THE RUNNING wave has reached UST. When dusk falls, joggers flood the four streets bordering the campus — and even the University itself transforms into a fitness path for Thomasians.
According to Campus Safety Office Director Juliano Parena Jr., an estimated 600 to 700 joggers hit the campus in the evenings and around 200 to 300 in the mornings.
Jogging isn’t a new sight at UST. In fact, the University has long had guidelines for joggers, most recently revised in Academic Year 2023-2024.
According to a memorandum from the Office of the Vice Rector for Finance (OVRF), jogging inside the UST campus is reserved for Thomasians. Alumni may also obtain jogger’s permits through the OVRF and must present their IDs when asked by security personnel.
Thomasian joggers, as long as they are in “appropriate attire,” are permitted to run in designated zones — such as the Grandstand, Parade Grounds, and the stretch from Plaza Mayor to the Arch of the Centuries — from 4 to 6 a.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.
The appeal of UST’s green spaces and “old school appeal” is likely driving the rise in joggers on campus, according to Parena.
“Ilan na lang tayong (Manila schools) na may green spaces pa. We still have protected trees, and the botanical garden. “The second thing is the aesthetics. ‘Yong old school appeal na you’re jogging around structures like the Main Building, the grandstand, the Arch of the Centuries,” Parena told the Varsitarian.
“Another thing would be the community aspect of jogging…there’s an opportunity for you to know others or to know your friends more. Parang bonding activity kasi.” he added.
Strava, a popular fitness app for tracking physical activity, has also played a role in the running craze. Most users posting runs suggest that UST makes for an ideal five-kilometer route.
Strava’s heatmap shows UST’s four-corner perimeter glowing in bright blue, marking it as a hot spot for runners.
The “UST Run” route in the app shows a 5.79-kilometer run completed by joggers in about 37 minutes to 1 hour and 2 minutes between 6 and 7 p.m.
Among the most popular segments within UST are the University perimeter (2.02 kilometers, completed by more than 3,000 runners), the Open Field loop (0.74 kilometers, run by 4,000), Lacson (0.42 kilometers, run by 5,000), and Dapitan (0.45 kilometers, run by 5,000).
In its Year in Sport report, Strava described jogging as the “new nightclub,” highlighting its transformation into a social activity. The platform also noted a 59% surge in running club participation globally in 2024.
The culture has long been part of campus life, but according to Parena, participation has increased post-pandemic.
“It used to be mostly athletes, but recently, we’ve seen more Thomasians, faculty, and support staff joining in,” he said.
Literature alumna Kaniel Magsino said jogging around UST gives him a feeling of security.
“The campus has designated paths that are safe, well-maintained, and easily accessible for jogging. It’s more fun because you can see many people jogging, and it gives you a sense of safety since you’re not alone,” he said.
Beyond being full of greenery, UST has established security checkpoints throughout its grounds.
Water fountains were recently installed along the walkway by the Open Field. Facilities Management Office Director Fr. Dexter Austria, O.P., said these were a response to rising temperatures, aimed at promoting sustainability and healthier habits.
“In response to the evolving needs of students and the stakeholders and UST’s commitment to promoting health, sustainability, and well-being, the UST Facilities Management Office has installed water fountains on the campus,” Austria told the Varsitarian.
Second-year medicine student Pete Cortes said jogging on campus with friends is motivating and helps achieve shared goals.
“It’s a new environment. Honestly, I think [the jogging culture] is from motivating each other, especially in social media. Nakakagana if nakikita mo yung batchmates mo, parang, if they can do it, maybe I could do it too,” he added.
However, Juvel Dumayaca, another medicine student, said the permitted jogging hours should be more lenient to prevent Thomasians from being forced to jog outside the campus.
“Not everybody is amenable to the schedule. So, a lot of UST students opt to jog around the campus outside. That’s more dangerous,” he said. “It’s one thing to consider for UST, to be more lenient with the time kasi it’s unsafe if anywhere else.”
Parena said Thomasian joggers can take advantage of the University’s route as they work toward their fitness goals.
“More people are being conscious of their health and jogging would seem like it’s one of the most cost-effective, least costly to invest in your health,” he said. “To be at the University and jog, and enjoy the greenery–it brings a sense of peace.”
Thinking of joining the wave? Here are UST’s jogging guidelines:
- Jogging is allowed only for the Thomasian community (students, faculty members, and UST/UST Hospital support staff and employees), and joggers must wear their UST IDs.
- Alumni are allowed to jog but must secure a jogger’s permit from the Office of the Vice Rector for Finance (requirements: biodata, two 1×1 photos, valid ID copy, and a P100 fee).
- Jogging hours are 4-6 a.m. and 7-9 p.m.
- Permitted areas include the Grandstand, Parade Grounds, Plaza Mayor to the Benavides Statue, the fountains, and the Arch of the Centuries. Joggers should use sidewalks and avoid university roads.
- Proper attire is required. Pets and portable speakers are not allowed.
- UST is not liable for injuries, loss, or damage sustained while jogging on campus.
