UK-based Cebuano runner finishes 1,000K virtual race

CEBU, Philippines — He took things easy, one day at a time.

But with the goal of achieving a tedious task in mind, he pushed himself to the limit, running an average  of 16 kilometers each day.

He did that for two months.

Now, his diligence and sacrifice paid off.

After 65 days running a total of 1,040 kilometers around South Wales in United Kingdom where he is now based, Cebuano ultra runner Anwar Satina basked in the glow of precious moment having completed The Great Virtual Race Across Tennessee 1000K.

Hosted by Barkley Marathons creator Gary “Lazarus Lake” Cantrell, the TGVRAT 1000K is a summer-long virtual race between May 1 and August 31.

Around 19,000 runners from over 50 countries around the globe have joined the race that challenges the participants to run an average of five miles (8km) a day and complete a total of 1,000 kilometers over four months.

“When I signed up for the race, I really did not expect to finish it because I’m very lazy at running everyday,” said the 42-year-old radiographer. “But I did it in only two months and four days. I was highly motivated indeed.”

Satina, who was a basketball star of Batch ‘94 during his playing years with the Cebu Eastern College Alumni Basketball Association (CECABA), said his being a marathoner is just by accident.

Six years ago, Satina recalled that he was only supposed to drive around fellow Cebuano marathoner Dr.  Potenciano “Yong” S. Larrazabal III, who was taking part in the Purbeck Marathon 2014 in Swanage, UK at that time.

But when his friend forgo with the race, Satina said he was pushed by Doc Yong to run instead of just waiting for the latter.

That marked the start of Satina’s love affair with marathon.

“That Purbeck Marathon 2014 was my first marathon with Doc Yong. From thereon, I just couldn’t resist running,” said Satina.

“He really influenced my running career,” added Satina referring to Doc Yong, a member of the exclusive 7 Continents Marathon Club who made history as the first Filipino to conquer World Marathon Challenge, a punishing challenge to run seven marathons on seven continents in seven days.

Over the years, Satina saw action in various long distance races including in Dublin, Ireland (2014, 2016 and 2017), Berlin (2016), Chicago (2017), the New York Marathon in 2018, and the Liverpool Rock and Roll Marathon in England from 2016 to 2019. In 2016, he placed third in the 21K alumni category of the CDU University Run in his hometown Cebu.

Satina adds the golden buckle he earned as a certified TGVRAT 1000K finisher in his pile of accomplishments.

“It’s unforgettable. I didn’t expect I can make it,” said Satina. “But as what Doc Yong said, just try your best.”

“If you want to succeed in whatever you do, trust and believe in yourself. You just have to love what you are doing. Have dedication, patience and motivate yourself. Most importantly, set a goal.”

Satina shared that he was very emotional upon receiving his golden buckle and other mementos from the race organizers via mail the other day because his mother Florita, his source of inspiration, passed away just two weeks ago.

 And Satina humbly dedicates his feat to her late mom.

“Thank you Ma, I know your just beside me always and watching us. This is for you,” said Satina.