Enderun celebrates 20 years with a fun run, festival, and future leaders in action

Some 1,700 runners laced up for the Enderun@20 Fun Run on a fine Sunday morning, the air crisp and fresh, with routes winding through McKinley Hill’s artful pedestrian lanes. Participants in the 3KM, 5KM, and 10KM categories moved through scenic campus streets before finishing into a lively festival at Enderun.

The Manila Monitor, an official media partner, noted that the 10km route was both energizing and refreshing. McKinley Hill’s well-designed pedestrian lanes and open spaces highlighted why the area is ideal for running. The atmosphere struck a balance between relaxed and lively—not as crowded as larger fun runs, but with enough participants to generate a palpable buzz of excitement approaching the finish line.

The festival that followed kept the energy high. Food stalls, live music, and a variety of raffle prizes worth over P2 million greeted runners and guests alike. The music stage was headlined by Sunkissed Lola, whose hit “Pasilyo” had the crowd singing along, and supported by rising artists Syd Hartha, Demi, White Flag, and Victoria St. The celebration wrapped with high-energy sets from DJ PapiRav ft. MC Drix, keeping the momentum from the run alive throughout the morning.

Aside from the music and prizes, the event stood out for its student-led organization. The Fun Run and Festival were spearheaded by students in Enderun’s Leadership Program, an initiative combining academics with hands-on leadership experience.

Participants gather on a field, holding yellow balloons, in preparation for the Enderun@20 Fun Run event, with a stadium in the background.
Participants gather before the run for warm ups. Photo by Kenneth M. del Rosario.

“What I value most is learning that leadership means guiding and supporting others and not just leading from the front,” said Isabelle Adrienne Mapa, a fourth-year architecture student and head of the event. 

Mariella Domingo, a business administration student, echoed the sentiment: “It’s about camaraderie and influence. This event pushed us to lead with purpose and create space for others to shine.” Economics student Chevy Klein Tan, on the other hand, said: “The program taught me to adapt, connect, and communicate. It’s about growing with your team and turning challenges into opportunities.”

A speaker on stage at the Enderun@20 Fun Run event, with logos of media partners displayed in the background.
Photo by Kenneth M. del Rosario

“The students are the heart and soul of Enderun. Their passion and drive reflect the very core of who we are,” said Enderun’s chief operating officer Daniel Perez.

The Enderun@20 Fun Run and Festival celebrated not just two decades of academic excellence, but also the next generation of leaders—students actively shaping events with energy, purpose, and camaraderie.

The event’s success was supported by partners and sponsors, including Carmen’s Best, More Veggies Please, Purple Seedlings Development Center, and Just Show Up Run Club CD, as well as raffle prize sponsors such as Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, Power Mac Center, and Yabu.

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