Eastern Visayas’ Fun Run Set September 27 in Tacloban to Mark World Tourism Day

The Department of Tourism Regional Office VIII, in partnership with the Tacloban City Government, has officially launched Infinite Strides Eastern Visayas: World Tourism Day Fun Run 2025, set for September 27 to celebrate the region’s culture, natural beauty, and tourism resurgence.

TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Office VIII, in close partnership with the Tacloban City Government, has officially unveiled details of Infinite Strides Eastern Visayas: World Tourism Day Fun Run 2025, a vibrant celebration designed to showcase the region’s rich culture, breathtaking natural beauty, and resilient community spirit.

Scheduled for September 27, 2025, the event aligns with the global observance of World Tourism Day, bringing residents and visitors together in a show of unity and enthusiasm for the region’s travel and hospitality sector.

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The Old Provincial Capitol Grounds will serve as both the starting point and the finish line, with three categories to suit runners of all ages and abilities: the 12-kilometre race kicks off at 4:30 a.m., followed by the 5-kilometre run at 5:00 a.m., and the 3-kilometre fun walk at 5:30 a.m.

Beyond the excitement of the race itself, the DOT emphasises that the occasion stands as a powerful symbol of tourism recovery and growth across Eastern Visayas. Organisers invite people from all walks of life to take part, lend their support to sustainable tourism initiatives, and help shine a spotlight on the region’s attractions, heritage, and promising future.

Infinite Strides Eastern Visayas: Runners Unite in Tacloban to Celebrate World Tourism Day, Showcase Resilience and Sustainable Growth

The much-anticipated Infinite Strides Eastern Visayas: World Tourism Day Fun Run 2025 unfolded with energy and enthusiasm on September 27, 2025, bringing hundreds of participants together in a vibrant display of community spirit, cultural pride, and renewed optimism for the region’s tourism industry. Organised through the dedicated partnership of the Department of Tourism Regional Office VIII and the Tacloban City Government, the event turned the historic grounds of the Leyte Provincial Capitol — located along Sen. Enage Street at the Old Provincial Capitol Building into a hub of movement, connection, and shared purpose.

Guided by the inspiring theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” the fun run was designed not merely as a sporting occasion but as a meaningful tribute to the vital role tourism plays in driving economic progress, social connection, and environmental stewardship across the region. The morning’s activities were structured to welcome participants of all ages and fitness levels, with three distinct categories setting a spirited pace from the early hours: the 12-kilometre challenge got underway promptly at 4:30 a.m. with a generous two-hour cut-off time, followed by the 5-kilometre run at 5:00 a.m. allowing one and a half hours to complete the course, and the accessible 3-kilometre fun run starting at 5:30 a.m. with a one-hour finish window. From the first footsteps to the final crossings of the finish line, the atmosphere was one of joy, determination, and collective celebration.

Beyond the thrill of the race itself, the event was rooted in deeper, far-reaching purposes that resonated throughout the morning. Above all, it served as Eastern Visayas’ heartfelt contribution to the global observance of World Tourism Day, joining nations across the world in recognising the profound influence of tourism on livelihoods, communities, and shared prosperity. It stood as a proud showcase for the region’s abundant treasures from its rich living heritage and colourful traditions to its breath-taking landscapes and emerging destinations inviting both locals and visitors to see and celebrate all that Eastern Visayas has to offer.

More than that, the fun run became a powerful symbol of unity, bringing together residents, visitors, local government officials, hospitality industry leaders, and business owners in a shared mission to lift up the region. It also carried a deeply moving message of resilience: every stride taken reflected the enduring strength and indomitable spirit of the people of Eastern Visayas, a region that has rebuilt and flourished in the wake of past calamities, emerging stronger and more determined than ever before. Complementing these goals was a heartfelt commitment to health and wellness, encouraging every participant to embrace an active, vibrant lifestyle while championing sustainable practices that will protect and enhance the region’s natural beauty for generations to come.

The event was widely hailed as a resounding success, not only for the numbers who turned out but for the sense of hope and togetherness it inspired. Official photographs capturing the energy, smiles, and highlights of the day are available to view in the DOT Region 8 Photo Gallery, preserving a memorable chapter in the region’s tourism journey. For those eager to stay involved, further details on upcoming regional runs and curated tourism circuits across Eastern Visayas will be shared in due course, opening new opportunities to explore, support, and celebrate this remarkable corner of the Philippines.