Ageless Cebuano runner weaves 'magical shoes' in Milo Marathon

CEBU, Philippines - This veteran runner is a class of his own. A rare breed of athlete not only because he beats a host of younger runners despite his age, but also because of his shoes that has been his source of 'magical' power in all the races he joined for the past three decades already.

During last week's 37th National Milo Marathon-Cebu leg at the Cebu City Sports Center, Ruth Banzon missed the qualifying time of his age-bracket in the country's longest running event, but he still went home in jovial mood after finishing the 21-kilometer action despite the injury he sustained and above all after seeing that no other runner had raced with a footwear older than his.

A few years after joining his first National Milo Marathon in 1982, Banzon has been persuaded constantly by his well-meaning friends and even by his siblings, who are also well-known runners, to replace his 30-year-old shoes, but he always turn them down because these pair of shoes has sentimental value for him.

One could really wonder what makes Banzon's shoes so special.

“They told me that this could be for a Guinness world record. I don't know if anyone else in the entire world still wears this kind of shoes and this old,” said Banzon, who is still strong and sturdy at 57 years old. He bought the 'Asics' shoes long time ago from his friend Edgar Laurente, who stopped running due to injury.

Ruth loved the shoes right away since it was so light, comfortable and flexible - something that a runner should consider in choosing a good athletic footwear.

Ruth ranked seventh in his first competition with his then “new” shoes, a race that started in Talisay and ended at YMCA along Osmeña Boulevard. He came to win several other events after, but it was this one incident at the former CCSC grounds that made him stick with his “lucky shoes” since the early 80s.

“While I was training at the sports center, there was no rubberized oval yet at that time, all my belongings were stolen except for my shoes. When I went home I was scolded by my wife, asking why I kept on running when I am already old, late 20s at that, and a result I lost somevaluables," Banzon recounted.

“But I look at it as a challenge. I then told her that don't worry, I will replace all the things that I have lost with medals," he added.

A promise he did fulfill

Year after year, Banzon collected as many medals and trophies as he can as well as cash prizes that go along with it, not only from local races here but even in other areas in the country with his trusted shoes. He was even part of a running team for a national event, racing together with two-time Olympian Roy Vence, Rey Antoque and Allan Ballester under coach by Raffy Uytiepo.

It's just unfortunate that Banzon was not able to test his might in international races since his birth certificate is “defective”. With Ruth as his name, he is oftenly mistaken to be a female.

At present, Banzon works as a utility worker at the sports center at the same time trains any interested individuals who want to go into running.

He could never recall a time when he missed a Cebu leg of the National Milo Marathon.

Despite he was hobbled by a foot injury in this year's edition of the annual race bankrolled by Nestle Philippines, Banzon managed to complete the grueling 21K race, thanks to the power of his 'magical' shoes that helped him cross gently through the finish line.

“I always use this shoes when I race. My children tried to wear it, but they don't like it because it's too old," said Banzon. "I joined this year's Milo event even though I have a foot injury and I could not have finished the race had I used another pair of shoes," said Banzon. (FREEMAN)