Three Filipinos living in different European countries recently united to conquer the grueling 222-kilometer Ultr’Ardèche ultramarathon in France from May 18 to 19. Rolando Espina, Bren Kevin Policarpio, and Eugene Evangelista, who have been friends for more than five years, joined forces for this challenging race.
Espina, based in Dublin, Ireland, invited his friends Policarpio and Evangelista, both residing in Milan, Italy, to participate in the Ultr’Ardèche. The three friends share a common godson, Mico, and have built their bond over their passion for running.
“Bren Kevin Policarpio Cabasa and Eugene Evangelista are my kumpares. We’ve known [each other] for more than five years, I guess because of running and social media. We’ve been running marathons and ultramarathons for some time,” Espina told GMA News Online.
The Ultr’Ardèche, known for its hilly and high-altitude trail in Ardèche, France, requires participants to be experienced in ultramarathons. Participants must complete the course within 37 hours. Despite the challenging nature of the race, the trio found the experience rewarding.
“It was a beautiful experience as it only strengthened our friendship as we helped one another get over the hump especially on the latter stages of the race,” Espina said. “The brilliant thing about us running together is that we all finished the event, considering that only around 50 percent of the participants made it to the finish line.”
Espina also expressed their hope to inspire their children to lead active lifestyles. “I mean, I drink alcohol and eat the usual foods but so do we exercise din. Also a good example for our kids para maging active din sila,” he shared.
Looking ahead, the trio is eager to participate in more ultramarathons. “We have run along each other in a few races before and there’s no doubt that we will be joining an ultramarathon event again in the near future,” Espina said.