About - The Great UP Run

ABOUT THE GREAT UP RUN

OUR MISSION

01

The Great UP Run exists to unite the University of the Philippines community and beyond through the spirit of running. It aims to promote health and wellness, foster camaraderie among students, alumni, athletes, and supporters, and generate vital resources to uplift UP’s varsity teams. By combining fitness with advocacy, the event empowers participants to contribute to the growth and success of UP athletes while celebrating school pride.

OUR VISION

02

To be a university-based running event in the Philippines that inspires a culture of fitness, inclusivity, and community support. The Great UP Run envisions a future where every stride strengthens the bond among UP stakeholders, sustains the legacy of athletic excellence, and builds a tradition of giving back that transcends generations.

A LEGACY

OF A DREAM

The Great UP Run was born in 2007 out of the vision of Coach Rio dela Cruz, a former University of the Philippines track and field athlete who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the country’s most celebrated runners. Determined to give back to his alma mater and to uplift the next generation of athletes, Coach Rio organized the very first Great UP Run at the UP Diliman campus. This event was more than just a race—it was a gathering of students, alumni, faculty, and supporters united by a shared passion for fitness and school pride.

What began as a single campus run soon grew into a tradition, serving as a fundraiser to support UP’s varsity teams while inspiring the wider community to embrace health and wellness. Importantly, this was the event that marked the founding of RUNRIO, Inc., the company that would go on to shape the Philippine running scene with premier races nationwide.

Through the years, The Great UP Run has become a symbol of resilience and unity. Even after a hiatus during the pandemic, it returned stronger, continuing to embody Coach Rio’s dream: that every stride taken on campus is not only a step toward personal fitness, but also a contribution to the enduring legacy of UP athletics.