By MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO CITY — Blending fitness with practical savings, the Iloilo leg of Puregold’s Hakot Relay 2026 successfully brought together around 4,000 participants in a community-driven event that turned a simple race into a source of everyday essentials.
Held on April 25 along the Iloilo Sunset Boulevard, the kickoff leg transformed the traditional fun run into a unique “hakot” experience, where participants collected grocery items from around 30 booths stationed along the race route.
Runners from across Western Visayas, including nearby areas such as Bacolod City, Cebu City and Antique, joined the event, highlighting its regional draw and accessibility.
Unlike conventional races, the Hakot Relay allowed participants to bring home goods they gathered during the activity — an approach seen as especially relevant as households grapple with rising fuel costs and increasing prices of basic commodities.
Vincent Co said the initiative was designed to go beyond entertainment by offering real, everyday value.
“We want to create experiences that bring people together while also delivering real value to our communities,” Co said. “The Hakot Relay allows us to connect with Filipinos in a way that they can both enjoy and benefit from.”
Participants completed various race waves featuring loot stations and on-ground activations, receiving grocery packs, finisher’s medals, and exclusive merchandise. Some groups also received surprise item drops along the route, further adding to the excitement.
The event also doubled as a mini festival, with live performances from popular hip-hop artists Skusta Clee and Flow G, energizing the crowd and enhancing the overall experience.
Organizers said the strong turnout and engagement in Iloilo set the tone for the nationwide rollout of Hakot Relay 2026, positioning the city as a key starting point for the initiative.
Building on the success of its 2025 debut, the Hakot Relay continues to evolve as a community-centered program that responds to current economic realities while encouraging active lifestyles.
Following its successful kickoff in Iloilo, the event is set to continue in South Luzon and Metro Manila, bringing the same mix of fitness, entertainment and practical support to more Filipino communities./MTL, WDJ