RATCHABURI, Thailand -- It was an uphill and unfamiliar trail, but each member of the Philippine team managed to finish strong with one of them, Jerald Zabala, 30, from Cagayan de Oro, bagging the first place in the 10K leg of the recent Allianz Ayudhya World Run Thailand series.

Together with Zabala, the Philippine Team included Ryan Caaya, 31, from Manila and Rommel Hingpit, 45, Bacolod City. Allianz PNB Life sponsored three running events in Manila, Bacolod and Cagayan de Oro, where the three participants emerged as winners.

Zabala, a butcher in a popular grocery in Mindanao, finished the 10K race (aged 30 – 39 category) in 35 minutes and 49 seconds. Thai runners Anurak Jangsomya (40: 53) and Atthapol Thamthaweechok (47:05) followed second and third, respectively.

According to Zabala, who had been joining marathons like that of Milo and 7-Eleven, the Allianz Ayudhya World Run gave him an unforgettable opportunity he once dreamed of growing up as a child in Lanao del Norte.

“Every athlete dreams of representing his country to an international competition. For someone who started in the rice paddies, chasing crickets for food, I am just thankful that Allianz gave me this opportunity. Now, I look forward to my next run,” Zabala said.

Allianz PNB Life representatives Gae Martinez, chief marketing officer, and Rei Abrazaldo, brand communications and digital director, together with Philippine Daily Inquirer editor Romina Austria also managed to finish strong.

Martinez, who also ran the 10K race, expressed her satisfaction in the performance of the lean Philippine contingent. “We want our message to be heard and what better way to do this than have a Filipinos winning first place in 10K race of the Allianz World Run. Allianz sincerely cares about the health of the communities we are a part of. We encourage everyone by holding mass events that make a resounding impact for the members of these communities to live healthy active lives,” she stated.

Over 4,500 runners joined the race held in Suan Pueng here. In July this year, Allianz invited runners worldwide to join one of the largest global running events ever – Allianz World Run. This initiative, which started as an employee activity, was opened to all those who want to increase their fitness level and, at the same time help Allianz raise funds for the SOS Children’s Villages. With the funds raised, projects related to education and emergency preparedness will be implemented in five SOS Children’s Villages. (PR)