The SM MOA Complex in Pasay City, on December 1, was transformed into a sea of gold as McDonald’s Philippines’ annual Stripes Run returned this year. Even though rains had continued throughout the weekend, it didn’t dampen the spirits of thousands of participants who went to run and bond with their friends, families, and fur babies as they pledged their support to Ronald McDonald’s Bahay Bulilit Learning Centers, the primary beneficiary of Stripes Run 2024.
Kim, a fur parent who ran with her fur baby, Geagles, in the 1 Kilometer Fur Stripes category, shared that despite the rainy conditions and being overwhelmed as a first-time Stripes Run participant, she and her pet found the experience still enjoyable.
“As a first-time runner participating in Stripes Run, it was overwhelming for both of us as this was our first time joining McDonald’s Philippines’ fun run. There were a lot of people running in the 1 Kilometer Fur Stripes category with their pets, but still, the whole experience was indeed enjoyable for the both of us as I and Geagles bonded,” said Kim.
Rico, the winner of the 1 Kilometer Fur Stripes race category, also shared the same sentiment of enjoying the whole experience with his fur baby, Gorka.
With Stripes Run 2024 being the second time he and Gorka joined the activity, he was more elated that aside from spending more time with his dog, securing first place was just a cherry on top.
“This is our second time to join McDonald’s Stripes Run. Last time, we were hailed as second placer and we’re just glad that we were able to secure the top spot,” Rico shared. “I hope McDonald’s Philippines continues to organize such an activity because I genuinely enjoyed it.”
Joven, who ran with his family in the 10-kilometer race category, on the other hand, said that the McDonald’s Stripes Run 2024 was a good way for him to bond with his wife and children.
“My wife and two of my kids already joined last year. This was the first time that we were able to participate as a family and it was a good experience,” the head of the family recounted. “I actually thought I wouldn’t make it to the finish line, but here we were! We’re able to finish the run together.”
Some celebrities also didn’t miss the opportunity to welcome the month of December by joining the McDonald’s Stripes Run 2024.
Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo and Ryan Agoncillo, who did a live reading with their daughter Luna, expressed their enthusiasm for being a part of this year’s fun run.
“McDonald’s Stripes Run has strengthened the bond and relationship of families because it’s evident that kids and their parents enjoy this activity. This is also a testament that by being an active family, you can mold the minds of your kids since you have their attention and their energy is redirected to something constructive, such as running,” said Ryan.
Judy Ann added, “This also promotes what McDonald’s wants to promote: spend time with your family. We know that when they grow up, they won’t spend much time with us since they’ll be busy with their friends and work. They’d cherish these kinds of memories and may continue to do so with their future families as well.”
For actors Ysabel Ortega, David Licauco, and Barbie Forteza, being part of Stripes Run 2024 was heartwarming as it serves as a beacon of hope for many Filipino children who don’t have any access to quality education.
“Aside from having families and friends get together, we’re very happy to be a part of this year’s fun run because it’s all for a good cause,” Forteza shared to which Licauco added, “This is more than just a celebration of McDonald’s success, but it’s also their way of giving back to the community. And so, we’re glad to be a part of this.”
Sharing the same sentiment, Ortega, who also ran in the 3-kilometer race category, went on to say, “It’s heartwarming to be a part of something where you can support the growth of children and their education. Through this year’s Stripes Run, I hope more people will be encouraged to run because not only you’re finding common ground with your family and friends, but you’re also helping in your own little way.”
McDonald’s Philippines Assistant Vice President for Corporate Relations Adi Timbol-Hernandez said that Stripes Run 2024 saw the biggest turnout of participants in the marathon’s history since its inception in 2010, with almost 11,000 runners and 500 fur babies joining and running across different race categories.
Timbol-Hernandez shared her enthusiasm because more than just a fun run, this year’s fun run supports the Ronald McDonald’s Bahay Bulilit Learning Center, a place that offers safe and nurturing spaces for children to learn, explore, and play.
“As every year, Stripes Run is for the benefit of the Ronald McDonald’s House Charities and its programs. This 2024, it is for the benefit of Ronald McDonald’s House Charities (RMHC) Bahay Bulilit Learning program,” Timbol-Hernandez said, adding that their goal is to build more learning centers in different barangays so they can cater to more children and provide them with early childhood care and education.
“We have been doing Stripes Run [since 2010], and every year, it gets bigger and better with more runners, generating more awareness [about] RMHC. So, we’re excited and very thankful. We look forward to doing more Stripes Runs and even more activities to benefit RMHC,” she went on to say.
In its bid to create more feel-good moments for every Filipino, McDonald’s Philippines will continue to carry out programs and activities that not only gather families together but also support the needs for shelter, education, and happiness of Filipino children.
Find out more about what McDonald’s Philippines has in store here and follow them through their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts.
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