Calling All Trainers: A Pokémon Run Is Coming This October

(SPOT.ph) Fun runs take place practically every weekend in Metro Manila, sometimes with multiple races taking over the streets on a single Sunday. But if you like your runs with a side of unadulterated nostalgia, this upcoming event is not one to miss.

Heads up, PokeFans: The Pokémon Run 30 is officially coming to Manila this October, transforming the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) area into an interactive, fantastical world for trainers.

Here is everything you need to know about the run and festival before you make like Team Rocket and blast off to MOA at the speed of light.

Pokémon is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and it's bringing the fun and the nostalgia to our shores with Pokémon Run 30: The Philippines Edition. Happening on October 3 to 4, this event is a full weekend of activities for anyone who wants to join the fun: from casual to experienced runners, Pokémon fans, and families.

For this year’s run, the five-kilometer course is designed to mirror an in-game Pokémon journey. At the starting line, runners get to pick a partner Pokémon for the adventure. And as you run, there's much to see and do along the route, making the distance pass in the blink of an eye.

Among the highlights of the run is the Pokémon Gym. It features family-friendly obstacles to break the monotony of the jog, and you can even track your journey by collecting special stickers on a physical Pokédex Search Sheet. Even the hydration stations are themed, appearing as Pokémon Centers along the way to help you recharge before you cross the finish line and watch your partner officially “evolve.”

Organizers pulled out all the stops for this 30th-anniversary fun run, starting with the official runner’s kit packed with exclusive race-day gear. The kit includes all kinds of goodies: a type-themed race bib, a Poké Ball-themed armband, an event shirt, a trading card game booster pack, and a special First Partner Lenticular Card. For higher-tier tickets, an exclusive Pikachu shoulder plushie is even included, letting you enjoy the most adorable companion as you speed through the course.

This event isn’t exclusive to race participants, btw. Even if you’re not keen on sweating it out, you can still get your Pikachu fix (and your steps in), all weekend long.

Along with the 5K run, the SM Mall of Asia grounds will host a massive Pokémon Festival Zone that is completely free and open to the general public. The zone is the ultimate playground for anyone who grew up watching Ash, Misty, and Brock, with photo spots, meet and greet events, and a nostalgic Time Tunnel that explores the history of the franchise.

There's also a hands-on Experience Zone that invites gaming enthusiasts to test out various titles and try their hand at the trading card game. And of course, the iconic Pikachu Parade is locked in as a major highlight. 

Mobile trainers are in for a massive treat, too. The official Pokémon GO blog just confirmed that GO players on-site will get access to exclusive in-game event bonuses, special Timed Research tasks, and rare wild spawns during the weekend.

A handful of sponsor booths are slated to set up shop at the Festival Zone. With 7-Eleven and UNIQLO announced as regional partners for the anniversary event, we’re definitely hoping for some cool merch on-site.

The Pokémon Run is a five-kilometer immersive Pokémon adventure. It's not a competitive race where you're running to beat a clock. Here, you're invited to journey through the Pokémon world, discover fun surprises, and celebrate your love for the fandom.

Rates for the Pokémon Run 30 start at P2,450 for the standard pass, which includes a Pokémon Run 30 t-shirt, drawstring bag, grass/water/fire type themed bib, Pokeball themed arm band, Pokémon Run 30 Pokedex sheet, first partner lenticular card featuring your chosen starter either Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle) and a Pokémon Trading Card Game booster pack. But if you want the Pokémon Run 30 Pikachu Shoulder plushie, you'll have to shell out P3,450 for the premium kit.

Registration for the Pokémon Run was held on July 7 over on RaceRoster. Surprisingly (or not), slots ran out within hours. But good news for trainers who weren't able to register: additional slots for the run are opening on August 4, 5 p.m.

The catch is that there will be an additional P300 fee for those registering for this run. According to Runrio, this fee is to cover "an additional production run and expedited overseas shipping" for merchandise. A small price to pay to fight the 30th-anniversary FOMO, if you think about it.

Make sure to line up and head over to the registration site early, because if the previous registration queue was any indication, slots will run out fast. Don't miss out on your (second) chance to catch 'em all.

Besides Manila, Pokémon’s 30th anniversary run is also set to take over Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Hong Kong.

The Pokémon Run is happening on October 3–4, 2026, at the SM Mall of Asia, Pasay. For more information, check the official Pokémon Philippines Facebook page.

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UPDATE: July 30, 9:52 p.m., in an announcement on their social media pages, Runrio announced that they will be opening additional slots for the Pokémon Run. The article has been updated to reflect this development.