Star athlete close-up Mary Grace De Los Santos (running)

CEBU, Philippines - She's popularly known as Cebu’s Queen of the Road. Some quarters have questioned such recognition accorded to her, but Mary Grace delos Santos has proven to be a Cebuana - by heart.

De los Santos hails from Zamboanga, but it is here in Cebu that her athletic skills have been developed to the fullest.

Her journey to prominence in this portion of the archipelago began just four years ago when some runners from Davao invited her to come to Cebu and join a race.

"I couldn't forget that day as I even borrowed money for my fare in going to Cebu. That was my main motivation to win the cash prize at stake so that when I come back home, I can repay my debts," recalled De los Santos.

After she earned her college degree of Bachelor of Science in Commerce, De los Santos and her boyfriend/coach Sherwin Managil thought of returning to Cebu where opportunities abound for them.

Almost penniless, De los Santos always gave her best in every race she joins to meet both ends knowing that she no family or relatives to depend on here.

Buoyed by great determination and hardwork, De los Santos swiftly made an impact in the running scene, winning competitions one after the other.

Her talent was not left unnoticed as she made it to the national training pool although she was eventually dropped from the final roster of the Phl athletics squad that saw action in last year's Indonesia SEA Games.

That did not disappoint De los Santos though. Instead, she shifted her focus to the Milo Marathon National Finals wherein she eventually clinched the coveted crown. Interestingly, she accomplished that monumental feat after her seventh try.

"I really did not expect to win the national title of Milo Marathon because I'm coming off from an injury and my training was intended for the SEA Games," said De los Santos. "But that triumph made me realize that it's better to compete without having to deal with any pressure. People were expecting less from me at that time, but fortunately I won."

De los Santos is so proud of the place that helped her mold what she is now that she always identifies herself in various interviews as a runner from Cebu.

"I know my fellow Zamboangeños would understand that because at times when I needed strength and support in every endeavor I take, I got it from the Cebuanos not only financially but also morally," De los Santos said.  - (THE FREEMAN)