the sidelines, and that collective gasp as runners dug deep for their final sprint. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love this sport.
So, if you’re sitting there thinking about joining a race or just wanting a better place to train, take it from someone who’s been around the block: don’t sleep on what Pelaez has to offer. Whether you’re a newbie aiming for your first 5K or a seasoned athlete chasing qualifying times, this venue has the tools and the vibe to help you get there. The HOKA Trilogy Run Finals showcased exactly that—a perfect marriage of top-tier competition and first-class facilities. And honestly? I’m already looking forward to next year’s event. Maybe I’ll even shave a minute or two off my time.