Is the Skyway Marathon Making a Comeback? Ayala Philippine Marathon Set for February 22, 2026
Mark your calendars: February 22, 2026. The official teaser for the Ayala Philippine Marathon has just dropped – courtesy of the powerhouse duo Ayala and race organizer RUNRIO – and it’s already stirring up major excitement within the local running community.
But beyond the slick design and striking branding, there’s something much more intriguing about the announcement: the background image. Eagle-eyed runners will notice that the race visual prominently features a familiar, wide, elevated highway… could it be? Is the Skyway returning as a race venue?
The Skyway: A Lost Paradise for Runners?
Once upon a time, running on the Skyway was the dream. The Condura Skyway Marathon – known as the “premier marathon of the Philippines” – turned the elevated expressway into a runner’s playground. With its cool predawn atmosphere and sweeping views of the metro skyline, it attracted tens of thousands of runners, from beginners to seasoned marathoners.
The Skyway last saw a race in 2017, when the 7-Eleven Run held its final edition on the elevated route. Since then, races have been grounded – figuratively and literally – as logistical, traffic, and permit challenges put an end to Skyway races.
Is 2026 the Year of the Comeback?
RUNRIO’s teaser image doesn’t explicitly say “Skyway,” but that background photo doesn’t lie. The wide lanes, the lack of intersections, the unmistakable curve of the elevated highway – it’s all there. While we wait for official confirmation, the community is already buzzing with speculation.
Upon Further Investigation…
As the community excitement surged, some curious runners began digging deeper – and a new theory emerged.
Upon closer inspection, the route shown in the teaser image seems to resemble the Kalayaan Bridge, the connector between Ayala Avenue and BGC. So is the Skyway coming back? Maybe or Maybe not. But the reaction from the running community speaks volumes: the dream is still alive.
