By Jerome Lagunzad
Human endurance will be put to the extreme test in the inaugural Zark’s Burgers Ultimate Run as at least 10 runners will try to conquer the lung-busting 500-kilometer race from Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte down to the Quezon City Memorial Circle for five days next week.
Ireland-based Pinoy ultramarathoners Rolando “Junjun” Espina and close buddy Jivee Tolentino are among those who will try their luck – and put their will to the maximum – as they brace themselves for what could be their toughest challenge yet in what is considered as the first 500km race in Southeast Asia.
“We launch this race to test the endurance…kung hanggang saan ang kaya itakbo ng isang Pilipino,” said Zark’s Burgers owner Commie Varona in the event’s press briefing yesterday at the burger chain’s original branch in Taft Avenue, Manila.
“At Zark’s Burgers, we always want our products to be fresh, huge and great. That’s why we’re launching events that havn’t been done yet. We’re already into basketball pero ang gusto namin ‘yung participation and engagement pati sa ibang sports.”
The ultra-marathon race, supported by Hapee Toothpaste, Gumtect, Fitness First, LGR, Bike Statement, Amihan and Time Studio, will be flagged off on Feb. 20, giving the protagonists the maximum time of 120 hours to complete the tough task.
“Actually this is going to be my longest race. Hindi ko alam ano mangyayari. Hopefully matapos namin,” said Espina, 44, who recently made headlines when he set a new record in the 4th Manila-Baguio City race, finishing the 250-km journey in 35 hours and 43 minutes.
“Prestige is enough more than the (prize) money kasi wala pang nakakagawa nito. Kailangan lang na maniwala ka na matatapos mo ‘to,” added the Filipino nurse who also participated in the renowned Spartathlon in Greece for the past two years.
