Stronger together: Robinsons Supermarket marks 40 years of wellness and community
BrandedUp in partnership with
Nothing beats chasing the sunrise with your best buddy by your side.
Robinsons Supermarket understands this, which is why it hosted the 17th Fit and Fun Wellness Buddy Run on July 6 at the Bridgetowne Destination Estate and Parklinks in Pasig City.
This event brought together 6,500 runners, all paired up to celebrate a morning of movement, connection, and milestones.
“We launched the first Buddy Run in 2007 to show that wellness is better when shared,” says Robinsons Supermarket’s Group General Manager Kerwin Legarde. “It also kicks off Nutrition Month and reflects our commitment to offering healthier choices and creating movements that strengthen both bodies and minds.”
What began with 800 participants has grown into one of the country’s most anticipated wellness events, with 6,500 registered runners in its 17th installment. It is even more meaningful this year as Robinsons Supermarket marks its 40th anniversary.
A movement that moves people
Before the sun even rose, the Fit and Fun Wellness Buddy Run was already brimming with life. A surprise wedding proposal drew cheers, friends found their rhythm side by side, and every smile along the route told a story of joy.
“The Buddy Run is one of a kind. I think it’s the only race in the Philippines that encourages you to run with a partner, which is so important in any fitness journey,” shares Coach Toni Saret.
“You have a buddy, a ‘fitspiration,’ who pushes you to keep going. And over time, that builds sustainable habits. It also fosters community and camaraderie.”
Whether it’s couples, siblings, or parents and kids, seeing people work out together inspires others to do the same. It was this mindset that powered 10-kilometer champions Kevin Cruz and Ritchie Estampador.
“‘Pag may kasama ka, mas ganado ka,” explains Cruz, who’s been joining team running competitions since high school. “Hindi mo kasi basta-basta susukuan, kasi may umaasa sa ’yo.”
Such a shared spirit of support and purpose is what keeps the community growing—one step, one partnership, and one healthier journey at a time.
A gift that keeps on giving
Finishers enjoyed a full wellness experience, with access to over 80 booths offering exciting games, special prizes, and nutritious giveaways.
“We’ve been partners with Robinsons for over a decade now because, for them, it’s never been about profit,” says Coach Jim Saret.
“The goal has always been simple: get people moving, bring a friend, and get well together. This annual event allows participants to take home more than what they paid for.”
Robinsons Supermarket goes all-out to build a healthier, fitter nation. For Estampador, that’s exactly why he keeps coming back: “Pangatlong sali ko na saBuddy Run kasi bukod sa 30,000 o 50,000 worth of gift [certificates], saan ka makakahanap ng isang takbo mo lang may grocery ka na?”
Be it at the front of the pack or the tail end, every runner leaves with a grocery bag full of healthy must-haves.
A purpose that empowers others
True to its theme of shared wellness, Robinsons Supermarket also used the event to pay it forward. As part of its 40th anniversary, the brand donated P600,000 in total to partner organizations: Communities Organized for Resource Allocation, Scholars of Sustenance Philippines, and World Vision Philippines.
These are part of the company’s larger mission to empower Filipinos—a belief echoed not just in its donations but in the design of the Buddy Run itself.
The event also honored Robinsons Supermarket’s wellness ambassadors—the UP Men’s Basketball Team, Century Tuna Superbods 2024 first runner-up Jessica Marasigan, and actor JC De Vera—for championing healthy living and motivating more people to stay active.
“As we celebrate 40 years, the Buddy Run reflects our unwavering commitment to health and wellness by creating meaningful experiences that go beyond the store,” Legarde concludes. “It's a reminder that wellness is a journey, best taken together.”
The Fit and Fun Wellness Buddy Run isn’t about how fast we go in building a healthier nation, but how far we can go, hand in hand. This initiative is a testament to Robinsons Supermarket’s commitment to consistency, community, and collective well-being.
***
Editor's note: BrandedUp is designed to provide you with insightful, inspiring, and educational content created by The Philippine STAR in collaboration with brands like Robinsons Supermarket.
