Puregold Hakot Relay puts a distinctly Filipino spin on racing

More than 4,000 runners hauled groceries and appliances to the finish line in Imus, Cavite.

More than 4,000 runners took part in Puregold’s Hakot Relay in Imus, Cavite, turning a 3K team race into an unusual test of speed, teamwork and grocery-hauling skills.

The format is pretty much what the name suggests. Teams of runners tackled the relay course while collecting groceries in the hakot sections, then carrying their winnings to the finish line.

The rain did little to slow them down. Some runners hauled familiar household staples such as rice, instant noodles and soy sauce, while others took on the decidedly tougher task of carrying home appliances, including electric fans, on their shoulders.

That makes the event an interesting fit for a supermarket brand. Instead of simply sponsoring another running event, Puregold built the shopping experience into the competition itself, giving participants something tangible to take home after crossing the finish line.

Puregold senior manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad said the event was created to bring shoppers together through an experience unique to the retailer.

“We started Hakot Relay with a simple idea of bringing our shoppers together through an experience that is uniquely Puregold,” she said. “Seeing everyone show up, cheer each other on, and keep going through the rain was incredible. That’s the panalo energy that makes Hakot Relay so special, and we can’t wait to bring it to more communities.”

This year also brought a new 8K Individual Challenge, drawing more than 500 runners who took on the full distance on their own. Each finisher received a medal and a grocery cart to take home.

The result was a race where the prize was not simply something waiting at the finish line. In the Hakot Relay, runners had to carry the win all the way home.

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