Running has become a familiar part of Filipino life. From packed fun runs to early-morning running clubs, more people are lacing up and finding their way into the sport.
But as more Filipinos take up running, the question becomes: what comes next?
At the UP Shopping Center in UP Diliman, Oval Base is creating a space that hopes to answer that question. More than a running store, it aims to be a place where runners can meet, discover new gear, and find a community that keeps them moving.
“We’re basically building beyond a store, beyond a running store, a community,” says Jo Garde, president of Activo Atlético and part of the team behind Oval Base.
Where Runners Come Together
The name Oval Base comes from the UP Oval, one of the university’s familiar running and training grounds. For Garde, the location naturally lends itself to the idea of creating a home for the local running community.
“We want a place where the running community in UP can start, can congregate, they can feel at home, they can look at new products, while at the same time, they can start and learn to run,” he says.
Today, groups such as the UP Run Club, 5AM Gang, and Garmin Run Club gather at the space. Oval Base also hosts community runs where runners with different levels of experience can train and spend time together.
For beginners, that sense of belonging can make running feel less intimidating. After all, showing up is often easier when you know someone is waiting.
“You might ask, ‘Maiiwanan ba ako? May kakilala ba ako doon? Saan ba yun?’” Garde says. “If you’re tamad na gumising, someone will say, ‘Come on, let’s run.’ It’s always easy to run with other people.”
Making Performance More Accessible
Beyond the community, Oval Base is also becoming a home for Ortuseight, the Indonesian performance sportswear brand being brought to the Philippine market by Activo Atlético.
The brand focuses on making performance-oriented footwear more accessible to runners who may not want to spend at the highest price points.
“Performance doesn’t have to be expensive, and you can actually perform with shoes that are easier for the budget,” Garde says.
As running continues to grow, that accessibility can become increasingly important. The sport is also opening doors to other aspects of fitness, from strength training to nutrition and hybrid competitions such as HYROX.
Starting the Fitness Journey
Ultimately, Oval Base sees running as more than an activity. It can be an entry point into a broader and more active way of life.
“We want more people into running and starting their fitness journey with us,” Garde says.
For now, that journey begins at the UP Oval. And sometimes, becoming more active does not require an elaborate plan. It can start with a place to go, a community to join, and someone to run with.
Read more stories on Simpol.ph
NYX: Where Buffet Meets Fine Dining
Chef Francis Lim: Beyond the Kitchen Chaos
Puregold CinePanalo Opens to Sold-Out Screenings and Packed Cinemas
