The 30th edition of the Acea Run Rome Marathon, Italy’s largest and most prestigious marathon, transformed the Eternal City into a vibrant celebration of endurance, unity, and cultural pride.
Among the thousands who took to the historic streets, hundreds of Filipino runners stood out, leaving an indelible mark on this world-renowned event.
Held annually in the heart of Rome, the marathon attracts athletes from across the globe. This year, Filipino runners not only participated in numbers but also turned heads with their spirited performances and community presence.
The race began at the iconic Fori Imperiali, with Rome’s Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and Councilor for Major Events, Sports, Tourism, and Fashion, Alessandro Onorato, waving the Italian flag to signal the start.
A moving tribute followed: 42 seconds of silence—one for every kilometer of the race—was observed in solidarity with Pope Francis, a known supporter of sports and marathons, underscoring the intersection of faith and athleticism.
MAKING THEIR MARK
Among the Filipino contingent, Lorenzo Castro Jr. delivered a remarkable performance, finishing 18th out of 28,000 runners with a time of 2:31:13. Battling rain-slicked cobblestones and tough weather, Castro’s resilience highlighted the determination and grit of Filipino athletes.
Close behind was Pantaleon Domingo, who clocked an impressive 2:42:00. Reflecting on his experience, he shared: “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.” His words captured both the challenges and the relentless spirit of competition.
Also making waves was Rachel de Weerd, a 51-year-old Filipina who crossed the finish line at 3:28:54. For De Weerd, running through Rome was a dream fulfilled and ideal preparation for her next challenge: the Boston Marathon. At the event, she was honored with the title “Best Female Runner 2024” by the Rome Filipino International Pacers ESPINA, GARCIA & SANTA TERESA.
For many, this marathon was more than a test of endurance—it was a deeply personal journey. One runner reflected, “Seeing people crying at the finish line was something different,” capturing the emotional highs that come with such an achievement. First-time marathoner May Consul echoed this sentiment, expressing disbelief and pride in completing her first marathon on such a grand stage.
CULTURAL PILGRIMAGE
Filipino runners began arriving in Rome as early as March 11, not just to run but to immerse themselves in the city’s rich history and spiritual significance. The local Filipino community warmly welcomed them, with Philippine Ambassador H.E. Nathaniel Imperial offering words of encouragement during a courtesy call. Ambassador Imperial also highlighted the presence of other Filipino sporting icons, including pole vault star EJ Obiena and racing prodigy Pia Bustamante, adding to the sense of national pride.
The spirit of camaraderie flourished during a Meet and meet-and-greet dinner at Manila Restaurant, where runners bonded, shared stories, and celebrated their collective success. The Filipino International Pacers also took the opportunity to recognize exceptional runners—those who exemplified not just athletic excellence, but also leadership, resilience, and a passion for inspiring others.
Beyond the Race
For many participants, the marathon was a life-changing experience. Some ran to test their limits, others to inspire, and a few, like Liza Elep, for a cause. A cancer survivor, Elep dedicated her run to the Fondazione AIRC per la Ricerca sul Cancro, a cancer research foundation close to her heart. “By crossing that finish line, I feel I have made history,” she shared her journey symbolizing triumph beyond the physical.
Adding a festive flair, the Pinoy Teens Salinlahi cheered on runners at the 29-kilometer mark, performing Filipino folklore dances and songs. Their presence highlighted the deep connection between culture, community, and sport, turning the marathon into a celebration of Filipino heritage.
GLOBAL STAGE
Over 150 Filipinos, representing 26 running clubs and organizations from Italy and around the world, joined this year’s marathon, supported by fans and fellow enthusiasts from the Filipino community in Rome.
At the elite level, Kenya’s Robert Ngeno claimed victory with a time of 2:07:35, closely followed by compatriots Brian Kipsang (2:07:58) and Joshua Kogo (2:08:01), completing a Kenyan sweep. Italy’s top finisher, Daniele Meucci, placed eighth at 2:12:44. In the women’s division, Betty Chepkwony of Kenya took first place in 2:26:16, with Selam Fente Gebre of Ethiopia (2:28:22) and Rebecca Kangogo of Kenya (2:31:16) rounding out the podium.
Italy’s best female performer, Burcin Ayse Sonmez, secured eighth place with a time of 2:45:38.
The Acea Run Rome Marathon 2025 was more than a race—it was a celebration of strength, perseverance, and unity. As one runner beautifully put it, “It’s not just about running 42 kilometers. It teaches you patience, resilience, and that the greatest victories don’t come easy—but that’s what makes them worth it.”