AFTER a month of ruling the SarBay 50 Ultra Marathon in Sarangani Province, Davao City’s Olive Firmeza and Digos City’s Arnie Macañeras outran their rivals to clinch the titles of the Panabo Runner’s Club 75KM Ultramarathon held from the Montevista Municipal Hall to Panabo City Hall over the weekend.

PhilHealth runner Firmeza, 44, broke the tape in eight hours and two minutes to outclass Hedda Riola of Team Kapwa who timed 8:38 and Ma. Theressa Basallo of Timberland Ultra Runner who registered 9:43.

Firmeza, in a Facebook interview, said her months of preparation paid off.

“Adequate training and preparation Ma’am. Endurance talaga po Ma’am. It’s completely different from short distance run. Kailangan ma sustain mo ang pace mo for a long period of time,” she said.

She received a cash prize of P4,000, a finisher shirt, and champion’s trophy.

When asked why she joined a very long race with a minimal prize, Firmeza replied: “Regardless sa prize, running is my passion. Priceless ang fulfillment, honor and pride.”

She thanked her support team for keeping her hyradated throughout the race. She also said the 75K event was in preparation for her stint in the Kadayawan sa Davao Region Ultramarathon 520K, dubbed as the longest footrace in Mindanao.

Meanwhile, Arnie Macañeras of Team Davao Striders Club clocked 6:56 to annex the men’s crown over Jonathan Pido of Philippine National Police/Podium Mutlisport (7:19) and Jules Cayetano of PNP Davao (7:21).