At 64, Filipina ultramarathoner Marlene Gomez Doneza has completed a reported 2,557-kilometer endurance run from General Santos City to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, inspiring older Filipinos to pursue active lifestyles regardless of age.
Known as “Running Inay,” the Batangas City athlete began her Trans Pilipinas Endurance Run on August 5 and reached Pagudpud on October 15, completing a journey that spanned 72 calendar days. Local government representatives welcomed her at the finish line, presenting a medal and flowers in recognition of her achievement.
The journey tested Doneza’s endurance through intense heat, heavy rainfall, steep mountain roads, and difficult terrain across Mindanao, the Visayas, and Luzon.
Her support team identified particularly challenging stretches in Davao, Bukidnon, Gingoog, and Claveria, where high temperatures and demanding climbs required extensive preparation.
“Sa totoo lang, mahirap bilang senior, may pagkakataon na paltos ang paa at masakit ang tuhod pero dahil sa mga taong tumulong at sumusuporta sa amin, lahat ay binabalewala namin at tuloy lang sa laban,” Doneza shared during the Tabloid Organization in Philippine Sports (TOPS) Usapang Sports Forum.
Her latest accomplishment builds on years of competitive endurance running. Records from the Deutsche Ultramarathon-Vereinigung document her participation in ultramarathons dating back to 2015, including a 100-kilometer race around Taal Volcano.
In 2025, she also completed the Trans Luzon Endurance Run from Sorsogon to Pagudpud in 36 days. The Batangas City government formally commended her for covering 1,461 kilometers in an advocacy run dedicated to senior citizens.
Doneza credited the encouragement of people she encountered along the route and the assistance of her running team for helping her finish the latest challenge.
Through her advocacy, she hopes to encourage fellow senior citizens to make exercise part of their daily routines, particularly after retirement, and continue pursuing personal goals as they grow older.
