Filipino finishes international ultra race

CEBU CITY (Updated)-- The Filipino running community rejoices as ultramarathoner Jonnifer Lacanlale strongly crossed the finish line of the Western States Endurance Run (WSER) in Auburn, California.

Also known as Western States 100 (WS100), the race is considered one of the oldest and most challenging ultra trail events in the world.

Lacanlale, with bib number 254, clocked in at 29:50:33 and secured the 308th place. The race started on Saturday with 383 runners.

Pacer Rick Gaston and ultra runner Jonnifer Lacanlale at the finish line of Western States 100 in Auburn, California. (Photo taken from the PinoyUltramarathonersGroup)

The 100-mile race (160 kilometer) is conducted along the Western States Trail, starting at Squaw Velley, California, and ending in Auburn, California.

Jonel Mendoza, Frontrunner publisher, posted real-time updates of Lacanlale’s race on PinoyUltramarathonersGroup page on Facebook.

“Mauuna na akong bumati. UNBREAKABLE. That best describes Jonnifer's truly epic WSER finish. Let me thank you for showing us what a champion's heart is and for showing us the way. You made us proud. My snappy salute and a beer toast to you, ato! ANG GALING MO! MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!” Mendoza said as he posted the update on Lacanlale’s finish. Mendoza added that California-based Filipino Joselito San Gabriel also made it to the finish line at 29:58:27.

Ultrarunner Jovie Narcise, also known as the Bald Runner, said “…this is the first local Filipino finish in the most prestigious 100-mile race in the world, with lots of drama and suspense to speak of.”

Jonnifer Lacanlale posted his Western States 100 buckle and said: "Here is OUR buckle. It is not without sacrifice. You don't know what Rick and I went through just get this one. How can an almost blind runner with two sprained ankles finish a 100-mile trail race? Ask Rick Gaston but it was a miracle." (Photo by Jonnifer Lacanlale)

“Atty. Lacanlale's accomplishment will serve as an inspiration for all of us to fight up to the finish! A true and remarkable trait of Pinoys!” Bald Runner added.

Lacanlale is a senior legal officer of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC).

“A huge huge shout to Rick Gaston! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I don't think I would have made it without you. Thanks!” Lacanlale posted on Facebook. He was referring to Gaston, a fellow runner, who paced with him.

Ultrarunner Marc Conrad Molina also posted: “Lacanlale is more than deserving of a ‘Hero's Welcome’ when he comes back!”

Lacanlale already competed in a number of international and local endurance races, which include the 160-kilometer trail race “Ultra-Trail Du Mont Blanc” (UTMB), widely regarded as the most difficult foot race in Europe, last August 26 to 27, 2011.

He was also the only Filipino who finished the Great North Walks (GNW 100), the toughest trail race in Australia, in November 2010.

He is also the champion and course record holder of the 102-kilometer Bataan Death March (BDM 102K) ultramarathon held this year.

Lacanlale also received the “Grand Slam Award” after he ran the BDM 160K and BDM 102K in 2011.

WS100 has helped Auburn, California earn the title of “Endurance Capital of the World.” (Maria Armie Sheila Garde/Sunnex)