Liloan councilor Kath Jumapao conquers first full marathon race on foreign shores

CEBU, Philippines — Cebuana multi-sport athlete Kath Jumapao made her first full marathon a memorable experience after finishing it on foreign shores.

With fortitude under cold weather conditions, the 33-year-old Jumapao successfully conquered the Los Angeles Marathon on Sunday (Monday, March 17 Phl time).

Over 26,000 runners from around the world participated in the grueling race that started at the Dodger Stadium and ended at the Avenue of the Stars in Century City.

“It feels great to finish my first marathon especially that I made it earlier than expected,” said Jumapao, who clocked in a modest time of five hours and eight minutes.

“The weather was cold. I felt heavy and sore on km30 but quitting is not an option,” added the Liloan councilor who was a basketball and volleyball varsity player of the University of San Carlos (USC) during her college days.

Jumapao said she engaged in running and eventually triathlon after graduation to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

“This is my own little way of encouraging everyone to live a healthier lifestyle. Being active gives us more happy reasons to live,” said Jumapao, a four-time Ironman triathlete.

Now, Jumapao wants to apply all the things she learned in the City of Angels for the good of sports in her beloved hometown of Liloan.

“I want to bring more sports and active events in Cebu specifically in Liloan where I sit as councilor. My experience in the LA Marathon was very relevant and educational since I hold the chairmanship in the committee of Sports and Tourism. I will take the learnings and inspiration back home,” Jumapao ended. — (FREEMAN)