By Helen Castaño | 11:31 PM October 13, 2024
It’s stories like those of farmer- runner Queruben Abella that prove the oft-repeated saying of age being nothing but a number. At the recently concluded 3rd Alturas Pink Run, he shattered a record at the age of 75.
He ran 1:56:29 in the 21K race. What’s even more noticing was the worn-out shoes he wore during the race.
Abella said he felt comfortable using the shoes even though had some running shoes at home in Purok 2 in Barangay Candelaria in Dagohoy town, at least 73 km from the capital city of Tagbilaran.
He purchased the shoes from an ukay-ukay (thrift store) and he intentionally punched holes in the shoes to improve ventilation and prevent water from pooling inside when he ran through rivers. He even wore the shoes during the
Bohol 50 Miler Ultra Marathon and
12-kilometer Alicia TAPP Trail Run which included traversing creeks, rappelling up a cliff face, and running in treacherous and dizzying trails in 2021.
He run at Pink Run to spread about breast cancer awareness.
When not running, he is at his farm planted with bananas.
His passion for running started when he was 14 years old. His wife Pilar and five children supported his passion.
Mary Grace Bernaldez, organizer of the Alturas Pink Run, said that Abella has been joining the event being one of the oldest runners.
“For this year, we have 30 beneficiaries all over whole not just in city. Nagpasalamat gyud mi kaayo nga every year sige siyag increase. The more daghan mo-join, the more ang makabalo nga early detection is importante and the more daghan tang matabangan,” Bernaldez said.
“Nagpasalamat gyud mi ni Tatay nag-viral ang iyang video daghan nakabalo sa atong Pink Awareness sa October,” she added.
Alturas Group of Companies gave groceries to Queruben at his home last Thursday. Al Moralde, an internet personality and runner, came to see Queruben all the way from Cagayan deOro City to personally give new two pairs of shoes.
Bernaldez said she waived the registration fee for life if Abella decides to join the race next year.
The most important lesson we can all learn from Abella? It’s never too late to start anything and do what needs to be done especially if it is for a cause.Â
“Ming-apil ko sa Pink Run kay ganahan man ko mudagan. Hinaot nga madasig ang mga kabataan nga naa gani edaran mingdagan labi na sila nga bata pa,” he said.
