Hannah Pangilinan’s ‘Just One’ initiative encourages you to get on your feet and just take that first step—and don’t worry, the community’s right there with you.
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If you’ve noticed lately, running, climbing, Pilates, hiking, and racket sports are among the most popular sports and activities these days. People are relishing in finding the perfect workout or hobby and enjoying its benefits. What do these activities have in common? One thing that stands out about the current lifestyle and fitness trends, clearer than it has been in the past, is that people recognize the impact of moving with a community.
Marathons, races, and run clubs are huge these days. Instagram Stories are peppered with Strava screenshots, photos of race medals, early morning BFF runs, run equipment and gear hauls, and more. Running has become a wonderful, community-based activity, and whether you’ve known this for a while or are looking to start your own ~running era~, this run club and fun run might just be what you need.
Founded by content creator Hannah Pangilinan and elite running coach and champion triathlete Ani de Leon, Just One is a run initiative that believes in the impact of just taking that first step.
On July 6, 2025, at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Daang Hari, Imus Cavite, the Just One Fun Run, co-organized with The Bull Runner, will bring together first-timers, longtime runners, and challengers for a morning of running, movement, camaraderie, and celebration.
But don’t just expect the fun run! Just One will host open runs and run clinics (hosted by Hannah and Coach Ani) up until the July 6 fun run, making sure every participant is prepared and supported in their running journey. The Just One run club also happens on a monthly basis, where groups of 150-200 people gather for a run clinic to train with Coach Ani.
Photo by Artu Nepumuceno
Inspired by how small actions can set big things in motion, co-founders Hannah and Coach Ani endeavored to share their vision with everyone else. NYLON Manila chats with co-founder and avid runner Hannah Pangilinan to learn how Just One isn’t just a fun run event—it’s a movement based on learning and community.
JUST ONE TO GET YOU GOING
Photo by Artu Nepumuceno
Whether it’s doing just a few minutes of a run or lacing up her shoes, Hannah finds encouragement in the act of doing just one thing. “These tiny acts are what got me to the finish line of my first marathon a few weeks ago,” she shares.
Just One encourages everyone interested in running on doing exactly that—to just do one thing at a time so you can reach your goals. The initiative prides itself on being a non-intimidating (because let’s be FR, joining these exercise and hobby clubs can be a little daunting), pace-inclusive (meaning you’ll be accepted no matter what kind of runner you are), and vibrant community. That’s why they host open runs, run sessions in which anyone can come and join in on the fun—it’s free, all level-inclusive, and specifically made for movement and community.
Photo by Borgy Angeles
Deciding to do another fun run this year after last year’s successful event was a big “just one” that Hannah wanted to undertake. “I thought it would be a one season, one time deal,” she says. “But I was encouraged and challenged to continually grow and nurture the community. I am so happy to see people taking and running with the message of Just One just as much and even more than me when I started!”
So even if you’re a beginner, joining Just One means you meet people who have your back and will support you in reaching your goals. Joining also means getting the chance to train before the fun run with a tailored training plan by Coach Ani, and swapping stories and tips with other runners.
FIND COMMUNITY
Photo by AYA CABAUATAN
Though it truly can be daunting to turn a hobby or workout into a whole community thing for a variety of reasons (the fear of getting judged for your ability, for one), Hannah believes in its capacity to help people cross finish lines they thought were impossible to cross.
“Running with a community allows for the identity of being a runner to be further reinforced,” she says.
“To talk about running, commune over running, spend time while running, the healthier lifestyle follows when we are surrounded with people who are aspiring to better themselves and to do so alongside each other!”
Photo by Gabby Marcelo
So if you’re an avid runner looking for other ways to celebrate and share in the joys of running, or a beginner looking for a space that’ll make you feel motivated, Just One might just be a good fit. Regardless, all you have to do to reach your goals, whatever they my be, is to take just one step. Sooner or later you’ll find that your steps have taken you further than you ever thought you’d go.
“If you’ve never joined a run before, I encourage you to just attend a run club,” Hannah insists. “Be there for the intros, warm up and energy. Little by little, you will realize that while running isn’t easier, it’s one of those things that you build love for. Especially when everyone else is along for the ride.”
Photos courtesy of Just One. Sign up to be part of Just One here.
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