Puregold’s “hakot” legacy hit a whole new stride in Cavite as the Hakot Relay South Luzon leg transformed Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus into an adrenaline-charged showcase for speed, grit, and panalo. More than 4,000 runners that showed up had their game face on as they competed, enjoyed the camaraderie, and joined the signature “hakot” moments of the race. 

The Southern Luzon leg—of the nationwide Hakot Relay series—marked the launch of Puregold’s first-ever 8K Individual Challenge, putting solo runners to the ultimate test. Around 500 runners took on the full 8 kilometers, proving that Puregold Hakot Relay is also about pushing one’s limits and crossing the finish line stronger than ever. 

The rest competed in the event’s signature Hakot Relay, where runners formed teams and raced through the course while collecting grocery items along the way.

Therein lay the difference: Hakot Relay was a team event, while the new 8K was an individual race.

In the relay, teammates had to strategize and work together as they raced to collect groceries before reaching the finish line. In the 8K Individual Challenge, runners tackled the longer distance entirely on their own.

“We wanted to offer runners a fresh and enjoyable way to challenge themselves, with the ‘hakot’ mechanic adding a playful and uniquely Puregold twist to the race. Being part of the running community is meaningful to us, and it is a privilege for Puregold to bring people together for a shared panalo experience.” said Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Puregold Senior Marketing Manager.

Participants began with a pre-race warm-up before heading to the starting line and completing their respective courses within prescribed cut-off times.

After crossing the finish line, runners collected their race-day rewards and visited sampling booths of participating brands. Sponsor-led stage activities and an awarding ceremony capped the event.

Participants in the team Hakot Relay went home with a Grocery Sling Bag and a Finisher’s Grocery Bag, but a ‘surprise’ awaited the solo 8K finishers at the end of the line: the chance to roll home their loot in a finisher’s grocery cart wagon. 

“We’re always looking for ways to level up the Hakot Relay and give Filipinos something new to look forward to,” Piedad said. “This year, this meant introducing our first-ever 8K challenge and bringing the experience to an even bigger scale.”

With more than 4,000 runners joining either as teams or solo competitors, the South Luzon leg expanded the Hakot experience while keeping its coveted reward intact: you race to the finish line—and go home with groceries, too.

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