Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray shows her finisher medal at Earth Day Run 2025. Gray/Instagram

Catriona Gray combined fitness and advocacy as she took part in a recent run event for a cause. 

The former Miss Universe signed up for the Earth Day Run last April 27 at the Mall of Asia complex in Pasay City, completing a 5K race with her friends. 

Looking back on her experience, Gray said she never thought she would get into running. 

"Earlier this year, when I returned from Christmas break with my family, medyo nalungkot ako because I just really missed being out in nature. Living and working in Metro Manila, there aren't a lot of opportunities to be surrounded by trees and nature," she shared.

"So my friends suggested to try morning runs at UP," she added, referring to the University of the Philippines Diliman campus in Quezon City. 

The former beauty queen went on: "Now, I have never been a runner, and I can't recall a time that I ever had the endurance to run more than 5 minutes. And I thought I'd hate it to be honest. But I enjoyed being under the trees and seeing myself progress little by little every run."

Gray admitted that she used to have the impression that only people who are "really fit or have great endurance" can join fun run events.

But after completing the Earth Day run, she is already looking forward to her next race.

"I consider myself to be a super beginner and it was so fun to run alongside friends, fitness enthusiasts, runners and non-runners, and everyone in between," she said, adding that she is happy to "take part to help raise awareness about Earth Day" through the run event. 

"So, see you at the next run?" she ended her post.

Gray, who won the Philippines' fourth Miss Universe crown in 2018, seems to be getting into fitness this year.

Aside from running, she has also started playing pickleball with actress Heart Evangelista, as seen in their recent posts.

Catriona Gray and Heart Evangelista are now pickleball buddies: Here's your sign to try this hot new sport