Rome-based Filipino mother, 53, finishes full Venice Marathon as Filipino runners join its 40th edition

Filipino runners from Rome and Milan were among the more than 24,000 participants at the 40th Venice Marathon on October 25, including a 53-year-old supermarket merchandiser who finished the full marathon in 4:16:54.

Filipino runners based in Rome and Milan were among the more than 24,000 participants at the 40th anniversary edition of the Venice Marathon on October 25, The Filipino Times reported. The race was held across marathon, half-marathon and 10-kilometer events under the slogan "Run Like a Lion", inspired by the Lion of Saint Mark.

Among them was a 53-year-old Filipino mother and overseas worker based in Rome who works as a supermarket merchandiser. She completed the full 42.195-kilometer marathon in 4:16:54, after rearranging her work schedule because she normally works on Sundays.

"This edition is special. It's one of my bucket list talaga, kaya matagal pa lang pinaghandaan ko na po," she said.

Last month, she placed third in her category at the Pescara Half-Marathon, the report said.

Running for a friend

Milan-based Filipino runners Joselle Laurio Rubia and Jermin Gabriel also took part. Rubia said she ran for her lost friend Franz, whose birthday was that day. Filipino runners May Arquiletta and Maricris Dabe traveled together to run the 10-kilometer event.

A record-breaking edition

Organisers said 55% of the more than 24,000 participants came from abroad. According to The Filipino Times, the course begins at Villa Pisani in Stra, follows the Brenta Riviera, passes through Mestre and crosses the Ponte della Libertà, before a temporary footbridge across the lagoon and the finish at Riva Sette Martiri.

Kenya's Peter Kwemoi Ndorobo won the men's race in a course record of 2:07:31, and Kenya's Jackline Jerono won the women's race in 2:26:16, the third-fastest time in the history of the event, according to the organisers.

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