The Ultimate Runners’ Guide to UP Diliman: Trails, Tips, and Views

Words by: Rachael E. Elly F., Cheska O.

Art by: Gianna Santiago

This article was written by applicants of UP JMA for their internship.

The University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) has always been an iconic cultural hub for many. The campus has forever been memorialized for its rich historical significance, however as of recent, it has also transformed along with the times as something more than that. Home to lush greenery and scenic views, UPD has been an avenue that empowers and encourages many to take care of their physical wellness through jogging. Kaya tara, grab your gear and of course, your runner’s guide to UPD! G ba kayo?

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The UP Academic Oval

The UP Academic Oval is a hotspot for runners across the city with its wide paved roads and Acacia trees forming canopies along the route. On weekdays, the oval restricts traffic counterclockwise while on Sundays, the oval is completely restricted from cars allowing runners and other visitors to safely use the oval for recreational activities.

The full route of the oval spans approximately 2.2 kilometers which starts counter clockwise from the Oblation–the iconic symbol of the University of the Philippines–towards the Vargas Museum where you can appreciate Philippine Arts and Culture, and straight ahead to Palma Hall–formerly known as AS–a university building thriving with students taking courses in social sciences and philosophy. At the halfway point of the oval is the Sunken Garden–a great spot to hold a picnic or play football with friends. While doing your run, you can sightsee the various landmarks in UP!

However, if 2.2 kilometers is not enough, you can take a detour and turn right before Palma Hall towards the National Science Complex and return to the oval for a 5 kilometer route.

The University of the Philippines Diliman has a large campus with many wide paths and open spaces convenient for jogging or running. However, remember to be mindful of your activities since the area is still an institution for education and learning.

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The Runners of UPD

At any hour of the day, the Academic Oval is alive with footsteps. These aren’t just random joggers—they’re part of a thriving running community made up of students, alumni, faculty, and locals. Some run alone, with headphones in and eyes ahead. Others run in packs, laughing, pacing, and encouraging each other. But all of them share the same track—and often, the same purpose. 

Running in UPD is more than just a workout. It has slowly become a culture. From casual runners to competitive athletes, the campus attracts a wide range of people who lace up for different reasons: fitness, stress relief, community building, personal goals, and training for races. You'll find runners circling the Academic Oval—students in between or after classes, alumni reliving campus memories, faculty members squeezing in a workout, and even local residents taking part in the rhythm of campus life. For most people, if not all, it's therapy with every step. And despite their differences, they’re united by motion, discipline, and the calming canopy of Acacia trees overhead. 

On top of that, some runners are part of organized groups like the UP Run Club which has become a hub for both beginners and seasoned athletes. These groups often schedule regular runs and sometimes organize internal events or join bigger races outside the campus. The club fosters a space where runners can find motivation, improve their form, and make friends. So whether one is just a beginner or training for their next marathon, there’s always space on the track—and in the circle—for them. Beyond the health benefits, there are post-run hangouts which are considered a staple in the community. This includes those late-night eats at Maginhawa, taho breaks at the Oblation, kwek-kwek cravings by the Academic Oval, or cooldown chats by the Sunken Garden. In the end, it’s these spaces — the hangouts, the run clubs, the organizations — that embody a shared love for movement and connection. And it's this blend of wellness and friendship that keeps people coming back. A lot of that magic, though, doesn’t just happen — it’s made possible by the groups who plan, organize, and host the runs that keep us all moving together.

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Running Events

With the Academic Oval being a perfect destination for running activities, many fun runs take place in UP! The most recent was The Great UP Run held last March 30, 2025, consisting of various runners that are from and outside the university to celebrate that UP pride in action. The event offered categories of varying difficulties: 3 km, 5 km, and 10 km to cater to runners of different levels.

Many other recent fun runs held at UP also had advocacies or partnered beneficiaries such as Takbo Babae by the UP Diliman Gender Office which advocates for fighting against violence on women, Takbo Para sa Katutubo by the Colors of Life Philippines which supports indigenous communities, Run as One by UP IE Club which supports children education through Tulong Eskwela, and Bloodline: The UP Red Cross Youth Fun Run which donates its proceeds to Hemophilia Advocates-Philippines. While these events were extended to anyone with an interest in running, some organizations also hold fun runs internally as an initiative to promote camaraderie. 

With the many fun runs being hosted on campus, each with different goals and difficulties, it shows that not only do they promote health and fitness, but are also a great way to meet new people, forge stronger connections with your friends and family, and support advocacies! 

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Running Essentials

Want to take part in the action? Before you set out to the Acad Oval, don't forget to pack some of these essentials! 

1. Water or any drinks with electrolytes

It is important that you have a bottle of water at hand to hydrate yourself and to strengthen you to keep on going! 

2. Snacks 

You’ll need some good treats to nourish you after a long run! Another recommended option is to support the tindahans and vendors scattered throughout the campus!

3. Cap

With summer right around the corner, it is key to keep yourself protected from the scorching heat! Bringing a cap or a visor can ensure you have unobstructed vision throughout your run! 

4. Sunscreen 

Make sure to always put on and retouch your sunscreen to shield yourself from the harsh UV rays!

5. Insect Repellent 

Mosquitoes tend to come out during dusk or dawn, so ensure that you apply insect repellent so that you do not come into contact with any transmissible diseases! 

6. Extra set of clothes 

An extra set of clothes can help you feel refreshed and get rid of any lingering stickiness from your perspiration!  

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From students to local residents, UP’s historical paths have welcomed runners young and old. The campus has been home to not just a community, but a true family—bonded together by the diverse events and gatherings. Whether you are a first timer, or a veteran UP-runner, taking care of the campus is a collective effort. To be able to preserve the lush greenery that nourishes our afternoon and morning runs, we must all stay vigilant in practicing CLAYGO and in keeping our university clean. As we embark on the green and maroon-striped lanes, let us keep this mission in mind in order to sustain UP’s beauty for generations to come. On your marks, get set, let’s go jog sa QC, sa UP!