Tess Leono, Phlilippines’ 'Iron Lady' in ultramarathon, to grace 6th AWUM

CEBU, Philippines - All eyes will be on Pinay ultra racer Tess Leono as the 6th All-Women’s Ultramarathon gets underway tomorrow night starting and ending at the Il Corso grounds in South Road Properties.

Leono takes pride for being the first Filipina to finish the world's toughest running challenge, the Badwater Ultramarathon in the United States. The 48-year-old Project Analyst for the Asian Development Bank, finished her rigorous 216-kilometer journey passing through the heart of the Californian Death Valley desert in 46 hours, one minute and 29 seconds.

Leono brings the total number of participants in the 50km footrace to 301 but she will only be a guest runner. That means that Leono and the rest of the entries are expected to be treated like queens on the road as the organizing ThinkTank is setting up over 20 stations for their hydration, sanitary change, food, massage, and even for re-touch.

Yes, everyone has been promised total pampering by different running clubs here in Cebu and other visiting teams as a tribute to all women especially those who have been supporting their male counterparts in different long distance battles in the past.

A generous cut-off time of 10 hours has been set for them to be included in the official result that will also entitle them of a finisher’s medal.

Sandra Sollano is back to defend her throne. She is expected to face tough challenge from former AWUM queens Jade Abellana, and Preciousa Sanchez among others. (FREEMAN)