Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Manuel Serrano | U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Zachary Schaidle, the technical information officer of Marine...... read more read more
MARINE BASE RODOLFO, PALAWAN, Philippines – At midnight on a humid tropical night in the Philippines, runners dripped with sweat before the race even began. In the moonlight, they stood shoulder to shoulder in anticipation awaiting the countdown: “Three... two... one...”
A thunderous blast split the dense air. The roar of a howitzer, fired by the 3rd Marine Brigade artillery battery, tore through the silence of Palawan Island and signaled the start of the 8th annual “Karanglan” Marathon, named for the Tagalog word for honor, also marked the upcoming 75th anniversary of the Philippine Marine Corps’ service to its country.
This was the first time the PMC marathon was held on Palawan, where more than 1,800 service members with the Philippine Marine Corps, to include five-Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, and civilian racers set off. With every foot striking the ground, it was a challenge that would test their honor, courage, and commitment to the finish line.
“As someone who has always enjoyed the camaraderie and brotherhood of the U.S. Marine Corps Marathon, having the opportunity to participate in the Karanglan Marathon alongside our long-time partners is truly an honor,” said U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Zachary Schaidle, the technical information officer and marathon participant with the 15th MEU. “The race is a significant event not only for the PMC but for us currently deployed alongside them. It provides us an awesome opportunity to celebrate our shared brotherhood and partnership as well as their storied history.”
The 15th MEU is forward deployed as Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia and their presence here is more than participation, it’s a continuation of their shared mission. During the deployment, they stood beside their Philippine Marine counterparts during exercise Marine Air Support Activity 2025, strengthening the interoperability and trust through joint operations. Taking part in the Karanglan Marathon is an extension of that partnership to work side by side, driven by service, honor and the enduring brotherhood forged through deployment and shared purpose.
“It was an honor to see our counterparts join us in the marathon, seeing them run side by side us gave us pride,” said Philippine Marine Corps 1st Lt. Miles Rios, a marathon participant and the executive officer and with 61st Force Reconnaissance Company, 3rd Marine Brigade.
Rios explained that it was an honor for him to run alongside the U.S. Marines, especially since this was the first iteration of the marathon held here and outside of Manila.
“We have a strong partnership with our counterparts in every activity we do, especially in exercises such as Balikatan, and MASA,” said Rios. “Especially in this enduring marathon, it is a strong relationship with the U.S. Marines.”
Across the Philippines, the PMC hosted nearly 8,000 total runners in six race categories, ranging from 3.2 kilometers up to 50 kilometers. The proceeds from the event raised will support scholarships for Philippine Marine family members, assist children of wounded and fallen Marines, and support service members stationed in remote areas.
"This is significant – not only did we have the opportunity to run the marathon with our partners, but we were able to contribute to a larger cause,” said Schaidle. “This highlights our institutional shared values and brotherhood between the USMC and PMC.”
This year’s iteration of the Karanglan Marathon showcased the significance of unity forged through shared purpose and endurance. As the final runners crossed the finish line beneath the rising sun, the event stood as a testament to the unwavering bond between the Philippine Marine Corps and the United States Marine Corps—brothers in arms, running side by side for service, sacrifice, and the communities they protect.
MRF-SEA is a flexible task force that varies in size, capability and composition to accomplish different types of missions as a purpose-built unit, maintaining a forward presence and enhancing Marine Corps crisis and contingency response capabilities. It is uniquely organized to support security cooperation and advance mutual security objectives shared with Southeast Asian Allies and partners.
| Date Taken: | 10.18.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 12.04.2025 13:49 |
| Story ID: | 552971 |
| Location: | PALAWAN/OZAMIS, PH |
| Web Views: | 7 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 15th MEU, Philippine Marines Run Together at 8th Annual PMC “Karangalan” Marathon During MASA 25, by GySgt Manuel Serrano, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
