PINOY Newsmagazine
November 2005
Text and photo by Ted Regencia
CHICAGO — By the time No. 32940 crossed the finish line of the 2005 Chicago Marathon last October 9, she had clocked more than seven hours of running time — well behind female winner Deena Kastor’s two hours, 21 minutes, and 25 seconds. She had also raised enough money to build one more decent shelter for a poor family in the Philippines — a triumph far greater than conquering the 26.2-mile course.
No. 32940 is Sally Adraneda of Romeoville, a southwest suburb of Chicago. Sally and husband, Esok were part of Gawad Kalinga (GK) 777 Hero’s Run, a project thought up after last year’s flood disaster in northern Luzon that displaced 40,000 families. Gawad Kalinga means “to give care”.
“Running the marathon was very tough. It was more challenging than giving birth,” the middle-aged Mrs. Andraneda laughingly recalled her experience, three days after the marathon. “I exhausted all my energy.” Husband Esok posted a slightly better time of 6:06:34.
“It was really a challenge for me and I was ready to give up,” she said. “What really motivated me was the thought that if I would finish the race, I would be able to raise some money to build a house for a poor family in the Philippines.”
Continue reading “Running to win: The Gawad Kalinga marathoners”
Ted Regencia Reports 