Following the incredible success of its inaugural charity run in 2024, which saw 6,000 people unite for a common cause, Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines is aiming even higher. On June 19, at the Cafe of the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Manila, the foundation officially launched its second "Tzu Chi Charity Run for Education." The new goal is to bring together 8,000 runners on July 20 at Bridgetowne, Pasig, to continue transforming lives through education and community action. The story of the first run reveals the powerful spirit that organizers hope to magnify this year.

A Look Back: The 2024 Run for a Brighter Future

The 2024 marathon was organized to raise funds for the Tzu Chi Philippines scholarship program, which has supported over 16,000 students since 1995. The program does more than cover tuition and living costs; it nurtures students through monthly humanistic culture classes, teaching them values of gratitude, respect, and love.

For many runners, the connection between their participation and a student's future was a powerful motivator. Hans, whose son Agus is a scholarship recipient, was among the runners. He wanted to give back in a tangible way. "A Tzu Chi volunteer introduced me to the foundation," Hans shared. "I learned that Tzu Chi not only provides scholarships but also teaches children to save. This is why I participated in the charity run." His presence on the track was a direct expression of his gratitude.

A Triumph of Community Spirit

The 2024 event was widely praised for its inclusivity. People of all ages, from young children to seniors, participated. The course was shared by runners with physical disabilities, some in wheelchairs and others who were visually impaired, all moving together in a powerful display of unity.

The impact of the marathon extended far beyond the finish line. A running group that first learned about Tzu Chi through the event was inspired to act. When Typhoon Kemi struck the Greater Manila area just days later, the group independently organized a fundraiser and donated all proceeds to Tzu Chi's relief efforts for affected families.

Every Step, an Eco-Conscious Choice

The 2024 marathon was also a demonstration of environmental responsibility. The T-shirts given to runners were made from recycled PET bottles, and each participant received a collapsible, reusable water cup made from wheat straw. Volunteers served tofu pudding to avoid single-use containers, and even collected banana peels to transform into natural cleaning enzymes. This eco-conscious mindset became a hallmark of the event.

Building on Success: The 2025 Charity Run

At the recent media launch, Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez, joined by partners and volunteers, outlined the vision for the 2025 run. The event aims to support the foundation’s 1,395 current scholars in the Educational Assistance Program and 51 scholars in its Technical-Vocational program.

Organized by Runrio, Inc., with Bridgetowne Destination Estate as the venue sponsor, the 2025 run will feature new race routes for its 1K, 3K, 5K, and 10K categories. Participants can look forward to newly designed race singlets made from recycled PET bottles, a new collapsible silicone cup, and specially designed finisher medals.

Tzu Chi commissioner Jane Sy, who hosted the launch, shared stories of the foundation’s humble beginnings and the success of the first run. "We are back, and we are growing bigger this year!" she declared, capturing the enthusiastic spirit of the new campaign. With a new target of 8,000 runners, the foundation is ready to create an even larger ripple effect of goodness, proving that every stride taken is a step toward a brighter, more compassionate future.

Written by Li-Mei Liang (梁麗妹), Ho-Sang Hsu (許和桑), Li-Hsu Tsai (蔡藜旭), Shan-Ya Lee (李珊雅), Tzu-Ling Chang (張慈玲)

Source: 慈善路跑為教育 落實環保護大地