Thousands join QC Pride Run 2026 in strong show of unity, inclusion

Thousands of runners, advocates, allies, families, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community are set to take to the streets of Tomas Morato on Saturday, June 6, as the Quezon City Rainbow Pride Council and RUNRIO, Inc., in partnership with the Quezon City Government, once again stage the highly anticipated Pride Run @ QC 2026.
More than just a race, Pride Run @ QC serves as a celebration of visibility, inclusion, wellness, and solidarity—bringing together people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and allies in a shared commitment to equality and human dignity.
Participants will take part in a 5-kilometer run through one of the city’s most vibrant districts, transforming the streets into a powerful display of pride, community, and support for LGBTQIA+ rights.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte welcomed the return of the event, highlighting its role in launching the city’s month-long Pride celebrations and reinforcing Quezon City’s position as one of the country’s leading champions of inclusivity and equal rights.
“Following last year’s successful Pride Run, we are proud to once again open Pride Month with an event that brings people together in celebration of diversity, acceptance, and equality,” Belmonte said. “Every step taken during this run is a reminder that creating a more inclusive society requires all of us to move forward together—regardless of who we are, whom we love, or how we identify.”
The mayor also underscored the significance of holding the event in Tomas Morato, a district long recognized as a welcoming space for the LGBTQIA+ community and home to many LGBTQIA+-owned and LGBTQIA+-friendly businesses that contribute to the city’s cultural vibrancy and economic growth.
“Tomas Morato has long been a place where people can express themselves freely and authentically,” Belmonte added. “The many businesses here have helped create safe and welcoming spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community, and through events like Pride Run, we celebrate not only the community itself but also the establishments and entrepreneurs who have stood with them through the years.”
Registration for Pride Run @ QC officially opened on May 11 following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between RUNRIO, Inc. and the Quezon City Government. Interested participants may visit the official Facebook pages of the Quezon City Government and RUNRIO, Inc. for registration details and event updates.
While registration is required for participants who wish to receive official race kits, members of the public are also encouraged to join the festivities, cheer on the runners, and show support for the city’s continuing advocacy for equality and inclusion.
In keeping with Quezon City’s commitment to environmental sustainability, organizers are also encouraging participants to bring their own refillable water tumblers or bottles. Pride Run @ QC remains a plastic-free event, aligning with the city’s broader efforts to reduce waste and promote environmentally responsible celebrations.
Pride Run @ QC serves as the opening event of Quezon City’s month-long Pride celebration, which features a series of community activities, advocacy programs, cultural events, and educational initiatives throughout June.
The celebrations will culminate on June 27 with the #LOVELAB4N Pride Festival at the University of the Philippines Diliman, where hundreds of thousands of LGBTQIA+ Filipinos and allies are expected to gather for Asia’s largest Pride march and festival.
As Quezon City once again raises the rainbow flag this Pride Month, the city reaffirms its commitment to creating a community where everyone—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics—can live with dignity, safety, and equal opportunity.
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