By Alona Cochon
ROME – Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See Myla Grace Macahilig encouraged Filipino runners to give their best when they join the prestigious Run Rome the Marathon here on March 16.
“Unang-una nagpupugay kami sa mga Filipino runners na sasali sa darating na (First of all, we salute the Filipino runners who will participate in the upcoming) Rome Marathon on March 16. This is a good indication of both personal and community achievements,” Macahilig said in an interview after a thanksgiving Mass organized by the Filipino community for Pinoy runners on Feb. 23.
“I know your strong dedication and commitment to the sport has gotten you to this international stage. No pressure, but (when) you run, you also carry with you the hopes and dreams of your community, your family, and of course, sa sambayanang Pilipino (and the Filipino people).”
More than 30,000 runners, including Filipinos, many of them based in Italy, are expected to fill the Eternal City’s streets during the 30th edition of the Rome Marathon, which also coincides with the 2025 Jubilee Year.
“When you run, I hope you run well and safe. But I hope also when you run, remember that you are also carrying the Philippine flag. So, we wish you all the very best,” Macahilig said.
Aside from the 42.195-km. marathon, trophies are also up for grabs in the Run4Rome relay and 5K fun run.
The thanksgiving Mass, attended by Philippine Embassy in Rome Cultural Officer Naive Mamhot and other embassy staff, was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Vhen Fernandez, Rev. Fr. Ronan Ayag CS, and Rev. Fr. Edward Caringal.
The Pedro Calungsod Community, Pilipino Runners Roma, Piney Teens Salinlahi PURI ASD (Roma), and Philippine Independence Day Association also attended the Eucharistic celebration to give their full support to the Filipino runners.
The Filipino runners have prepared for four months for the Rome Marathon 2025. (Alona Cochon/PNA)
