The Puregold Hakot Relay Run transformed the competitive race landscape by successfully blending the adrenaline rush of a three-kilometer relay run with the exciting rewards of the classic Filipino “hakot” (haul) experience. Held at Burnham Green Park on November 22, the inaugural event drew an overwhelming crowd of up to 8,000 quick-footed participants.
The unique concept required teams of three to tag each other at predetermined points, triggering a frantic “hakot” segment where runners sprinted to seize grocery items to fill their sling bags before tagging their next teammate. The entry requirement was simply a minimum purchase at select Puregold branches plus a ₱500 registration fee.
Stress-Free Grocery Hauls and Massive Savings
The event was an instant hit among participants, who celebrated the immense savings the run offered, especially amidst current economic challenges.
- Avid runner Sheila Obregon praised the event on Facebook, calling it the “pinaka-MASAYA” (most fun) run she’d ever joined, declaring the experience “STRESS-FREE GROCERY.” Her family’s haul included bottled water, snacks, detergent, and bath soap, enough stock to last until the new year.
- Jericha Llaneta affirmed the sentiment, showcasing her bounty, which included a valuable 25kg sack of rice. She estimated her family brought home household supplies that could last two months, calling the help “a big help to us po talaga!”
- Lheo Dominguez, who competed with three family teams (and his eight-month-old baby, Marielle, in tow for the photo), compared the haul to current inflation: “Yung worth 500 mo na mga ilan pirasong groceries lang, di pa puno ung basket. Pero dito sa Puregold Hakot Relay, yung 500 mo halos tatlong pushcart na.”
Raising the Bar for Fun Runs
Seasoned runner Mac Crisostomo gave the event high marks, writing that “Puregold just changed the game in grocery-run events—and raised the bar for years ahead,” commending the loots, medal, singlet, and program quality. The massive overflow of prizes even inspired generosity, with netizen Otp Mar Man sending most of his haul straight to his in-laws in the province.
Adding to the adrenaline and excitement, participants also enjoyed a memorable concert experience at no additional cost, featuring PPop icons KAIA, G22, Press Hit Play, and the duo of Brent Manalo and Mika Salamanca.
Vincent Co, President of Puregold Price Club Inc., who sprinted alongside customers, expressed gratitude for the positive feedback. “It’s humbling to see how much our local running clubs and communities came out in force to support our first running initiative… where everyone could share the panalo spirit.”
The overwhelming question on everyone’s mind remains: When is the next one?
