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Sat, Nov 09, 2024 | Jumada al-Awwal 7, 1446 | DXB
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Dubai Marathon: How 'supermum' inspired this Filipina expat to run 42 km
Jona, who was born in Bato, Leyte, Philippines, says she could never thank her mother enough for making her a mentally strong person
Jona Lei Jagonos completed the 42 km run at the Dubai Marathon. — Supplied photo
Jona Lei Jagonos was still in a state of disbelief long after she finished the 42 km Dubai Marathon on Sunday.
“It was crazy, but it was very fulfilling,” the Filipina expat said, brimming with joy and a sense of relief.
A fitness freak and mountain biker, Jona was also motivated to present herself with a gift for her 40th birthday.
“I did run the 10 km at the Dubai Marathon last year. It was my first 10 km. After that I promised myself that I would do the full marathon in 2024,” she said.
“Also, I would be turning 40 on February 3, so I said to myself that I had to do something for myself before turning 40. And this is what I had to do. I am so happy now that I have managed to finish the race.”
Finishing the 42 km run was not just a gift for herself less than a month before turning 40.
Sunday’s accomplishment was also a tribute to the greatest source of inspiration in her life — her mother, Melchora Jagonos.
“Running the full marathon in Dubai was always on my bucket list. But I am also happy that I could do this just one day after my mother’s 84th birthday,” she said.
“She was very worried. When I told her that I was going to run 42 km, she was like, ‘Are you crazy? Why are you doing this?’
“I think she is happy and relieved that I am fine now after running for 42 km. She is always worried because I am the baby in the family, I am the youngest of her six children.”
Jona, who was born in Bato, Leyte, Philippines, says she could never thank her mother enough for making her a mentally strong person.
“Of course, my friends at Dubai Marina helped me a lot when I was preparing to run the 42 km at the Dubai Marathon. But something like this needs a lot of mental strength. I think I got that from my mother,” said Jona who moved to Dubai in 2007.
“My mother raised the six of us after my father died when I was only six. So, she is my superhero.
“She is a very strong woman. She pushed the barriers all through her life for us.
“So I think that mental strength, I have got it from her. She is the 'supermum' who never gave up!”
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Rituraj Borkakoty
Rituraj Borkakoty is Sports Editor and has spent more than two decades writing on his sporting heroes. He also loves an underdog story, so if you have one, share it with him. He would love to bring it to life.
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