WELL-known triathlete and ultra-marathoner Rolando Espina, Jr., made history by running with his team the Negros Island Juan Negros Loop, a six-day, 680-kilometer run fromthe Capitol Lagoon Park in Bacolod City to other parts of Negros Occidental last Saturday, Jan. 27.

Espina, the youngest son of a seasoned journalist Rolando Espina, Sr., and the late Dr. Lourdes Llavore Espina, achieved the feat in six days, 16 hours and 15 minutes.

Espina, who now works as a nurse in Ireland, said the Juan Run – Negros Loop Charity run is for the benefit of HOPE for Kids with cancer.

He claimed the ambitious feat, undertaken for the noble cause of cancer charity, garnered over 100,000 pesos in donations dedicated to supporting children with cancer on Negros Island.

According to published reports, the formidable distance of 680-plus kilometers, spanning two provinces, had dissuaded any previous attempts by Negrosanons.

A seven-member team meticulously rotated to pace Espinas, overseeing his hydration, nutrition, and ensuring adequate periods of rest.

The collective spirit of the Negros Island community manifested in enthusiastic support, active fundraising participation, and a symbolic run alongside the determined athlete.

Local communities generously provided sustenance, while vigilant security forces in each municipality safeguarded the runner’s journey.

Friends and LGU officials ensured accommodations for rest and facilitated expeditious meals for the team during their passage.

Before his successful benefit run for cancer charity, the young Espina earned several international awards in triathlon, such as the UK Eskraghman Ironman Distance Triathlon in Northern Ireland 3.8-kilometer swim, a 180-km bike route, and a 42.2-km run in the triathlon course in Eskraghman, Dungganon.

He also finished the prestigious Spartathlon, the toughest ultra-marathon road race in the world that covered a total of 246.8 kilometers from Athens, Greece to the historic city-state of Sparta in under 36 hours.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Ed Andaya