Dreams Don’t Know Distance: Inspiring Moments from the EastWest Dream Run 2025

 

Two remarkable groups stood out at the EastWest Dream Run 2025 in Manila—not for setting records, but for shattering stereotypes. To compete in the race, a group of tenacious runners from the Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, went over 1,000 kilometers. As everything was going on, a group of novice runners from Young Focus Philippines, a non-governmental organization that helps the young people of Tondo, Manila, put on their running shoes for the first time.

Both groups exemplified the core concept of the Dream Run: "Dreams don't know distance," while running various distances and hailing from different worlds.

From Mindanao to Manila: The Balingasag Steady Pace Runners

For Reinhurd B. Ipan and his fellow runners from the Balingasag Steady Pace Runners, the journey to the Dream Run began long before race day. “We saw a post about a running event that happened at Davao. The participants were so happy, the event was well organized, and most especially, the medal is so unique,” shared Ipan. After missing the Cebu leg, they decided to go all in for Manila: booking plane tickets, clearing schedules, and bringing their families with them.

Their training included a series of local and regional races across Mindanao, from 10Ks to a 50-kilometer ultramarathon. “We had to adjust a lot of factors, especially our schedules at our shops and had to spare some money for it too. We had to, because we've been looking forward to it.” 

After finishing the EastWest Dream Run in Manila, runners from the Balingasag Running Community in Misamis Oriental proudly pose. To participate in the race, the gang traveled more than 1,000 kilometers.
represented the event's motto, "Dreams Don't Know Distance." Their tenacity, solidarity, and enthusiasm transformed every stride into a potent declaration of determination and purpose.

Race day, however, came with surprises. “We didn’t expect any uphills and downhills, not to mention
we had to go through it three times. We thought it would be just a walk in the park!” Ipan laughed.
“When we finally saw the finish line, I told myself, ‘Finally, we did it, we did what we came for.’ The
crowd was amazing, and the medal speaks for it: the Dream Catcher.”

Their journey did not go unnoticed back home. “It was all congratulations from them,” said Ipan. “After
we got back home, we wore the race singlet during our recovery run and it stood out! They told us,
‘Grabe, pumunta pa kayong Manila para diyan?’ Of course…it was our Dream Run.”

His message to fellow runners across the country? “Believe me…you’ll be surprised to see what you are
capable of. It will be made more special when you run with your family and friends and finish together.”

 

First-Time Runners with Big Dreams

Over a dozen Young Focus Philippines children from Tondo, Manila, also participated in the EastWest Dream Run. Even though they only ran a 2-kilometer race, their adventure had just as much significance.

“I felt super happy,” said Charm, one of the participants. “I just told myself, ‘Okay, it’s fine to get slow, as long as I won’t get lost.’ Someone shouted ‘1K more!’ and I had to stop, grab some water, and pray. But by God’s grace, I finished.”

It was also a moment of personal growth for Leslie: “This experience really pushed me out of my
comfort zone. I found myself trying things I used to be afraid of, especially when it comes to socializing. It reminded me that growth often starts with discomfort.”

After completing their very first fun run at the EastWest Dream Run Manila, young, up-and-coming runners from Young Focus Philippines are beaming with joy. Originating from the Tondo settlements in the Smokey Mountains, These youthful idealists demonstrated that when opportunity, bravery, and hope are present, no distance is too big. EastWest gave a donation to Young Focus at a special event that took place after the run. 

The marathon served as a metaphor for tenacity for many. Marc remarked, "You could sense that everyone wanted to finish strong, even though it was exhausting." "That energy was contagious."

A number of pupils expressed their aspirations for the future. Owen aspires to work for a renowned automaker, while Solomon, an IT student, wants to give back to his family and community. All Clarence wants is to graduate and make his family proud, but he's still figuring things out. They all expressed a common hope: that they will continue to run, one stride at a time, no matter how difficult life becomes. 

shared hope: that no matter how hard life gets, they’ll keep running, one step at a time.

A Race That Goes Beyond the Finish Line

EastWest's Dream Run encourages tenacity and camaraderie. Martin Reyes, the head of marketing and cash management at EastWest, stated, "We believe in creating moments that go beyond medals." "This run demonstrated that no dream is too far away by uniting people from all walks of life."

It was a race that signified not only distance but also fate for both groups—those who crossed islands and those who left their comfort zones.

Because sometimes the step that brings you to the starting line is more courageous than the one on the podium.