LEONARDO “Don-Don” Castro emerged as the first Filipino finisher in the 100-kilometer Del Passatore Ultra-Marathon in Florence, Italy last Sunday, May 26.

The Italy-based Filipino runner Castro, who is also best remembered for winning the Ultra Bizensio Race last Feb. 4 and fourth placer in his age category in the 2023 D’ Ulrafons en Pista de Barcelona, clocked 10 hours, 18 minutes and 22 seconds to become the first Filipino finisher in the event that ended at the Faenza, Piazza del Popolo.

Also making it were Mandy Ebora Hatulan, a 47-year-old marathoner who migrated to Italy in 2016; Ellen Confiado, who competed for the second straight time; and Angelina David Sarmiento, a mother of two who works as a caregiver in Italy.

Sarmiento also finished first overall in “Matti per la Corsa” in October 2, 2022 and third inTalent Run SF4O 2023.

Federico Furiani and Merafina Ermenegildo shared the limelight by topping the men’s and women’s divisions with a time of 7.10.57 and 7.53.03, respectively.

Completing the top three finishers are Massimo Giacopuzzi and David Colganin in the men’s division.

Italy-based sports patron Alona Cochon said Filipino ultra-runners are all happy for participating and finishing in the event, passing through several barriers and checkpoints located along the route with the following closing times: 16.6 km – Vetta le Croci – 6.45 pm (maximum time 3:45); 32 km – Borgo San Lorenzo – 9.15 pm (maximum time 6:15); 48 km – Passo Colla – 1.20 am (maximum time 10:20); 53 Km – Casaglia – 2.10 am (maximum time 11:10); Km 65 – Marradi – 4.30 hours (maximum time 13:30) Km 88 – Brisighella – 9.00 am (maximum time 18:00).

Cochon said Filipino marathoners all over Europe regularly compete in leading marathon races as part of their efforts to keep themselves physically and mentally fit while doing various jobs in different countries.

“Magandang opportunity sa mga kababayan nating mga Pilipino na nakakalahok sa mga ganitong competition, like international marathon races, hindi lamang para sa kanilang physical at mental well-being, kundi para na din magkasama-sama sila,” said Cochon in a report to People’s Journal/Tonight.

“The 100-kilometer Passatore returns for the 49th edition in the name of eco-sustainability of freedom of thought. After the unfortunately sudden stop caused by the flood last May 16-17, we we are ready to return to our route,” said Giordano Zinzani, president of the ASD 100Km del Passatore.

“The organizing committee of the 100km del Passatore sports association, considering the flood tragedy that had hit Romagna (in particular the municipality of Faenza and several neighboring municipalities) and the subsequent damage suffered by people, roads and infrastructures, after in-depth analysis together with the forces in charge security checks decided to cancel the edition of the Florence-Faenza.”