More than 8,000 runners, families, and fitness enthusiasts participated in the event, which combined a fun run with carnival-themed activities to raise awareness about mental health while encouraging healthy and active lifestyles.

Participants of all ages navigated color-filled race routes and enjoyed a variety of carnival-inspired games, entertainment booths, and interactive activities, creating a festive atmosphere centered on advocacy and community engagement.

“JCI Manila believes advocacy becomes more meaningful when people actively participate rather than simply observe. Through events like this, individuals can contribute to a larger movement while demonstrating solidarity with those facing mental health challenges,” said JCI Manila President Edison Ke.

As one of the event’s major partners, the Palawan Group of Companies emphasized its dedication to initiatives that create positive social impact and strengthen communities.

“Palawan Group hopes to help build stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities by supporting initiatives that address issues affecting Filipinos’ well-being. Our collaboration with JCI Manila reflects our ongoing mission to support programs that uplift Filipino families. Seeing the community come together in such a joyful, active celebration of health is truly inspiring,” said Angela Villanueva, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager of the Palawan Group of Companies.

Through various on-ground activations, the company engaged participants while showcasing its financial services ecosystem designed to provide accessible, convenient, and empowering solutions for Filipinos nationwide.

Beyond supporting the event itself, the Palawan Group highlighted the importance of fostering open conversations about mental health and helping eliminate the stigma often associated with seeking support.

“We believe this is an important step toward building a better Philippines—one where psychologically and emotionally healthier Filipinos can thrive, and where stigma and judgment surrounding mental wellness no longer exist. Together with JCI Manila and the Philippine Mental Health Association, we believe that no one should suffer alone in silence,” said Bernard Kaibigan, Chief Marketing Officer of the Palawan Group of Companies.

JCI Manila also acknowledged the contributions of its partners and sponsors, whose support helped make the event a success. The collaboration underscored the role of partnerships in promoting active lifestyles, mental health awareness, and stronger community engagement.

The event concluded with a lively post-race celebration featuring live entertainment, colorful countdowns, and raffle draws that added to the festive atmosphere.

More importantly, the initiative translated participation into meaningful action. Proceeds from the Colorfest Carnival Run 2026 will help fund the renovation of the wellness facility of the Philippine Mental Health Association, providing a more supportive environment for individuals seeking mental health services.

The successful staging of the event demonstrated how collaboration between civic organizations and the private sector can drive positive change, advance mental health advocacy, and create lasting benefits for communities across the country.

Competing on Independence Day, Gobothia delivered a commanding performance in the men's 3,000-meter steeplechase, pulling away over the final three laps to secure the gold medal in 9 minutes and 8.35 seconds.

Roda matched her teammate's feat in the women's division, executing a patient race strategy before unleashing a strong finishing kick in the final 100 meters to overtake fellow national team member Edna Magtubo and capture the title in 10:38.57.

Their victories highlighted remarkable progress from their recent performances at the New Taipei City Athletics Open in Chinese Taipei, where Gobothia clocked 9:15.39 for silver while Roda finished fifth in 11:18.86.

The two athletes are now focused on meeting the qualifying standards for the Asian Games in Japan.

"Mas maganda ito kaysa sa huli kong takbo sa Taiwan dahil hinahabol namin ni coach Vertek ang qualifying time para sa Asian Games na 8:36.57," said Gobothia, who secured his third gold medal in the country's premier athletics competition.

Gobothia's coach, former Southeast Asian Games steeplechase champion Vertek Buenavista, expressed confidence in his athlete's potential.

"Kung puwede, mariin kong irerekomenda si Gobothia bilang isa sa ating steeplechasers para sa Asian Games. Malaki ang improvement niya at naniniwala akong kaya pa niyang pababain ang kanyang oras," Buenavista said.

Buenavista likewise threw his support behind Roda's Asian Games aspirations despite the challenging qualifying mark of 9:47.53.

Roda credited patience and timing for her victory.

"Naghintay lang po ako ng pagkakataon at hindi agad nagpabilis sa mga unang ikot dahil baka ako ang maubusan sa dulo," she said.

"Malakas din si Magtubo kaya noong nakita ko ang oportunidad sa huling 100 metro at may natitira pa akong lakas, doon ko na ibinuhos lahat."

The victory also marked Roda's third gold medal in the championship.

Also delivering a standout performance was FEU's Rica Balderama, who set a new personal best of 5.89 meters to retain the women's long jump crown.

The 22-year-old Balderama was aiming to breach the six-meter barrier as she seeks a spot in the inaugural Asian Under-23 Championships scheduled in Ordos, China. The qualifying standard stands at 6.30 meters.

"Kaunti na lang sa takeoff, akala ko makukuha ko na ang six meters. Sayang, pero masaya pa rin ako dahil nakapag-record ako ng bagong personal best," said Balderama, a native of Irosin, Sorsogon.

She also took pride in defending her title against a competitive international field.

Singapore's Enya "Chloe" Chee settled for silver with a leap of 5.79 meters, while Malaysia's Aliya Nasaruddin claimed bronze at 5.76 meters.

The ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships is organized by Philippine Athletics and supported by BCDA, New Clark City, ICTSI Foundation, CEL Logistics Inc., UAAGI Auto Group Inc., Pocari Sweat, Clark Water, Energya, and Masiv Sports.

Today, Dr. Afable is a respected physician, educator, and advocate for athlete development. But long before he earned his medical degree, his story began with hardship, perseverance, and an unwavering dream.

Growing up in Marikina, Dr. Afable learned the value of hard work at an early age. His father worked as a janitor at the post office, while young Norman spent much of his childhood around the local market and later sold cigarettes in Cubao to earn extra income.

