Sydney, Australia—The Philippine flag flew high at the inaugural TCS Sydney Marathon, which officially joined the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors series. On Sunday, August 31, 2025, a dedicated contingent of Filipino runners from the Philippines and around the globe made their presence felt, showcasing their resilience and national pride on a global stage.
An estimated 35,000 runners participated in this landmark race, marking Sydney’s entry as the seventh World Marathon Major alongside Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York, and Tokyo. Among them were hundreds of Filipinos, whose strong community and unwavering spirit stood out against the backdrop of the world-class event.
The marathon began under crisp morning skies at 6:30 a.m., taking runners on a challenging course with a total elevation gain of 313 meters. The route crossed the iconic Harbour Bridge and wound through The Rocks and Martin Place before concluding at the Sydney Opera House. Despite the demanding rolling hills, Filipino runners held their ground, embodying the national trait of “bayanihan”—the spirit of community and mutual support.
Leading the Charge: Richard Salaño and Christine Moncano Organiza
The Philippine team was spearheaded by two of the country’s elite runners, both celebrated as Milo Marathon champions. Richard Salaño, the Milo Marathon King, delivered a stellar performance, finishing with an impressive time of 2:26:48. This remarkable effort made him the fastest Southeast Asian male finisher and secured him the 36th overall position among more than 21,000 male participants.
Meanwhile, Milo Marathon Queen Christine Moncano Organiza reinforced her status as a top-tier marathoner. She crossed the finish line in 2:54:24, placing her 37th overall out of over 11,000 female runners. Their outstanding finishes not only highlighted individual excellence but also put the Philippines on the map in a new World Major event.
A Community United: Off-the-Course Camaraderie
The Filipino presence was felt long before the starting gun. The night before the race, a powerful display of community unfolded at Circular Quay. A Shakeout Run was led by Coach Rio dela Cruz, followed by a lunch at Bar Merchant, a Filipino-owned restaurant. Here, Manila-based RWP (Run With Pat) coach Patrick Rubin delivered a motivational talk on hydration, pacing, and mindset.
“The gathering wasn’t just about preparation—it was about unity,” Rubin said. “It showed that running brings Filipinos together wherever we are in the world.” He noted that 80 of their members attended the historic event, underscoring the strong turnout and organized support system.
On race day, the camaraderie was palpable. Filipino supporters, including spectators like Washington at the Opera House, waved flags and cheered loudly as their kababayans (fellow Filipinos) crossed the finish line. Washington shared, “Happy to see and support the Philippine team, of course, and to be part of history na rin as Sydney officially becomes the 7th Abbott World Marathon Major.”
