Cebuano trail runner girds for “adventure of a lifetime”

CEBU, Philippines — Cebuano trail runner Terence Nicolas Go braces for what is by far the hardest test of his running career as he takes part in the HOKA Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) TDS from August 26 to September 1.

Widely recognized as the most competitive trail ultramarathon in the world passing through Mont Blanc, highest mountain in Western Europe, the punishing high altitude foot race spanning 145 kilometers with a total estimated elevation gain of over 9,300 meters will kick off in Courmayeur, Italy and ends at the picturesque Chamonix Valley in the French Alps.

“This world-class event is surely an adventure of a lifetime,” said Go. “Ever since I’ve started trail running, this is one of my dream races. It can be described as the holy grail for trail running as numerous participants all over the world compete in this event. For me, this is the pinnacle of my running journey.”

The 41-year-old father of four shared that he had been preparing diligently to qualify for this big event since he fell in love with running a decade ago.

“Everyday when I run, it’s alwa ys at the back of my head that someday I’ll be able to get this opportunity to participate in this race,” Go shared.

“I’ve been working to qualify in this race from the day I started running. In fact, I have been very consistent in running that I run almost everyday. Aside from running, I also do strength training twice a week to get the leg strength for climbing the 9,300m plus elevation gain of the race which is as high as Mount Everest.”

Interestingly, Go is not running for personal glory.

He is doing it for a worthy cause.

“When my batchmate Afshin Ghassemi asked me if I wanted to run for a cause, my purpose for runningevolved into something more than just a personal goal. I saw the value of running for others,” said Go.

He was referring to Ghassemi, the president of the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Alumni Association who also heads the 2K Cares, a charitable organization founded in 2016 by SHS-AdC Batch 2000 alumni.

“As both of us are products of a Jesuit school at an early age, we learned to be men for others and make decisions to always think about Magis - doing more for others,” Go continued.

Fueled by that desire, Go now looks forward to the tough challenge ahead with vigor and enthusiasm knowing that that can make a difference in the lives of others with his athletic gift.

“My goal now is not to only finish this race but hopefully we can get more support and donations to fund 2kcares.org’s different campaigns in helping the communities in Cebu,” Go ended.