PASAY--The Doraemon Run is finally heading to the Philippines, and runners, especially the young at heart, anticipated the anime-themed run so much that all the 10,000 slots have already been filled up for the Feb. 15 event.
Andrew Neri, RunRio's general manager, said on Tuesday that his group, led by renowned running coach Rio De La Cruz, will make sure that the Doraemon Run will deliver authentic Doraemon feels when everyone converges at the SM Mall of Asia Complex here.
Neri said during the press launch at Rossopomodoro here that exclusive Doraemon merchandise will be sold at the event.
Also, a meet-and-greet opportunity with mascots depicting the five main characters of the well-loved anime will also take place.
One major highlight, though, according to Neri, is a gigantic Doraemon doll to be inflated at the assembly area, something not seen in other Doraemon Runs across the globe.
"We are bringing in a six-meter-high inflatable during the event. That's a first for Doraemon," Neri said, adding that the merchandise selling is also a first.
Neri also bared that the official soundtrack of the Doraemon anime will be heard throughout the event to add to the feels.
"We also got the approval to play the music of Doraemon to really make somehow the event on Feb. 15 everything Doraemon," Neri further said.
He added that, through the help with Animation International Philippines, all the runners will receive a "surprise merch" that they will only find out once they make the finish line.
The Doraemon Run is the first of at least six licensed runs to be organized by Runrio for 2026.
Neri hinted that most of the licensed theme runs last year will make another installment this year.
