South Cotabato, Philippines —Fitness takes center stage as South Cotabateños are invited to join the Free Zumba Marathon on July 12 at the South Cotabato Sports Complex Parking Grounds, one of the featured activities celebrating the 60th Foundation Anniversary of South Cotabato and the 27th T’nalak Festival.
Organized by the Creative Fitness Alliance of South Cotabato (CFASC) in partnership with the Provincial Government of South Cotabato, the event aims to promote an active and healthy lifestyle while encouraging community participation in one of the province’s biggest annual celebrations.
According to CFASC President Roger “Kute ng Bayan” Cuenca, the Zumba Marathon reflects the province’s commitment to developing not only its rich cultural heritage but also the health and well-being of its people.
“While the T’nalak Festival celebrates our culture and identity, we also want to showcase the strength of our human resources by encouraging everyone to embrace fitness and healthy living,” Cuenca said.
Registration will open at 11:00 a.m. on the day of the event, with the program officially starting at 1:00 p.m.
Participation is free and open to the public. Compared to last year’s edition, Cuenca said this year’s Zumba Marathon will feature a more streamlined and organized program, allowing participants and spectators to better enjoy the competitions.
One of the highlights is the inaugural Battle of the Cuadre, an exclusive competition featuring 24 CFASC coaches, showcasing their choreography, endurance, and leadership in dance fitness.
The event will also stage Color on the Moves, an open competition divided into four categories: Coaches, Senior, Young Adult and Adult, and KFA Members.
Participants will compete for two special awards: Zumba Moves Ultimate, judged through performances in Zumba Hataw and Zumba Sayaw, with three winners to be named in each category; and Zumba Attire Ultimate, recognizing participants with the best attire based on their assigned category colors, orange for coaches, white for KFA members, green for seniors, and pink for young adults and adults.
Cuenca encouraged South Cotabateños to take part in the activity, emphasizing that the celebration is not only about entertainment but also about inspiring healthier communities.
“Prepare yourself. Be the best version of yourself,” he said.
The Free Zumba Marathon adds a vibrant fitness component to this year’s Foundation Anniversary and T’nalak Festival, reinforcing South Cotabato’s celebration of culture, wellness, and community participation.
