Waling-Waling Rotary Club Unveils Zumbathon 2026 as Major Charity Fitness Event in Davao
The Waling-Waling Rotary Club is set to make a vibrant splash in Davao City with the launch of Zumbathon 2026, a groundbreaking fitness fundraiser scheduled for February 22 at the Davao City Coastal Road. This event marks a significant milestone as the club's first-ever project centered entirely around a Zumba activity, aiming to blend health, fun, and philanthropy in a dynamic community gathering.
Event Details and Participation Guidelines
Organizers have announced that Zumbathon 2026 will take place from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. at Esplanade One, welcoming Rotary members, their families, friends, and the general public. Unlike traditional fun runs, this event focuses purely on dance, with participants engaging in two hours of continuous Zumba routines. Dax Ang, a key organizer, emphasized during the Davao Sportswriters Association Forum on February 5 at The Annex of SM City Davao that "This is our first Rotary project that is purely a Zumbathon. There is no run, just Zumba", highlighting the unique, non-running nature of the activity.
Registration is priced at ₱500, which includes an event shirt that must be worn during the Zumbathon, along with light snacks. To encourage group participation, a promotion offers one free registration for every five tickets purchased. So far, fewer than 200 participants have registered, but organizers are targeting around 300 attendees to maximize the fundraiser's impact.
Competition Structure and Special Awards
The Zumbathon features an individual-only competition with no group categories, divided into three age brackets: 18–45, 46–55, and 56 and above. While professional Zumba instructors, coaches, and gym trainers are welcome to join, they will not be eligible for prizes, ensuring a fair chance for non-professional dancers to shine. In addition to age-based winners, special awards will be presented for Best in Costume, Best in Moves, and Best in Endurance, with top performers crowned as Zumba King and Zumba Queen.
To add an extra layer of challenge, the program will incorporate endurance-style and balance activities integrated into the dance routines, such as holding props or balancing items while moving. This innovative approach aims to test participants' skills and keep the event engaging for all ages.
Charitable Causes and Community Impact
Proceeds from Zumbathon 2026 will support three vital causes: House of Hope, a halfway home for children battling cancer; Field of Dreams Children's Home, which cares for abandoned children; and Rotary's global End Polio Now campaign. By choosing Zumba over a fun run, organizers cited lower costs and the growing saturation of running events as key factors, making this a cost-effective and fresh alternative for community fundraising.
The event will also serve as the opening activity for Rotary Week, featuring professional Zumba instructors, a live host and music, a photo wall, and an on-site medical and safety team to ensure all participants' well-being. With the venue cleared by the city government, the Coastal Road will observe a no-car policy from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Sundays, providing a safe, vehicle-free environment. Participants are advised to park before 4 a.m. and walk to the esplanade, enhancing safety and accessibility.
This initiative not only promotes fitness and community spirit but also underscores the Rotary Club's commitment to leveraging creative events for meaningful social change in Davao City and beyond.
