75-YEAR-OLD RUNNER AMAZINGLY COMPLETES A HALF MARATHON IN TWO HOURS

Expert runners worldwide believe that a half marathon time of just under two hours is good, but this figure primarily targets young, physically fit competitors. When Queruben Abella, 75, also known as Tatay Ruben, completed a 21-kilometer race in 1 hour and 56 minutes, people in his home country of the Philippines and worldwide were blown away. Better yet, he did it while wearing a pair of damaged shoes. 

Abella is well-versed in running, having run his first marathon at the age of 14 and continuing to enjoy the sport for decades. He liked his shoes better than others, even though they were bursting at the seams. He thought they were comfortable and light, and when it rained, the water didn't get trapped inside. They have also "taken [him] to many places."

The elderly runner's remarkable accomplishment took place on October 5 at the 3rd Alturas Pink Run. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the race was planned to raise money, specifically for 30 patients who are undergoing chemotherapy. "Seeing everyone so excited and eager to participate in Pink Run is incredible," he remarked. It's a really admirable cause. And in the future, I would really like to keep supporting it.

Abella has participated in the Alturas Pink Run since 2022, according to Mary Grace Ido Bernaldez, the event's organizer, who spoke to the Inquirer. "At 75, he inspires us all and is more than just a runner. We learn from Tatay Ruben's perseverance that our capabilities are limitless.

When the race organizer paid Abella a visit in his village a few days later, he gave him a brand-new pair of shoes—the third pair he had received—and he joyfully posed for a Facebook photo wearing them. He might be wearing a new pair with pride in 2025 since he intends to return the following year. “I’ll keep running as long as I can,” Abella says. “I’m part of the community.”