The Galaxy Manila Marathon 2026 marked a milestone for Philippine running as EDSA became a full marathon route for the first time. Held from June 12 to 13, the event gathered 25,000 runners across multiple race categories and showcased how mobile photography and wearable technology are becoming part of the modern running experience.
Samsung partnered with RUNRIO and SM Supermalls for the event, while photographer Jilson Tiu documented the historic race using the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
EDSA Becomes a Marathon Route for the First Time
The biggest story of the Galaxy Manila Marathon 2026 was the transformation of EDSA from one of Metro Manila’s busiest thoroughfares into a race course stretching across the capital.
Timed with Philippine Independence Day celebrations, the marathon featured 5KM, 10KM, 21KM, and 42KM categories. The full marathon route guided runners through EDSA overnight, offering participants a rare opportunity to experience the highway without its usual traffic.
The event reflects the continued growth of running culture in the Philippines, where major road races increasingly attract not only competitive athletes but also first-time runners, families, and fitness communities.
Galaxy S26 Ultra Documents a Historic Running Event
Samsung placed the Galaxy S26 Ultra at the center of the event’s visual storytelling through photographer Jilson Tiu.
Using the smartphone’s camera system, Tiu captured the scale of the marathon, from crowded starting lines and cheering supporters to quiet moments along the route. The project highlights how flagship smartphone cameras continue to blur the line between professional and mobile photography.
Rather than focusing solely on race results, the images documented the broader atmosphere surrounding the event and the transformation of a familiar urban landscape into a space dedicated to fitness and community.
Galaxy Watch Devices Highlight Connected Wellness
Beyond photography, Samsung also used the event to showcase its growing focus on health and fitness through its wearable ecosystem.
Featured devices included the Galaxy Watch8, Galaxy Watch8 Classic, and Galaxy Watch Ultra.
The smartwatches offer features aimed at runners and fitness enthusiasts, including Running Coach for personalized training guidance, Energy Score for recovery and readiness tracking, BioActive Sensor health monitoring, and Antioxidant Index insights.
These capabilities reflect a broader trend in wearable technology, where devices are evolving beyond basic activity tracking to provide more personalized coaching, wellness insights, and recovery recommendations. As consumers place greater emphasis on overall health management, smartwatches are increasingly being positioned as everyday wellness companions rather than simple fitness trackers.
Samsung Expands Its Wellness Ecosystem in the Philippines
The Galaxy Manila Marathon forms part of Samsung’s broader “Run with Galaxy” initiative, which promotes fitness, movement, and community engagement through technology.
The event also received support from the Department of Tourism and featured routes certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and World Athletics, with sanctioning from the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA).
As running continues to gain popularity in the Philippines, technology brands are increasingly positioning wearables and health-focused devices as long-term fitness companions rather than standalone gadgets.
Galaxy Wearable Deals Following the Marathon
Following the event, Samsung announced promotional pricing for several Galaxy wearables, offering substantial discounts across its smartwatch lineup.
The Galaxy Watch8 (40mm) is available for ₱8,396, down from ₱20,990, while the 44mm variant is priced at ₱9,196 from its original ₱22,990.
The Galaxy Watch8 Classic (46mm) is being offered at ₱11,996, reduced from ₱29,990. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is available for ₱16,396, significantly lower than its regular price of ₱40,990.
For users seeking a more affordable fitness-focused wearable, the Galaxy Fit3 is priced at ₱1,396, down from ₱3,490.
The promotional pricing highlights Samsung’s effort to make its health and fitness ecosystem more accessible, particularly as demand for smartwatches and fitness wearables continues to grow among consumers looking for health monitoring and training-focused features.
More Than a Race
The Galaxy Manila Marathon 2026 was more than a showcase for Samsung devices. It highlighted the continued rise of running as a community-driven wellness movement in the Philippines while turning EDSA into a symbol of collective achievement for a single weekend.
By combining a landmark race route, mobile photography through the Galaxy S26 Ultra, and health-focused wearables, Samsung used the event to demonstrate how technology increasingly intersects with fitness, lifestyle, and everyday wellness.
