LIST: Filipino personalities who joined the 2024 Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon, the world’s oldest annual marathon, just concluded on April 15.
It’s one of the six World Marathon Majors, and the rest of them are held in Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York.
CBS News reported that runners made their way through the 26.2-mile (42.1 km) course through Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, and Brookline before eventually finishing on Boylston Street in Boston in front of cheering crowds.
The racing event saw the participation of over 29,000 amateur and professional runners across 118 countries, including the Philippines. It even has a history of attracting famous faces. In fact, Filipino celebrities like Charlene Gonzalez, Anthony Pangilinan, and Kim Atienza have participated in the Boston Marathon.
Ahead, check out some of the local personalities who joined this year's race.
Tricia Robredo
The daughter of former vice president Leni Robredo had her debut at the Boston Athletic Association (BAA)’s 5K, which is held a day before the race proper.
Robredo said she did the BAA 5K “@ 22:35,” or at 22 minutes and 35 seconds.
She noted a few things, including how the tracking app Strava “is like an Asian parent who says you could’ve done more when you think you did ok,” the footwear brand Metaspeed Paris living up to the hype, and how her Coach Joe “was kinda iffy” when she told him about the 5K.
Robredo said that though it was an experience, she doesn’t think she’s doing another (Boston Marathon) soon.
She’s looking forward to the RBC Brooklyn Half in May.
Hannah and Maricel Pangilinan
Mother-and-daughter tandem Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan and Hannah, the vlogger sister of actor Donny Pangilinan, also joined the Boston Marathon, which they dubbed as “TakBoston.”
In a collaborative post, they shared a Reel of behind-the-scenes from the race set to Elvis Presley’s Burning Love.
“IT IS FINISHED,” Hannah said, noting that it’s Maricel’s sixth star medal and her first world major marathon. “[W]hat a time [with] you mom, at a loss for words, thank you for all your support—more soon.”
In the comments section, Maricel called Hannah her “Baby,” saying “WE did this.”
“I couldn’t have had any courage to run Boston without you. Thank you!! I thank you from the bottom of my heart,” she added.
Tim Yap
The television host and entrepreneur said he can’t believe that he’s officially a Boston Marathon finisher.
“Dealt with so much doubt, faced my fears and committed to do this—and I did!!!!” Yap said, posting a photo of him carrying the Philippine flag.
He said he has so many people to thank (later) for the achievement.
“[B]ut for now WAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!” he said.
Last year, Yap joined the 2023 London Marathon with other Smile Train Team Empower members for charity.