Pinoy on his way to 40,042 km global run

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino global runner Cesar Guarin is attempting a feat no one in Asia has ever accomplished – to run a total distance of 40,042 kilometers across 47 countries in 920 days.

Combined with endurance, perseverance and hard work, Guarin draws inspiration from overseas Filipino workers to complete the marathon and bring a sense of triumph to Filipinos across the world.

The Global Run is an ultra-marathon where runners cover a cumulative distance equivalent to the circumference of the earth. Guarin divided his run into 16 phases where each phase covers different parts of the globe. Each phase requires him to run 40 to 60 kilometers a day for 30 to 90 days. The 57-year-old from Manila is on his seventh phase where he faces the challenging terrain  and weather conditions of the deserts of the Middle East.

Once he completes the run by 2017, the runner from Manila will have joined an elite list of three global runners who have achieved this feat. Guarin, who once dreamed to run in the 1980 Olympics but was hampered by an injury, does not take on the challenge for mere personal glory, but instead dedicates his run to migrant Filipino workers around the world.

Throughout his run, he connects with OFW communities in the countries along his route. For the Middle East leg, he will be visiting consulates and embassies across the region to interact with fellow Pinoys. The soft-spoken husband and father of four has been warmly welcomed by Filipino communities from the countries he had already visited, including the US, Canada, Australia, Italy, Spain, Finland and England.

Oftentimes, he would find himself moved by the inspiring stories of these modern day Pinoy heroes as they sacrifice the comfort of their homes to pursue their dreams and provide a better life for their families.

“We all have one thing in common – our yearning to achieve our dreams. For this reason, I am in awe of those who took the more courageous route of making a difference and facing the odds outside the comfort of their homeland,” said Guarin.

Xpress Money, a global money transfer brand with a thriving presence in more than 150 countries, is sponsoring the global run.