Cinisello balsamo: Filipino endurance athletes once again proved their strength on the global stage, delivering remarkable performances at the prestigious GOMU World Championships held during the Cinisello Balsamo Running Festival from March 28 to 30.
According to Philippines News Agency, from its previous edition in Poland, the championship found its new home in Italy this year, drawing about 40 Filipino ultrarunners based in Europe. Leading the Filipino charge was Paris-based ultrarunner Luisa Nu±ez, who clinched the gold medal in the women's 24-hour category. Nu±ez completed an impressive 161 km across 115 loops, showcasing not only her physical strength but also the mental resilience she gained during her preparation for the event.
"To the Pinoy runners group based in Milan, Italy, who always think positively to achieve the goal. A great example of leadership when it comes to running enthusiasm. I am grateful to be part of your team," Nu±ez said in a social media post.
Milan-based Rachelle Cabasa also made her mark, securing third place in the same category with 124.6 km across 89 loops. Anna Rybitw of Poland took the second spot with 141 km and 101 loops. Cabasa expressed her satisfaction with securing a medal after the exhausting run, stating, "We're happy. Dami nakakuha ng medals (Many won medals), but for now gusto ko matulog (I want to sleep)."
In the men's 24-hour division, Poland's Rafal Wos and Wojciech Sip finished first and second with 145 loops (203.9 km) and 141 loops (197.6 km), respectively. Giorgio Basso of Italy took the third spot with 139 loops and 194.3 km run.
Poland's Bartosz Fudali topped the main men's 48-hour category event with an outstanding 446.6 km run, followed by Nemes Laszlo (427 km) and Delas Heras Monforte (407.4 km). Polish runners also dominated the women's 48-hour category, pulling out an impressive 1-2-3 finish with Patrycja Bereznowska winning the event with 295 loops or a total of 413 km run, followed by Edyta Lewandowska (279 loops/390 km) and Magdalena Superson (265 loops/371 km).
