Filipino participants pay a courtesy call to Philippine Ambassador to Italy Nathaniel Imperial. Photo courtesy of Alona Cochon
Italy-based Filipino runner Castro finishes 18th in 30th Rome Marathon
By Ed Andaya and Alona Cochon
WAKE up the neighborhood and spread the word: Filipino runners made their mark in the 30th edition of the Acea Run Rome the Marathon — Italy’s biggest and most prestigious marathon– held over the weekend.
In the event dominated by the world- class runners from Kenya, hundreds of Filipino runners from all over the world participated in a vibrant celebration of spirit and strength in the event held annually in the Eternal City of Rome.
Among the more than 28,000 participants were at least 100 Filipinos, most of whom based in Europe.
And the biggest smiles belonged to Italy-based runner Lorenzo Castro Jr., who emerged the best Filipino runner after finishing in 18th place; and Fil-Dutch sprinter Rachel de Weerd.
Both Castro and de Weerd received the Rome Filipino International Pacers award as Best Male Filipino runner, and Best Female runner, respectively.
Castro bucked slippery roads and crossed the finish line of the men’s 42.195-kilometer race in two hours, 31 minutes, and 13 seconds in the competition.
Despite the challenging weather conditions, including rain and slippery cobblestones, Castro’s performance was a testament to the resilience of Filipino athletes.
His finish symbolized not just physical endurance, but the Filipino spirit of determination and competitiveness.
De Weerd was just as happy and satisfied.
The 51-year-old Filipina marathoner also made an impressive showing by finishing the race in 3:28:54.
De Weerd expressed her excitement about running in the Eternal City, calling it a dream come true and great preparation for her upcoming Boston Marathon.
“This is really one of my dreams to run in the Eternal City and good preparation for my Boston Marathon next month,” de Weerd said.
At the event, she was awarded the title of “Best Female Runner 2024” by the Rome Filipino International Pacers Rolando Espina, Miguel Garcia, Jeanette, Kara, Cathleen Santa Teresa
For many, the marathon was more than just a race; it was an emotional and personal journey.
“Seeing people crying at the finish line was something different,” shared one runner, reflecting on the profound experiences that unfold during the race.
As expected, Kenyan runners swept both the men’s and women’s categories, with Robert Ngeno claiming his first marathon victory with a personal best 2:07.35 and Betty Chepkwony won her second Rome Marathon title in 2:26.16, two years after her initial success.
Brian Kipsang and Joshua Kogo completed the all-Kenyan men’s podium as they finished second (2:07.58) and third (2:08.10), respectively.
Selam Fente Gebre of Ethopia finished second (2:28:22) while Kenyan Rebecca Kangogo secured third spot (2:31:16) in the women’s division.
The event actually kicked off at 8:15 a.m. from the iconic Fori Imperiali, with Rome’s Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and the Councillor for Major Events, Sports, Tourism, and Fashion, Alessandro Onorato, officially waving the Italian flag to signal the start of the race.
A somber moment followed as participants observed 42 seconds of silence to show solidarity with Pope Francis, a fervent supporter of sports and marathons, dedicating a brief but loving moment to the Holy Father.
The significance of the 42 seconds, representing each kilometer of the race, highlighted the connection between the marathon and faith.
Pantaleon Domingo, who finished second to Castro, completed the marathon in an impressive time of two hours and 42 minutes.
He recounted the challenges he faced during the race, especially with the number of participants.
“Nung una po mahirap sa dami ng participants but sa 20Km nakita ko maluwag na ng konti at nakabawi sa oras. Back to training again at baka makabalik next year” he said.
The event was also marked by a powerful sense of achievement, especially for first-time participant Daryl Gallur from Milan who completed their first-ever marathon in Rome, expressing disbelief and pride in crossing the finish line.
The marathon experience also served as a cultural pilgrimage for many of the Filipino runners.
As early as March 11, they began arriving in Rome, eager to visit the city and immerse themselves in its rich history and significance.
The Filipino community in Rome welcomed them warmly, with a courtesy call from Philippine Ambassador H.E. Nathaniel Imperial.
Ambassador Imperial highlighted the presence of national athletes from various sports, including pole vault champion EJ Obiena and F1 Academy Filipina driver, Bianca Bustamante.
The Filipino runners gathered at Manila Restaurant for a Meet and Greet Dinner, a time to bond and celebrate their shared accomplishments.
It was a gathering that reinforced the camaraderie and support within the Filipino running community, further exemplified by the unity shown during the event.
The Filipino International Pacers also acknowledged the exceptional runners who have not only demonstrated outstanding in sports but have also set the standard for what it means to lead with purpose and passion.
