Iloilo Marathon 2025: My Unspeakable (Major Narrative)

 Am I projecting hubris in my demeanor?

Yes? No? Whichever your feedback is, I'll accept it. Nonetheless, let me unfold the story behind these captured images at Iloilo Marathon 2025.

My, my, my… that akimbo before the flag-off at 1:00am seemed to be a pattern now, eh?

On the other hand, could it be a rehearsal of my triumphantly crossing the finish line just like in one of my photos at Museum of Philippine Economic History? LOL. 

Whatever it is, let me proceed with my chronicle. 

The atmosphere at the starting line which was behind Seda wasn't that festive when I arrived at 12:40am. In fact the female host commented about the low level of energy when her greeting received a lukewarm reception. Good thing she knew her job well. With the right words, she was able to elicit a livelier response from the 42k runners. I gave her credit for her hosting skill. *claps* 

Right away the race briefing was accomplished...

and a welcome message was delivered. Next, a zumba warm-up routine immediately followed. I inconsistently joined while monitoring the condition of my stomach. The human error I committed one and a half hours prior would certainly have its repercussion. Then, the 10-second countdown began before the 159 runners were released. 

Image Source: Iloilo Marathon Official FB Page

“For fun lang yan at for foods.” This was my husband’s half joke which I highlighted in our convo at the time I began preparing for the assembly. I kept it in mind the instant I set my watch upon leaving the starting line. 

“Health and safety first.” His more serious reminder followed suit. These two prods became my mantra in the whole course of my run. I had to be obedient the fact that my husband didn’t raise any opposition when I informed him four days before my departure that I would be joining a marathon in Iloilo City. It’s the first time that I did this — informing him and not asking permission for an out of town run before registration, flight and accommodation bookings. As a result, I must make sure that no untoward incident would happen to me. 

So, I began with the strides and pace which I had stuck to during my training. I knew that if I maintain it, I could finish the marathon within seven hours. Looking at my fellow marathoners, I could tell that they too had devised their respective running strategy.

With a bottle of Pocari in hand I sipped my first liquid after my first kilometer. I was already starting to sweat. I welcomed the perspiration and in fact was thankful that the early morning temperature was not that cold. Just a few meters from the starting line, the first hydration station was already available. 

Entering Esplanade 1, I was keen on seeing  with my own eyes the reason why it's one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Trees flanking the bricky path met me. There were light posts, thus I could make out what I was running on. However, half-way of this 1.26-km promenade, a dark area stopped me in my tracks. I had to slowly walk and bent a little from my waist so I could inspect the condition of the bricks. Marshals were stationed, but not all of them were provided a heavy duty light. So, I warned myself that there might be loose bricks. 

Coming out of Esplanade 1 was a relief. I was now on a well-lighted highway. I constantly checked my watch to monitor not only my pace but especially my heart rate. A hypertensive, I had to be triple cautious. To add I didn’t see my doctor for clearance. 

Meanwhile, I could already feel the sharp stomach pains. This soreness led to shorter runs and several stops. May be this is the reason why a male runner handed me a small banana when he passed by me. What an angel! At around 1:30am I let out a "Geez!” upon seeing an uphill! I chuckled since I expected that it’s all flat according to the admin who answered my query.  

Perhaps he/she had no idea? Huhuhuhahaha. Thanks to this eye-catching structure though, I savored my brief moment on this elevation. 

Checking my watch after my descent, I saw that I already covered the 6-km distance before 2:00am at Calle Real. 

I recognized Plaza Libertad, which I visited on January 17 earlier because I would have no time stopping and admiring it during the marathon. 

This is now the part where I decided to let go of the bottle I was holding. Its weight was giving me a little discomfort and I didn’t want my CTS (carpal tunnel syndrome) to attack. Discarding it was a good decision. Both of my hands felt free and light. It made me intently focus on running. Twenty minutes after, I reached  Iloilo Ferry Terminal. 

It was an almost 25-minute run-walk before I entered the extravagantly but beautifully lighted Iloilo Provincial Capitol (IPC). Did the unremoved holiday decors worked its magic on me? Woo-hoo! The pain at the side of my stomach had fully abated. 

Leaving IPC, I passed by UP Visayas which I made sure to visit due to its museum. 

Then, I began traversing the long stretch of the diversion road. 

This is where we passed by Plazuela and SM City. There were a handful of marathoners who were already returning for their second loop while I was still craning my neck for the U-turn at San Augustin Church to show itself to me! It's still 6km/hr for me and there were no cramps (successul do-it-yourself kinesiology taping for my calves), acid reflux and signs for the dreaded UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) which I experienced twice during my training because of my drenched shorts. Frankly, this constancy in my pace was one of the things that motivated me amidst the discontentment about the run route. 

When the organizer posted the marathoner's track on January 13, six days (???!!!) before the event, I couldn't stop myself from being frustrated. Meh, a two-loop marathon course would be monotonous for me! Imagine if you already struggled during the first loop and you would retrace it? It's like self-flagellation! React if I want, but I could not do anything about it. In fact I asked a marshal why it was two loops and he answered me vaguely. I told myself that if I'd still be in one piece at the finish line, I would interview a member of Pabalhas, the organizer. *maniacal laughs*

So in anticipation for my second loop, I tried finding ways to save myself from a sudden running rut. 

Reentering Esplanade 1, I stopped at the Dinagyang Mural and requested a marshal for my pictorial. 

By this time, I already covered 22km. Kudos to me! Mind over matter functioned. Likewise, my husband's reminders continued to hover above my head. 

Running and walking for almost 1.5 hours, I reached the Ferry Terminal anew. The sun had begun flaunting its mesmerizing beauty. Plus the sound of a crowing rooster, they were both heavenliest needed refreshment for my eyes and ears. 

Running 36km, I stopped at another Dinagyang backdrop at Iloilo New Freedom Grandstand. Strike a pose, strike a pose! Vogue, Vogue, Vogue! Or, was it more of sabog (shambolic mind)? *rolls eye* Look, what this two-loop course had done to me! *cackles*

From this spot, I resumed my run. I overtook a male runner who’d been continuously straggling. I had no idea how many more were behind him. 

Returning to the Diversion Road was the challenging jostle. If only I could have run with my eyes shut so that I wouldn't see the same cityscape along my way, I could have done it. The U-turn seemed farther this time! I was still on pace, yet I couldn't be that confident. I didn't know what would occur in the remaining 6km, even though my training and mindset assured me that I'd beat the cut-off. 

At 7:45am, I could already feel the heat of the sun. I loved its feel on my skin. What a terrific digression from the repetitious view it was! 

I checked my watch after 1.5 hrs. Yay!  I got 3km to gooooooooo!

Run, walk, run, walk, run, walk...At 8:08am, my watch displayed this. 

But, how the heck was I still in front of Plazuela????!!!! 😂 

Run, walk, run, walk, run, walk... I waved at a young marshal on a bike and asked him the way to the finish line since there were no more staff manning the road. He escorted me for a while and finally found myself being met with cheers and applause on a red carpet by akin road fighters. It was a first for me. 

Now, pray tell, who would explain this puzzlement? 😄😎