From the battle-tested ranks of the Philippine National Police–Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) to the unforgiving roads of Europe, Joseph Faeldonia, a 54-year-old endurance athlete from Cotabato, Mindanao, has once again proven that the Filipino spirit knows no limits.
Now based in the United Kingdom, where he migrated in 2007, Faeldonia has spent the last 17 years balancing his roles as a husband, father, and healthcare worker, while relentlessly pursuing his passion for endurance sports.
A former member of the elite PNP-SAF in Bicutan, he currently works as a Health Care Assistant at York District Hospital. He is married to Gay Manacpo Faeldonia from Zamboanga, a nurse by profession, and together they have a son, Glyre, who graduated Magna Cum Laude in BA Human Geography from Lancaster University.
In July 2025, Faeldonia etched his name in the history books by becoming the first Filipino to officially join and finish the DECA Continuous Ultra Triathlon World Cup held in Colmar, Alsace, France—one of the world’s most extreme endurance events.
The race, sanctioned by the International Ultra Triathlon Association (IUTA), required athletes to complete 10 consecutive Ironman distances: a 38 km swim, 1,800 km bike, and 422 km run, totaling 2,260 kilometers.
Faeldonia was the only Filipino among 14 elite triathletes from around the globe. He finished the race in 262 hours and 52 minutes—within just 10 days, well before the 14-day cutoff—placing 7th overall in what is widely regarded as one of the most brutal physical and mental challenges in the world.
TOUGH CHALLENGE
“Isa sa mga nakapag-motivate sa akin ay mga kasama ko sa Pinoy-Tri UK at Pinoy Runners London. Sila mga kasama ko sa running. At siyempre meron din ako Hinahangaan mga Filipino endurance na sina Rex Brillantes, Rolando Espina, at Jivee Tolentino, gagalinh nila, as a Filipino talagang nakaka-proud sila” Faeldonia shared during a phone interview. He attributes his success to military discipline, unwavering faith, and an unbreakable sense of national pride.
Balancing work and training proved to be one of his toughest challenges.
“Mahirap i-balance ang trabaho at training. I work night shifts, 50 to 60 hours a week. Pag gising ko, diretso training—run, bike, swimming—lalo na pag malapit na ang competition. Kailangan talagang paghandaan ang race, focus, at consistency,” he said. “I joined the DECA Ultra Triathlon to know my limits.”
Following his historic DECA finish, Faeldonia received special recognition from the Philippine Embassy in France during a courtesy call with the embassy’s officials.
But Faeldonia’s endurance journey didn’t stop there. On September 27–28, he took on yet another legendary race—the Spartathlon Ultra Marathon in Greece, a 246-kilometer run from Athens to Sparta known as one of the most grueling footraces in the world. Only runners who meet strict qualification standards can join the race, and all must finish within 36 hours, navigating rugged terrain with 11,000 feet of elevation and 75 checkpoints along the route.
“Very challenging ang race dahil may elevation na 11,000 feet, tapos may ulan, malakas ang hangin, at sobrang lamig!” he recalled. “Malaki ang tulong ng crew ko, especially si Mark Lazaro. Siya ang nag-assist sa akin at nagbantay ng pace para maabot namin ang mga checkpoints.”
At the finish line in Sparta, Faeldonia proudly raised the Philippine flag before the statue of King Leonidas, marking a moment of triumph, heritage, and global pride for the Filipino community.
Beyond his personal victories, Faeldonia’s passion for the sport extends to his family. “I’m happy that even my son is active in running. Naka-apat na siyang marathon, at sa huli niyang race mag da pace niya, He’s amazing!” he said proudly.
Having already conquered countless ultramarathons, triathlons, and four of the world’s major marathons, Faeldonia now sets his sights on completing all seven World Marathon Majors. “My next goal is to complete the Boston, Sydney, and Berlin Marathons,” he said.
When asked what advice he could give to aspiring runners and triathletes, he shared a message born of grit and humility: “Set your goals and keep training. Normal lang minsan na DNF (Did Not Finish)—okay lang yun! Believe in yourself, go back, and get that dream. It may get harder, but don’t stop. Anything is possible.”
Faeldonia’s continuing success on the international stage is a testament to his perseverance, dedication, and love for the sport-qualities that continue to inspire runners of all ages.
