Inclusive fun runs draw about 630 participants in Davao City and Cebu

About 630 runners and companions have taken part in four 3-kilometer fun runs held in Davao City and Cebu over the past two years by LGA Voices Beyond Barriers, a movement that seeks to give people with disabilities more chances to join community activities, according to a release published by SunStar.

In Davao City, the runs were held on Oct. 5, 2025, and again on Oct. 4 this year, with the latest edition staged at Citygate Mall Buhangin. The Cebu runs took place on Sept. 14, 2025, and Sept. 13 this year, with this year's event at FiestaMall.

The movement was founded by Lance Alwynn Benedict Anggala. It began by working with people with visual impairments and later widened its programs to include people with disabilities in general. Its stated goals are to help participants form connections, take part in public events and celebrate their abilities.

"For many participants, getting to the starting line was already a form of victory," Anggala said.

Participants included children, teenagers and adults. Some ran while others walked at their own pace. Visually impaired runners were paired with companions, while volunteers along the route helped participants finish comfortably and safely. Organizers asked participants to focus on taking part rather than on competing, and family members, friends and volunteers joined and cheered from the sidelines.

According to the release, the group aims to tackle both physical barriers and misconceptions that keep people with disabilities from joining social and community events. Organizers said inclusion goes beyond access and means creating welcoming spaces where people with disabilities can participate fully, make their own choices, build relationships and have their contributions recognized.

The organizers said the turnout shows that, with proper assistance such as companions and volunteers, more people with disabilities can take part in public activities.