Castro
Filipino runners shine in Florence Marathon
Photos courtesy of Alona Cochon
EUROPE-based Filipino runners conittued to make the country proud in the 40th Florence Marathon, with Lorenzo Castro, Jr. taking tophonord with his 18th finish overall out of 11, 1000 participants in the event hel din the beautifulcity of Florence, Italy.
The Italy-based Castro, who finished first in the Trofeo di Panche last Nov 3, negotiated the gruelling 42.2 kilometerrace that showcased several world-famous landmarks with a time of two hours, 31 minutes and 17 seconds.
“Dito sa Firenze Marathon, the race hasn’t all been smooth. After 16Km, nakaramdam na ako ng konting panghihina, pero masaya ako dahil nakabawi,” Castro told Europe-based sports correspondent Alona Cochon in an interview.
Cochon noted the “40th Estra Flrenze Marathon was transformed into an open-air museum for the 11,000 thousand runners from 90 nations to complete the 42.2Km race course.”
“The beauty of Florence, a city capable of attracting runners beyond the smooth route, especially for the iconic places it passes through.The race started in front of the facade of the Duomo, arrived in Piazza Duomo under Giotto’s bell tower, in the middle of the Cascine, Ponte Vecchio, the Lungarno and even a lap of the track inside the Marathon Stadium in Campo di Marte.”
Another remarkable runners who showcased their personal records were Mark Robin Salas, who clocked 3:00:36, and Genesis.
Among the Filipino runners who competed were members of the Pilipino Ultrarunners Italy ASD,Pinoy Runners Milan and Pinoy Runners Firenze, headed by Don-Don Castro.
Ultrarunner Cunanan shared his happiness on this important race after his sixth-place finish in the 100Km delle Alpi in Turin last Oct. 13.
Cunanan, who finished with 3:07:42.
“Pang apat ko nang race ito dito sa Firenze Marathon. Talagang bumabalik ako dahil napaganda ng mga historical places at saka masaya.”
Their medal symbolizes more than just reaching the finish line but instead demonstrated their dedication, commitment, accomplishment earned and unwavering discipline in trainings.
Mark Lou Lee, 34, who ranked seventh overall in the 214Km “Laguna Loop”last July 2024, said: “Chill lang po ngayon, sub 4 siguro gusto ko ma-enjoy ang race kasi marami kami, masaya! At siyempre po focus sa goal.”
Samuel Kiplimo Naibei finished first in 2:12.51, followed by Jean Marie Bukuru in 2:16.22,and Hyllry Biwott Chemweno.
All-Kenyan women’s podium victory came from Dorine Jerop Murkomen (2:27.01), Lucy Chepoghon Chelele (2:27.18) and and Hellen Chepkorir (2:27.59).
The Filipino group will now prepare for its next competition on March 2025 — the Rome Marathon, which is known as the fastest marathon in Italy and won a prestigious award (BEA) Best Event Award in Italy last Nov.28.
