Run Not Rum athletes bask in the glow of their accomplishments
CEBU, Philippines — Making the most out of their very inspiring fitness journeys, a bunch of spirited multi-sport athletes from the Run Not Rum (RNR) Running Club under the guidance of coach Jefrey Cola Codino take pride in their achievements from various races they conquered here and on foreign shores the past week.
Firstly, Mark Philip Geniston was in seventh heaven after setting a personal record right in his first international Ironman 70.3 race in Taupo, New Zealand.
The CEO of Kevlo Skin Clinic completed the tough three-in-one battle consisting of a 1.9K swim, 90.1K bike and a 21.1K run in six hours and 31 minutes, effectively shaving off 20 minutes from his 6:51 mark during his first Ironman event in Lapu-Lapu City last year.
“With only eight weeks of training, instead of the standard 12 weeks, I knew I had signed up for a challenge,” Geniston said. “Again, the weather played a vital role in making it even more challenging for me. The cold water during the swim, the headwinds, cold weather, and never-ending uphills during the bike ride were conditions that could never be replicated in my training in the Philippines.”
“But the breathtaking scenery of Taupo, New Zealand and the support of the spectators fueled me to finish strong and achieve a personal record. Looking forward to my next big races,” added Geniston as he girds for the 5150 Bohol, Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu, Chicago Marathon and Sydney Marathon that are part of his calendar activities this year.
A continent apart in the Land of the Rising Sun, Julius Jerald Borja and Frederick Castañeda successfully finished the 2025 Tokyo Marathon.
“Running a major marathon is a journey of physical endurance and mental resilience. The surge of adrenaline when the race starts to finishing strong through the last kilometer is every runner’s challenge to emerge stronger, more resilient, and forever changed,” said Borja.
“The 2025 Tokyo Marathon is my second World Major. When I finished, the last kilometer was the best. Lots of people cheering and makes me run fast to finish it and lastly the rewarding medal. Overall, it was a great event with lots of memories it brought to a lot of runners. And it will be cherished for some time,” Castañeda shared.
At home, the group’s Davaoeña member, Aeda Mae Siao-Sanchez, bagged the second runner-up honors in the women’s 42K category of the Kalilangan Marathon 2025 in General Santos City.
Meanwhile during the TWM 32.0 Camotes Triathlon led by Paulo Garcia, Mayu Owada Kohno emerged as champion in her age group and second overall in the female division.
Kohno’s fellow “rummers”, Atty. Brando Ray Raya, Atty. Jupert John Remollo, Miguel Ortiz, Renan Arias, Clement Po, and coach Jefrey himself were equally proud and happy for completing the grueling action that requires not only physical strength but also endurance and mental toughness.
“Congratulations to all the incredible Run Not Rum athletes who completed both local and international triathlon and marathon races!,” said Atty. Brando Raya, one of the staunchest supporters of RNR team. “Your dedication, strength, and perseverance have taken you to new heights. You are a true inspiration, showing what it means to push limits and never stop chasing greatness. Keep running, keep thriving!” — (FREEMAN)
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