For some runners, the dream begins with crossing a finish line.
For others, it means earning a medal, competing in bigger races, becoming stronger or simply finding the courage to take the first step.
For seven years, the John Velez Photography Running Group (JVPRG) has helped make those dreams possible, supporting runners at different stages of their journeys while reminding them that success in the sport goes beyond race results.
Founded in 2019 by photographer and runner John Velez, the Cebu-based group has built a community that gives athletes opportunities to pursue their ambitions, including access to free race registrations through its partners.
But its impact is not measured by the number of races its members have joined or the medals they have won. For many, JVPRG has become a source of encouragement, friendship and support through the challenges that come with running.
Rain Noval, one of the group’s runners, said joining JVPRG helped her gain exposure and participate in major races. More importantly, she found a team that stood by her when things did not go as planned.
She recalled suffering an injury midway through a major competition that forced her to withdraw.
The following day, the team helped her seek medical attention, allowing her to recover and return to the sport.
“Maayo kaayo ang pag-atiman sa team sa akoa. Katong niapil ko sa usa ka dakong lumba, na-injured ko tunga-tunga sa kompetisyon ug wala na nako kini nahuman. Pagkasunod adlaw, gitabangan ko nila nga makapatambal aron maatiman akong injury,” Noval said.
“Tungod sa ilang pag-atiman ug suporta, mas paspas ang akong pagkaayo ug nakabalik dayon ko sa pagdagan ug pag-apil sa mga lumba,” he added.
For champion runner Janry Pelones, the group helped shape his understanding of what it means to be a successful athlete.
He said JVPRG taught him that running is not defined solely by medals and victories but also by the discipline required in training and the respect shown to fellow runners.
The group’s support was particularly valuable when he was still in college, as sponsored race registrations allowed him to continue competing while pursuing his education. That support has continued even after graduation.
“Pinaagi sa JVPRG, ilaha ko gipahinumdoman na dili lang medalya ug kadaugan ang sukdanan sa usa ka malampuson na runner, kundili ang paningkamot sa training, ug pagrespeto sa isigka-runner,” he said.
“Dako usab kaayo ang tabang sa JVPRG sa katong nag eskwela pako diin gisuportahan nila ang akong mga race registration nga nakatabang nako nga makapadayon sa pagdagan samtang nag-eskwela. Maski graduate nako sa college, padayon gihapon ilahang pag suporta nako,” Pelones added.
The influence of JVPRG also extends to runners who bring what they learn from the group to others.
Dwight Galolo, a running coach and high school teacher based in Bohol, said his experience with the team has helped him become more mindful of how he trains and handles athletes.
He learned to manage training stress and fatigue, maintain discipline without being overly restrictive, and appreciate athletes regardless of their race results.
Through the group, some of his own athletes also received sponsored race registrations, giving them opportunities to compete.
“Dili lang ako ang nakabenepisyo sa tabang sa JVPRG, kundili apil usab ang akong mga atleta. Dako kaayo akong pasalamat kay adunay mga atleta nako nga natabangan nila pinaagi sa pag-sponsor sa ilang race registration. Daghan pud kog nakat-onan gikan sa team nga magamit dili lang sa sports, kondili sa lain-laing aspeto sa kinabuhi,” Galolo said.
Not everyone joins JVPRG with dreams of becoming a competitive runner. For Alexander Bantilan, the group’s impact began with a more personal goal: living a healthier life.
Bantilan had known Velez since their high school days. Years later, when Velez learned that his former schoolmate had started jogging, he reconnected with him and invited him to join the group.
Before taking up running, Bantilan had experienced health difficulties that led to hospitalization because of unhealthy habits. Becoming part of JVPRG encouraged him to change his lifestyle and gradually push beyond casual jogging.
“Dako kaayo og tabang ang grupo kay napush gyud nako akong kaugalingon nga molig-on, dili lang physically kundi mentally pud,” Bantilan said.
With the team’s encouragement, he eventually ventured into long-distance trail running and completed a demanding 50-kilometer road ultramarathon.
His journey reflects another side of JVPRG’s work: helping people discover what they can achieve when they have a community pushing them forward.
As the group celebrates its seventh anniversary this November, it is also taking its commitment beyond the running community.
JVPRG will hold an outreach activity on Nov. 8 in Quiot, Pardo, Cebu City, featuring a feeding program, games and the distribution of loot bags containing essential items to children.
A seven-kilometer community run will follow on Nov. 11 at Pier 88 in Liloan, Cebu, starting at 6 p.m.
The distance represents the group’s seventh year, and participants will receive freebies.
Seven years after its founding, JVPRG continues to bring together runners with different goals and abilities, from competitive athletes chasing personal milestones to beginners discovering the benefits of an active lifestyle.
For the team, supporting a runner means more than helping someone get to the starting line.
It means standing with them through setbacks, celebrating their progress and giving them opportunities to see how far their dreams can take them.
📷 Contributed
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