Celebrities laced up their running shoes as thousands of fitness fans turned out for a charity half-marathon in Clark, Pampanga, blending star power with a push to support rural healthcare.
The Five Star Half Marathon 2025 drew more than 4,000 registered runners to the CDC Parade Grounds on December 7, making it one of the biggest charity runs in the area this year. The event was led by Charoen Pokphand Foods Philippines Corporation through its Five Star Chicken brand.
Now in its fifth year, the annual run showed sharp growth from last year, when more than 2,500 runners joined. Organizers said the expanding turnout reflected stronger public support for the advocacy behind the race. The event has also evolved, shifting from a purely corporate banner to the Five Star Half Marathon name to widen the reach of CPF’s consumer brands.
to support the charity run
Beyond the crowds and cameras, the run carried a clear mission. Organizers raised P8 million to support local healthcare services, with funds set to be divided between rural health units in Samal, Bataan, and Gerona, Tarlac. Each facility will receive P4 million.
Adding celebrity buzz to the early-morning run were Ivana Alawi and Golf Nattakorn Sujipittham, who led the charity effort alongside the Content Creators of the Philippines, headed by chemist Pinky Tobiano. Actor Jameson Blake also joined, along with influencers Perlas, Jeff Cabrera, Keisha Serna, and Daniel Sulud.
CPF Philippines said the growing half-marathon has become a key part of its community initiatives, using sport as a way to bring people together while supporting public health programs in underserved areas.