One memory remains vivid in his mind. He would often stand outside the Araneta Coliseum whenever major sporting events were being held, especially PBA, UAAP, and NCAA games. Watching the athletes enter the country's most famous arena, he dreamed that one day he would be among them.

That dream eventually became reality.

Standing 6-foot-4 by the age of 14, Afable quickly made a name for himself in basketball. He competed in the STRAA Regional Meet twice and earned recognition as a Most Promising Player. He later became a member of the Marikina Selection Team with the guidance of Manager Tony Boy "Bolok" Santos and Coach Butch Orosc.

His basketball career continued to flourish as he represented Rizal in the Philippine National Games under the support of then-Governor Casimiro "Tito" Ynares. At just 17 years old, he achieved a lifelong goal when he joined the Jose Rizal College Heavy Bombers and played in the NCAA at the Araneta Coliseum—the same venue he once admired from outside its gates.

Afable also played for the Central Colleges Bobcats and became part of back-to-back championship teams in the Philippine Youth Basketball League, a prestigious tournament then headed by commissioner and sports broadcaster Chino Trinidad.

After his collegiate years, he continued his basketball career in various commercial and provincial leagues. He suited up for teams such as Spring Cooking Oil, CHOPAT RX, Champion Ball Club-Wangs Team, and several others. His reputation as a talented big man also brought opportunities to play as a reinforcement in provinces including Mindoro, Batangas, Bulacan, Pampanga, Cebu, General Santos, and Cagayan.

His basketball journey eventually extended beyond Philippine shores. The Brunei International League and the Malaysian Open Invitational invited him to compete. There, he played alongside some of the country's respected basketball figures for nearly three years, including Jun Dural, Bal Villaflor, Bobby Parks, Ricky Ricafuente, Sonny Levita, and coach Mike Buendia.

Yet at the height of his athletic career, Afable made a life-changing decision.

At 24 years old, he stepped away from competitive basketball to focus on his education. Determined to build a future beyond the court, he pursued higher studies and eventually became a medical doctor.

Today, Dr. Afable's impact on Philippine sports extends far beyond his own playing accomplishments.

While managing responsibilities in the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare sector, and higher education as a professor teaching master's and doctoral students, he remains deeply committed to helping Filipino athletes achieve excellence.

His mission centers on providing athletes with proper nutrition, scientifically guided supplementation, health education, and performance support—critical factors that are often overlooked in athletic development.

Dr. Afable actively mentors and supports athletes in basketball, cycling, and running. Among those benefiting from his guidance are elite competitors and national-level performers, including Philippine cycling record holder Zedric Ivan Honorica, whose training and wellness programs he continues to support.

For Afable, developing champions requires more than talent and determination. Athletes must also have access to the right medical guidance, nutritional support, and resources that allow them to compete at the highest level.

His vision is clear: to help Filipino athletes become stronger, healthier, and more competitive on the international stage, ultimately contributing to the country's quest for more medals in major regional and continental competitions.

From a young boy selling cigarettes outside the Araneta Coliseum to a physician dedicated to nurturing future champions, Dr. Norman Afable's journey is a testament to perseverance, sacrifice, and service.

Today, his greatest victories are no longer measured by points scored or championships won. Instead, the success stories of the athletes he helps develop reflect them—young Filipinos who, with the right support and guidance, may one day bring honor and glory to the nation.

Through his work, Dr. Afable continues to build a legacy that extends beyond sports: empowering dreams, transforming lives, and helping shape the future of Philippine sports.

Green, a former Malaysian national team standout, caught fire from the opening holes and delivered the round of the tournament, highlighted by a stunning eagle on the par-5 ninth that completed his charge from three shots behind overnight leader Franco Scorzato of Argentina to the top of the leaderboard.

After opening with back-to-back 69s, Green's brilliant 64 gave him a 54-hole total of 14-under-par 202, putting him one shot clear of Italian Michele Ortolani, who also mounted a fierce challenge with a seven-under 65 for a 203 aggregate in the event sponsored by Bingo Plus and Digital Plus.

Briton Thomas Plum remained firmly in the title hunt after bouncing back from a disappointing second-round 74. The Englishman rediscovered his form with a sparkling six-under 66 to move to 12-under 204, just two shots off the lead entering the final day.

"I didn't do anything special. I just really went out there and played golf," said Green after his record-breaking round.

While Green grabbed the spotlight, Filipino contender Sean Ramos kept local hopes alive with a superb five-under 67 to stay within striking distance of the leaders.

Ramos birdied six holes against a lone bogey on the par-4 11th, climbing into a share of sixth place at 10-under 206 alongside Malaysia's Marcus Lim and Australia's Darcy Brereton, who carded rounds of 68 and 69, respectively.

The Filipino standout opened with a 68 before slipping to a 71 in the second round but regained momentum at the perfect time as he heads into Saturday's finale just four strokes behind Green.

"Today was a good start," Ramos said.

"I've been struggling to read the greens a little bit, but more than anything, I'm just trying to hit my putts as solid as I can. If you hit it a little off-center, that's where it kind of snaps right away."

Taiwan's Su Ching-Hung and Scorzato remained in the thick of the battle at 11-under 205 after rounds of 70 and 71, respectively, while three-time Asian Tour champion Angelo Que quietly positioned himself for a late charge with a three-under 69 for a 209 total.

With multiple players separated by only a handful of shots and the championship still up for grabs, the stage is set for a thrilling final-round shootout at Luisita as Green tries to fend off a relentless pack of challengers led by Ramos and fellow title contenders from across the region.