The Dublin Marathon Experience

The day was cold. Over 11 thousand runners converge at Fitzwilliam street in Dublin with their family and friends to support them. Marathon runners were there with a common goal - to test the endurance of the human body and spirit and to help raise funds for the charity organizations.I was there.My friends were there. We were united by our passion to help our fellow Filipinos through fund raising to help Gawad Kalinga project build homes for the poor.It was the day that we have been waiting for. As we walked towards the starting area, my heart begun to pound loudly, I felt the butterflies on my stomach. The moment has finally arrived.

The run started at 9:00 A.M. last Oct 27,2008. I started the race slowly keeping in mind what the seasoned runners had told me - 'to take it easy on the first 5-10 miles' especially that I had incurred an injury during the training. The first 10 miles was surprisingly flat and I felt great and strong. The Dublin Marathon was well-planned, there were available water stations every 3-4 miles. I was looking forward to see Bro. Ritche, Bimbo & Ronald to hand me the extra water at 13 miles. What actually mattered most was that I knew my friends were there to support me. At 16 miles, I began to feel my legs becoming heavy. I was anxious to reach the 18 miles as I know that Caryl & Lyn will be giving me water and carbohydrate gels. As I struggle along the road, I saw a lot of people crying in pain and some were walking. I began to sing in my head to take my mind off the pain of running. As I arrived at 23 miles, I saw Ronald and Claude handing me my much needed water. Now, I am delighted that thefinish line is near but it seems forever. Surprisingly, I began to feel emotional. I began to question. Is this worth it? I was running out of breath. I was panting. My stride became weak and slow. There was a battle going on in my mind. This is too much to bear. Shall I walk? Shall I run? Shall I stop? What is this run for? This is for my motherland - The Philippines. This is for GOD, for the overflowing blessings. This is for Gawad Kalinga. Then I decided to run faster than I can muster even when I felt like my body is going to crumble. The crowd thickened as I trot near the finish line. They were cheering and encouraging runners with no reservations. Indeed a fine display of an Irish hospitality and friendliness. At long last, I saw the The job was done in 4 hours and 39 minutes. That day, people were united. That day, I became a different person.

I would like to thank our Dublin hosts(Couples for Christ) for their support and prayers. I salute James Quintin who finished the marathon in 4 hours and 38 minutes. Well done. Alongwith the marathon are my fellow GK supporters who run the 3 mile fun run were Ronald, Bibay, Lyn, Caryl, Claudette, Bro Bimbo, April and Ritche. Below are their thoughts on the Dublin Marathon.


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"I participated in the 5k run and had a wonderful time experiencing the whole Dublin Marathon event. I was more at awe though in the teamwork and support that I witnessed for my friend, Liza, who actually ran the 42-k for Gawad Kalinga. Filipino families from Dublin whom we've only met that time opened their houses to us and offered their help, prayers and blessings. I was astounded by their hospitality and generosity. It's amazing what Filipinos can achieve when working on a common goal. I'm tremendously glad that I've been a part of it." - April Ramos

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"The 5K fun run has empowered me to do more service for the Lord. I was then touched by the loving support given by our brothers and sisters n the community who opened their homes to us whole-heartedly. I am pleased with my self that in my own "little way, I have contributed to the goals of Gawad Kalinga"-Claudette Causapin

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Its once said in a movie, 'run Forrest, run', and he ran,without
stopping. He ran just for the sake of running. He ran and others noticed, He ran and others followed, He ran until it was phenomenal. And he got tired, the he walked... home. My ran in Dublin Marathon for 5k is an experience that I will never forget. Unlike Forrest Gump, I ran for a purpose, I ran because I got inspired. I ran for GK. I ran for the poor and I ran to honour GOD for giving me life to do ordinary things extraordinary.- Ritche Bagasala

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It was a nonchalant decision to join the dublin marathon. I was mainly there to cheer for my housemate... nothing grand, it seemed. I am ordinary, not the least athletic, so how do I figure in this? I's rather donate the money and settle with the thought that I had "contributed" to the GK cause in my own "small way"... I guess that is the common mentality, and I was glad my curiosity got the better of me because by being part of this event I saw the bigger picture.

The marathon is just not about ~11,000 people crazy to run 26 miles, but it is the fulfillment of a dream --- whether for yourself or somebody else'. It sounds cliche, but it takes on a whole new dimension once you witness runners pouring out their heart and soul to it..

In our case the dream was to build a village for the homeless in the Philippines. It was sparked by the dedication and passion of one runner(Liza) and kept alive by the support of friends. And that is how I came to realize that giving money is not enough; it is the spirit of community that magnified this endeavor to what it has achieved now. I eventually ran myself (just the 3mile-run) to show that I am united to the cause. I still ran/walked afterwards to cheer on and hand over food and drinks to Liza. She who has inspired us got inspiration herself, and that is how I know we were lifting up each other. Truly, this is bayanihan in its modern form. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! May the spirit of bayanihan and Gawad Kalinga stay alive.
- Caryl Camina

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I ran the 42 kilometers race. I ran for Philippines. I ran for Gawad
Kalinga.I am blessed. I am proud. I am Filipino. What are you proud of?
-Liza Jane

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Liza is now one of the driving force for GK here in Ireland. I ran the 5K run to honor her, but instead after the race, It was me who felt honored to know her and be part of her support team. Her heart is so big that you wonder how it managed to fit her chest. I thank the team from Letterkenny and I thank Couples for Christ-Dublin for their love and support to the team. I pray for more Liza Jane Jorque here in Ireland, someone who will never forget the motherland and its people.
- Bimbo Manuel- GK volunteer
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Gawad Kalinga (GK) is an alternative solution to the blatant problem of poverty not just in the Philippines but in the world.GK’s vision for the Philippines is a slum-free, squatter-free nation through a simple strategy of providing land for the landless, homes for the homeless,food for the hungry and as a result providing dignity and peace for every Filipino. GK is now in the process of transforming poverty stricken areas with the goal of building 700,000 homes in 7,000 in 7 years (2003-2010).For more information, please go to this website http://www.gawadkalinga.org.

The Filipino GK supporter will be running the 3 Mile Fun Run and the Addidas Dublin Marathon in 2009. If you are keen on joining us, please do not hesitate to contact the GK advocate: Brother Bimbo - 353 873595312.