She is at it again!

PhilHealth Regional Office XI’s very own Olive Bahala clinched her way to the top and muscled out a grueling 260 kilometer run during the recent Kadayawan Ultramarathon Race 2016, the first longest footrace in Mindanao.

Bahala crossed the finish line clocking 49 hours and 39 minutes, more than 10 hours ahead of the cut off time of 60 hours and safely securing her place as the top finisher in the women’s division and 5th overall.

The activity was organized by Basta Bisaya Gahi (BBG), a Manila-based events management company in coordination with Davao Ultra Runners Club. Of the 27 participants from all over the country, nine (9) hailed from Davao region and mostly were from Luzon. All of them braved mixed conditions ranging from sunny weather to rainfall and thunderstorms as they tackled serious elevations and tricky terrains from Mati, Davao Oriental all the way to the finish line in People’s Park, Davao City.

While this may seem as a painstakingly impossible journey for many, for Bahala and all other runners, it was exactly what they trained hard for. In preparation for the competition, she took intense leg, core and back training and strengthening programs for one month.

As reward, Bahala received a finisher’s trophy, champion’s trophy, finisher’s shirt, buckle, medal, cash prize and a GPS running watch from Soleus Philippines. But for her, being able to finish the race with no serious injuries is also a reward in itself. “I always think about my two angels (children) who are my greatest inspirations. They kept me going,” she shared.

When asked how she felt as she was drawing closer to the finish line, Bahala recalled how much of an emotional experience everything was for her. “I cried the moment I crossed the finish line. It was mixed emotions for me – I felt drained but overjoyed.”

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Bahala started running six (6) years ago, three (3) years after her husband’s death. She admits the sport was her way to cope with her loss. A seasoned runner, she is into her 11th ultra-marathon run, the longest one she had.

A few months ago, she also joined the most prestigious ultra-marathon in the country dubbed Bataan Death 102 km March, running the actual trail of the historic Death March route. There, she proudly carried the PhilHealth banner where she landed in the 2nd spot for females, 4th overall, besting 200 others.

According to her, perhaps the greatest contributor to her victory is her support team from PhilHealth who pushed and cheered her on until she reached the finish line.

Reflecting on her recent win, she is just thrilled that all the hard work paid off and she had this to share. “I thank the Lord for the gift of running. I am forever thankful to RVP Dennis Adre and the rest of the PhilHealth family for the support right from the start.”

Running has truly been Bahala’s greatest passion. It has become her way of life and a way to give pride to everyone who believes in her. “I will run for as long as I can,” she asserted. Her grit and vigor to do what she loves the most despite the risks are beyond admirable. There is not an inch of doubt why she earned herself the esteemed title as PhilHealth’s Iron Lady. (END) (Khlea Gayle Dublin)