Filipino nurse bent on finishing Spartathlon

WHAT started out as a way to combat hypertension and lose weight has taken a Filipino nurse based in Dublin, Ireland, from weekend marathons into Ironman events and the world’s most gruelling ultra-marathon.

Rolando Espina Jr. attempts to make history when he vies in the Spartathlon from Athens to Sparta in Greece from Sept. 30 to Oct. 1.

A native of Bacolod City, the 43-year-old Espina is bent on finishing the 247 kilometer event for the first time.

To do that, he has to make the cutoff time in all 75 checkpoints and must complete the race within 36 hours.

Only 390 runners qualify for the Spartathlon every year. Less than 40 percent finish the race.

Espina made the grade when he clocked less than 10 hours in the Portumna 100K forest ultramarathon in Ireland early this year.

“I feel proud and honored to represent the country in the race,” said Espina, who is in the country for a short visit, as well as to raise funds for his participation in the event.

“My goal is to have the Philippine flag raised at the finish line in Sparta. That’s my motivation.”

Espina feels he is experienced enough to handle the toughest race of his life.

He has already finished 100 marathon races, including two 161K races and four 100K races, since October 2009, apart from five full Ironman races. His record includes running 42K races for 10 straight days in Ireland.

“I feel stronger and I’m confident that I can finish the race,” said Espina.

In preparation for Spartathlon, Espina said he runs 17K after his shift at St. Vincent University hospital in Dublin.