Racing together as one big family

CEBU, Philippines — For many a person, running is a test of physicality. Some treat it as a mere pastime, while others hooked up to it as a means to nurture a healthy lifestyle.

But for the Andrin siblings, running has deeper meaning. It has become an integral component that helped them overcome all their life's struggles and hardships with great resolve.

Lovely, Cherry and Wendel Andrin all started running at a very tender age.

Interestingly, they have made fun runs and marathons not only as sport they share interest with but also as a way to cope up with poverty.

Already a fixture in Cebu running scene, the Andrins said the sport plays a significant role in their lives and that they are confident that it will help them achieve their dreams someday.

During last week's 41st Milo National Marathon National Finals hosted by the Queen City of the South for the first time, the Andrins galvanized their status as one of the most competitive running families in this side of the archipelago.

Lovely led the charge with a third-place finish in the women's 21K race with a time of 1:39:59. Cherry placed second in the girls 5K with a 12:16, clocking, while Wendel settled for fourth in the boys 3K with a time of 11:44.

 “Running has been a way of life for us. My father’s salary is not enough to raise us, so we made fun runs as a way to earn extra money. The money we get from the winnings helped us a lot especially in our studies,” said the 18-year-old Lovely. “Through running, we also enjoy athletic scholarships in our schools.”

 Lovely narrated that it was their oldest brother Ronny who introduced running to the family.

"He trained us at first and let us join small races. I started since I was nine and running really is symbolic of how I live my life,” added Lovely, who is currently taking up Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF).

The 15-year-old Cherry shares the same passion with her sister, giving them a certain edge against the other athletes.

 Training together with her siblings, Cherry said that there has never been a dull and boring training session for them.

 “Running may be an individual sport but it really is better when you are with a group especially if it's your siblings,"  Cherry said.

"We have an older sister Jhean, who is a more experienced runner, but she is focused for now on her studies. But even if she is busy,  she still helped us in out training,” said Cherry.

“Running is like a bonding for us. It has made our relationship strong as every day we train. We also pushed each other’s in training and at times we tend to be competitive against each other. It’s unbelievable how much running has brought us together,” said the Southwestern University-Phinma athlete.

Being two of the most promising teen female runners of Cebu, Lovely and Cherry said they are also dreaming of competing in a bigger stage one day, just like what the Cebuana Olympic marathoner Mary Joy Tabal has accomplished.

 “Of course she (Tabal) is an inspiration for us especially as a female runner. Me and my sister want to follow in her footsteps and joining Milo Marathon regularly is a part of that journey,” added Cherry.

 For his part, Wendel, who has just started his journey in running, has already set his goal and that is to become an Olympian. "I want to represent the country in the Olympics," said Wendel of Pajo Elementary School. "I know I can achieve my dreams because I have my older brother and sisters ready to help me every step of the way," said the 12-year-old footracer. (FREEMAN)