We are thrilled to share some fantastic news and express our heartfelt gratitude for your incredible support in our marathon fundraiser for the “Support a Child” program. Together, we’ve made a significant impact on the lives of 40 children in need.
Here are some clips of me and my wife running our first marathon. As you know due to visa problems we did not make Rotterdam marathon, but instead we ran Palawan Pay Marathon on June 25, 2023. In the effort to raise funding for “Support A Child Program”
Here are some pictures of us at the start line around 1am. There were maybe a total of 100 marathon runners. Larger group than expected. Running the marathon was a great experience. One that we will never forget.
As you can see it was great weather. Temperature was between 28 and 30 Celsius and humidity between 85 and 90. That is the reason we are starting our race at 1am instead of 9am in the morning. We have been training for this marathon about 6 till 8 months. Because we didn’t manage to run in Rotterdam, this gave us 2 months extra for training.
This was our first time running a marathon, so we were very nervous. Didn’t know what to expect. Is it really as bad as people say?
As you maybe know, the planning was to run the Rotterdam marathon in April, but because Dutch government didn’t give my wife a visa to visit the Netherlands. We had to change our plans. Fortunately a few months later Palawan Pay was going to organize a marathon on the island where we live. So instead of running our marathon in Rotterdam, we ran our marathon in Puerto Princesa City.
Here are some clips of us running and finishing this marathon. Here is Abby running on the road. This is just past our 21 kilometer point. As you maybe can see a very hilly course. Thanks to the dedication, enthusiasm, and generosity of our amazing participants and supporters, we successfully raised four thousand five hundred dollars to provide essential support and resources for 40 children. This support will help 40 children to go to school for at least 1 year. The school year started here in August 2023. So the support will be from August 2023 till July 2024. Your commitment to making a positive difference in their lives is truly commendable.
Here is a video of me at the 30 kilometer point. Where I am drinking some water. It was so hot, that we both had to make sure we drink enough water. Otherwise I would get dehydrated. The journey from the starting line to the finish was not just about covering miles but about creating a lasting impact. Each step taken during the marathon symbolizes a step towards a brighter future for these children.
Here is Abby crossing her 30 kilometer point and drinking some water to stay hydrated. Your efforts have contributed to their education, healthcare, and overall well being. We want to express our deepest appreciation to everyone who laced up their running shoes, sponsored a participant, or shared our cause with friends and family.
Here I am finishing my first marathon. Boy was I happy to see that finish line. As you can see it is light already. I was able to run this marathon in 4 hours and 47 minutes. i was so happy that I finished it. What a great experience.
Congratulations Abigail. You did it. Almost there! You look very happy finishing. What a big smile. Here is a video of Abigail finishing her first marathon in 4 hours 58 minutes. We were both so happy to finish. We were able to stay under 5 hours. We have done it. Yes, thank you for making this possible.
Your collective effort showcases the power of community and the positive change that can be achieved when we come together for a common goal. As we celebrate this milestone, let’s take a moment to reflect on the real difference we’ve made in the lives of these 40 children. Your kindness and support have opened doors and created opportunities that will have a lasting impact.
Once again, thank you for being a vital part of this incredible journey. We look forward to continuing our mission of making a positive impact in the lives of those who need it most.
Here is a picture of us a month later. Where we joined a 21 kilometer race. We both had a PB – personal best time. So we are really doing great with our recovery after the marathon. Thanks again for all your help and support. Until next time. Lots of love from the Philippines.
Running Changes People and People Change the World 
LINKS:
WEBSITE: http://www.TrainingTheNations.com
FB Page: http://www.facebook.com/ttnrunningteam
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/philippinerunners
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@trainingthenations
