STREET vaulting takes center stage for the first time in the Philippines with the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge on Sunday at the Ayala Triangle, Makati City.
Unlike the traditional pole vault competitions held in a stadium or track oval, street vaulting is being held in public places. For the local event initiated by Olympic Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena, it is located in the vicinity of the Ayala Tower One and Exchange Plaza.
What is street vaulting?
“Street vaulting brings the excitement of pole vaulting out of the stadium and into public spaces, making the sport more accessible and engaging for a wider audience,” said Jasmine Alkhaldi, a former Olympic swimmer who is now with Atletang Ayala as its program director.
“Unlike traditional events held in track ovals, street vaulting is staged in urban environments, often in plazas or city centers. This creates a more intimate and energetic atmosphere, allowing spectators to be much closer to the action and athletes to perform in a more dynamic setting,” Alkhaldi added.
Alkhaldi said street vaulting is a much-faster competition unlike in the traditional pole vault held in track ovals where it shares the limelight as other track and field events of athletics.
“The core rules of pole vaulting remain the same, but street vaulting often adopts a more compact and fast-paced format. Depending on the setup, organizers may adjust the number of attempts or streamline the progression of heights to keep the energy high and the audience engaged. It’s designed to be both competitive and entertaining, showcasing athletic excellence in a format that resonates with the public,” said Alkhaldi.
The competition sanctioned by World Athletics will be held on a 50-meter runway and a 7x7 meter landing pit that was set up near the Tower One fountain.
“It is also an athletic venue in its own right, with runners using the Triangle’s paths for training and recreation, especially on weekends when Ayala Avenue becomes car-free,” said Alkhaldi.
“Hosting the World Pole Vault Challenge here marks another chapter in the Ayala Triangle’s story, one that blends heritage, innovation, and a shared passion for sport,” she added.
Local vaulters get to compete in street format
The venue was already used on Saturday during the National Pole Vault Competition where Filipino pole vaulters were able to compete in the street format for the first time.
Southeast Asian Games medalists Hokett Delos Santos and Alyana Nicolas ruled the event in the men's and women's division respectively with Delos Santos earning a spot in Sunday's main event where he will be competing against Obiena and the best in the world.
The Filipino competitors are in unison that the street format brings much more attention to the athletes, unlike at the oval where usually go unnoticed.
“The energy is just different,” said Jia Kawachi, a silver medalist in last year’s Philippine Athletics Championships pole vault competition.
“It’s more exciting and exhilarating. In the stadium kasi, you are so far away from everyone. You are usually isolated. But in here, you really feel the love and support from everyone. It’s a fun experience. A change of scenery, once in a while, which is healthy for us athletes.
“Usually, sa ibang games, last po kami natatapos,” said Jessa Marie Libres, a bronze medalist for University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 86. “Usually, wala ng nanonood sa amin. Tapos hindi na kami nako-cover ng pictures. Ngayon, na-feel namin na kami ‘yung main event na kami ‘yung mismong hinihintay ng tao. Mas na-feel namin na okay din itong ganitong event in the future.”
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