The Philippine ultrarunning team proved once again that endurance is as much about spirit as it is about strength after a gutsy showing at the recent 3rd IAU 24-Hour Asia & Oceania Championships in Bangkok, Thailand.
Under the punishing heat and humidity of Bangkok, five Filipino runners—Rolando Espina, Kristine Bugna, Che Magramo, Ian, and Jake—took on one of the most demanding tests in endurance sports: running for a full 24 hours. All five finished the race, a milestone only the toughest athletes manage to achieve.
The highlight came from Rolando Espina, who captured bronze in the men’s division after grinding out lap after lap through day and night.
Now based in Ireland, Espina carried the Philippine flag across the finish line—an emotional moment that capped one of the strongest international ultrarunning performances by a Filipino in recent years.
Just before the race, he shared: “I’m happy to be part of the team. It’s super hot here in Thailand—pray for us, sana safe.” He turned those words into a podium finish.
In the women’s field, Kristine Bugna also delivered a podium effort with her own 3rd-place finish, while Che Magramo fought through the tough conditions to place 7th among the region’s top ultrarunners.
Team members Ian and Jake completed the 24-hour run as well—an achievement that speaks volumes about their resolve. In a race where every hour tests a runner’s physical and mental limits, simply reaching the end is a victory.
Throughout the event, the Filipinos battled exhaustion, heat, muscle breakdown, and the lonely stretch of running through the night. Their crew worked tirelessly to keep them fed, hydrated, and focused, helping them push past every low point.
Their performance in Bangkok was more than a medal haul—it was a reminder of the Filipino athletes’ grit and unwavering drive. For the country’s growing ultrarunning community, the team’s finish is a proud moment and another step forward on the international stage.
