Eugene Evangelista, a 49-year-old Filipino runner from Batangas City, has secured first place in the 5th Edition of the Cinisello Balsamo Running Festival Ultramarathon in Milan, Italy.
Meanwhile, Bren Kevin secured second place overall in the 24-hour category (23:49:59).
Evangelista, who is also the coach of the team Pilipino Ultra Runners Italy – PURI, completed the grueling 100-mile race in 18 hours, 39 minutes, and 30 seconds.
“Preparations talaga sa pagsali sa Ultramarathon, pagod, pawis, puyat, gutom, lahat-lahat na. Binigyan ako ng lakas ng taas kaya nakatsamba po at nasungkit ang 1st [place]. Six months [of] preparation, 120 kms a week ang training. Month of February naka 600 kms po ako,” Evangelista said after his victory.
Evangelista moved to Milan in 1997 for work and began running in 2013 as a hobby. What started as casual jogs turned into a serious passion, leading him to participate in major marathon events under Team PURI ASD.
Balancing his career as a technician at Donatore di Sangue Policlinico di Milano with rigorous training, Evangelista has completed several extreme races, including the 283 km Milan-Sanremo Ultramarathon, the 222 km Ardeche Ultramarathon in France, and the 24-hour Ultra des Fons in Barcelona.
Other Filipinos also excelled in the event:
100 km Category: Genesis Cunanan – 5th overall, Ella Rose Esteleydes – 1st place SF category
12-Hour Ultra: Lesther Rabe, Maricel Prellejera, Rachelle Cabasa, Olive Songco, Michael Camitan, Romeo Calantas, James Suludez, Laurence Ramiro, Eustaquio Supena, Harold Mayuga, Roman Ver Ancog, Rosella Cava
6-Hour Ultra: Daryle Gallur, Mark Gomez, Philip John Monsanto, Julius Dy-Ico, Jobeth Castro, Lester Ian Cultura, Mario Sarmiento, Jessie Mendoza, Ricky Gordon, Precious Pangan
Evangelista is now preparing for his next challenge, the “Novi Coli” 200 km race with a 3,800-meter elevation gain, where he will run alongside fellow Filipinos Roland Kevin and Genesis Cunanan on May 9-11.
“Always motivate yourself, keep running, and don’t give up. Follow your passion, and you’ll go far!” he advised aspiring runners.
This article was written with contributions from Alona Cochon.
