The InLife Sheroes TBR Dream Crew 2026 are raring to show how they chose to #StartWithin and finish stronger than ever. From left: Bea Villegas, Josel Castro, Luigi Galvez, Coach Nylah Bautista, Jessa Vitangcol, Dale Henson, Mark Alborida and JB Bagallon.
For many, a marathon is a grueling 42-kilometer test of physical endurance. But for the members of the InLife Sheroes TBR Dream Crew 2026, the journey toward The Bull Runner (TBR) InLife Dream Marathon is a profound act of love, a celebration of self-worth, family, and the courage to start anew.
As the title sponsor of the marathon on February 15, 2026, InLife is not just supporting a race; it is fueling a movement of personal transformation, embodied by the InLife Sheroes TBR Dream Crew 2026. The group is composed of women and “He-for-She” male supporters who embody InLife Sheroes campaign, “#StartWithin.”
#StartWithin addresses a phenomenon many Filipino women face: “inspiralysis,” the state of being inspired but paralyzed by the noise of surface-level empowerment. Through the InLife Sheroes platform, InLife provides the tools, mentorship, and spaces necessary to turn that internal spark into action. The Bull Runner Dream Marathon is the ultimate manifestation of this mission, proving that real empowerment begins in the quiet, often messy process of looking inward, deciding to love oneself enough to pursue a dream, and taking that first intentional step toward who we are truly meant to become.
Running for healing and empowerment
The stories of the InLife Sheroes TBR Dream Crew 2026 highlight how empowerment and inner strength are built and nurtured through personal struggle and the everyday decision to keep moving forward.
Roselle Banaag began her journey during a low point of stress and depression. Today, she runs to honor her growth, transforming that initial pain into power and peace. “One day, I had to walk home, broke and lost. That walk hit 6k steps, which sparked a goal to reach 10k daily. With just thrifted shoes, I kept going. I started from a place of pain, stress, and depression, and found healing, strength, and peace through running. This marathon is more than a race. It’s a celebration of resilience, discipline, and the power of choosing to keep moving forward.”
Maan Batac runs for her two children diagnosed with autism. To her, every stride is a tribute to their daily courage. “They face challenges every day with courage and grace. Their journey inspires mine. Running now symbolizes strength, patience, and unconditional love. I dream of completing a marathon not just to tick off a goal, but to show them that persistence pays off. Even when the road is long and uncertain, we keep moving forward.”
Jomar Luczon started running “just to breathe” while feeling stuck in life. “I was stuck in a cycle of work-eat-sleep and have forgotten myself. I want to prove the past version of myself, the one that was tired, lost, and ready to give up, that we can make it. Each kilometer I run is a reminder that I am healing, growing, and choosing myself.”
Josel Castro’s self-discovery through running has become proof of the undying spirit of women. “I have endometriosis, and for the past few years, this illness controlled me. I want to become the strongest version of myself. Running is about showing up for every early run, every doubt that needed to be conquered, and every breakthrough that needed to be celebrated.”
JB Bagallon, once an athlete, admits taking a turn for the worse after graduating from his studies. “Work, vices, and unhealthy habits led me away from running. Becoming a father changed everything. I now run for my daughter to prove the value of perseverance, and for my wife, who believes in me. Every mile is a step toward becoming the best version of myself for them, and for me.”
The power of mentorship and community
The InLife Sheroes TBR Dream Crew 2026 underwent a rigorous coaching journey under renowned World Triathlon Level 2 Coach Nylah Bautista. This mentorship provided the technical discipline needed for a first marathon, but the program offers something more vital: a sense of belonging.
Dale Henson and Jessa Vitangcol note that having a coach and a supportive community have kept them accountable for their own health, and helped them train smarter, building the discipline, confidence, and endurance not just to reach the finish line, but also live more empowered lives. Luigi Galvez agrees as he says, “being surrounded by others chasing the same goal, makes everything more meaningful. It’s not just about the distance, it’s about growth.”
For Bea Villegas, being part of the Dream Crew has made her realize what she is capable of doing, and how she could further improve herself, something echoed by Mark Alborida who views this Marathon as a turning point in his life, pushing him to go beyond his limits.
“At InLife, we believe that real empowerment is not just about finding inspiration but acting on it. The TBR InLife Dream Marathon embodies this conviction as these runners rise for themselves. InLife is proud to support these marathoners who are proving to all that the most important race they will ever cover is the one that circles back to their own strength,” said InLife Chief Marketing Officer Gae L. Martinez
A Record-Breaking Journey
This year’s marathon is set to be the largest in the event’s history, welcoming a record 3,000 participants to Filinvest City, Alabang. Among them will be InLife employees and partners, running alongside the InLife Sheroes TBR Dream Crew as living ambassadors of perseverance, discipline, and conquering dreams.
In a world that can often feel harsh, these runners remind us that it is never too late to start a journey of self-discovery. By the time they cross the finish line this February 15, they won’t just be marathoners. They will be the living embodiment of what it means to #StartWithin: to be moved by internal conviction and to keep showing up for themselves, proving that the strength they discovered on this marathon journey will continue to fuel their breakthroughs long after they finish the race.
1 Comment
The concept of fueling dreams through a marathon sounds interesting. Did you get to talk to any of the participants?