Hit the ground running with her club, Just One
Hannah Pangilinan is known for many things—her style, her family, and her social media influence. But what she’s truly passionate about is running. She discovered how running could bring her closer to her family and help her shed the weight she gained during the pandemic.
Eventually, it became part of her routine—but with a whole new meaning. Running became a way for her to build a deeper relationship with herself and others.
“Once the family bonding was achieved and the weight slowly left, I was left with the habit of running, and the why completely changed,” Hannah says. “I realized it was something that inspired all the other habits in my life to become better. It gave me better headspace, the chance to bond with like-minded people, and sightsee through fun runs.”
This realization encouraged her to start her own running club. Dubbed Just One, the club aims to break down misconceptions and the sense of exclusivity that often surrounds running groups. A person can be part of the community simply by showing up. For Hannah, Just One rewards presence—no matter your pace or your reason why.
In a conversation with Style Weekend, Hannah shares more about her running journey, what makes Just One a club for everyone, and how running can be one of the best ways to connect with people.
First of all, what sparked your interest in running? Is it something you share with your family?
Running has always been a means to an end. It was the sport I had to do to join my family in triathlons when I was nine, and the fastest way I imagined I could shed the pandemic weight when I was 20.
Once the family bonding was achieved and the weight slowly left, I was left with the habit of running—and the why completely changed. I realized it was something that inspired all the other habits in my life to become better. It gave me better headspace, the chance to bond with like-minded people, and the opportunity to sightsee through fun runs.
Can you tell us the story behind Just One? How long has it been operating, and who are the people behind it?
Just One represents my belief in the big things in life starting with small beginnings. Sometimes, we only see people’s successes, which makes starting feel so far from who we want to become. But it all begins with just one dream, one goal, one idea, or one step that brings us closer to life’s many finish lines.
The verse Zechariah 4:10 is etched on the back of every medal from last year’s run: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”
This is the core belief behind everything this movement was—and has become. It’s what inspired me to run my first marathon. It started with one workout, one decision to sign up, and one friend who encouraged me to run with her. I wanted to spread this message to help people overcome the fear of starting their fitness journeys and break down the intimidation that running clubs and fun runs often bring.
We started last year as a small running club of 15 people, and we've since grown into a community of 21,000 online. It seems others have embraced the message just as much as I have.
What sets Just One Fun Run apart from other running communities in the metro?
Just One is a community for both seasoned and beginner runners. It highlights how running can break down the stigma and exclusivity often tied to fitness. With our running club, you're part of the community simply by being there—not because you earned it or qualified. We reward those who show up, no matter their pace or reason why.
Unlike other running clubs that meet weekly in a single location, Just One hosts pop-up runs once a month in different parts of the Philippines. This helps connect runners who share the same values and energy around running.
We’re also guided by elite running coach Ani de Leon, who ensures that participants in our Open Runs and Fun Runs receive proper guidance to run well and safely.
Finally, our Fun Run is now organized by the world-renowned The Bull Runner Dream Marathon—the first and only marathon dedicated to first- and second-time marathoners. With 14 years of experience, their mentorship has helped elevate both our community and the standards of Filipino running events.
In your opinion, what are the most common misconceptions that beginners have about running communities?
Running communities are often seen as intimidating because they’re big groups of strangers. But I’ve found that everyone who shows up does so with the intention to connect. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to meet new people and stay accountable to your workout!
People think that you need to be athletic or a professional runner to join running communities, but with Just One, we have many pace groups to join. Lakwatsa, which is run walk; Sakto Lang, for the chill paces; Hataw, for the go-getters; and Banat, for the elites. Again, no matter what pace you run, you’ll find your place in the running club.
Aside from its health benefits, what do you love most about running?
I love running because it’s the perfect metaphor for life. It’s taught me to put one foot in front of the other, to prepare, to persevere—and that community helps you go stronger and farther. There are countless life lessons I’ve picked up along the way.
Haruki Murakami says in his book, “I run, therefore I am.” That statement perfectly sums up how I feel. When I run, I’m reminded that I’m alive, that God gave me this capacity—and that I must use it for good, both for myself and others.
Beyond running, what else can participants look forward to at a Just One Fun Run event? Are there other activities they can join?
The Just One Fun Run is happening on July 6, 2025, starting at 3 a.m. at Vermosa Sports Hub.
In the meantime, we invite runners to join our Open Runs, which are public runs held once a month in different locations. We announce the time and place of each pop-up on our Instagram (@runjustone) around two to three days before the event—so be sure to follow us for updates!
We also encourage everyone to engage with our socials for fun and informative running content.
What can we expect next from Just One Fun Run?
You can expect a revamped version of last year’s experience—with more community engagement, the most fun and generous sponsors, and of course, me, Coach Ani, and the rest of the running club continuing to show up and support you in your running journey.
No comments:
Post a Comment