KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — While the vibrant colors of T’nalak cloth, cultural performances, and festive celebrations remain the hallmark of the annual T’nalak Festival, South Cotabato is adding a new dimension to the experience this year—one that combines fitness, adventure, tourism, and competition.
Dubbed as a “race-cation” destination by local sports organizers, South Cotabato is positioning itself as a premier venue where athletes, enthusiasts, and tourists can simultaneously participate in sporting events and discover the province’s natural and cultural attractions during the T’nalak Festival 2026.
From road races and cycling competitions to various sporting tournaments scheduled throughout June and July, visitors are expected to experience more than just the thrill of competition.
For Allan De Lima, Race Technical Director of the Dreamweavers Marathon, the concept of race-cation perfectly captures what South Cotabato offers participants.
“A race-cation is more than simply joining a race. It is an opportunity for runners to travel, compete, and immerse themselves in the culture, food, and destinations of the host community. South Cotabato provides a unique setting where athletes can challenge themselves while experiencing the beauty and hospitality of the province,” De Lima explained.
The Dreamweavers Marathon, one of the festival’s flagship sporting events, is expected to attract runners from various parts of the country, bringing with them families and companions who can explore the province’s tourism attractions while participating in festival activities.
Provincial Sports Coordinator Paul Millan believes the growing number of sporting events during the T’nalak Festival reflects the province’s vision of integrating sports development with tourism promotion.
“We want visitors to see South Cotabato not only as the home of the T’nalak Festival but also as a race-cation destination. Athletes can come here for competition and leave with memorable experiences from our tourist sites, local cuisine, and the warmth of our people. Sports has become another gateway for people to discover South Cotabato,” Millan said.
According to Millan, the festival’s sports calendar was intentionally designed to cater to different interests and age groups, encouraging both competitive athletes and recreational participants to take part.
The initiative also aligns with the province’s broader tourism strategy of promoting experiential travel, where visitors actively engage with local communities and destinations rather than merely passing through them.
Millan, who is also the Sports Complex Manager, said that in the last few years the sports complex underwent rehabilitation in preparation for any sports event.
The sports complex houses an Olympic-size swimming pool, rubberized oval, tennis court, basketball court, volleyball court, and athletics.
Senior Tourism Operations Officer Argie Ryan Asaria emphasized that sports tourism has become an increasingly important segment in attracting visitors to South Cotabato.
“Race-cation combines two powerful travel motivations—sports and leisure. Participants are not only coming to race; they are also staying longer to explore our waterfalls, lakes, cultural communities, farms, and culinary offerings. Through these events, we are showcasing South Cotabato as a destination where adventure, wellness, and culture converge,” Asaria said.
He added that the T’nalak Festival provides the ideal platform to highlight the province’s tourism assets because visitors can enjoy both the excitement of sporting events and the rich cultural heritage celebrated throughout the festival season.
“We are not only offering sports amenities, but we have wider roads and the scenery along the roads are instagrammable,” Asaria pointed.
As thousands of athletes, supporters, and tourists are expected to converge in South Cotabato in the coming weeks, local officials are optimistic that the race-cation concept will further strengthen the province’s reputation as one of Mindanao’s emerging sports tourism destinations.
This year, as runners cross finish lines, cyclists conquer challenging routes, and athletes compete across various disciplines, South Cotabato hopes visitors will discover that the true reward lies not only in the race itself but in the unforgettable journey that accompanies it.
Based on the scheduled events, there are 17 sports events, which will commence this June 6, a month prior to the week-long Tnalak Festival in July 10-18.
For South Cotabato, the message is clear: the T’nalak Festival is no longer just a celebration of culture—it is an invitation to race, explore, and experience a destination unlike any other.
