Over 8,000 runners join first-ever 'One Piece' run in the Philippines

The first-ever "One Piece" run in the Philippines was the ultimate celebration of fitness and fandom!

Over 8,000 runners joined in on the fun held at SM City Fairview on Sunday, according to a statement by Runrio and SM Supermalls.

Participants embarked on the activity wearing "One Piece"-themed outfits, with some even turning up in full cosplay of their favorite characters. One fan was even spotted waving the Straw Hat Pirates' jolly roger!

Those who finished the marathon received "One Piece"-inspired medals. The venue also featured life-sized figures of Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates.

Runrio founder and CEO Rio dela Cruz, who organized the event, said, “We’re delighted to be part of this experience and we’re happy to see the reception that we got from the participants who really enjoyed this run.” 

"One Piece," the legendary manga by Eiichiro Oda, has been running since 1997. It follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew in his quest to find the One Piece and become king of the pirates.

It was adapted into anime in 1999, and into a live action series in 2023. —JCB, GMA Integrated News