Soberano, eight other Cebuano runners conquer historic London Marathon

CEBU, Philippines — Noted Cebuano businessman-sportsman Jose Franco Soberano led a group of nine runners from the CS4 Running Club of Cebu who successfully completed the 2025 TCS London Marathon held on April 27 (Monday, April 28 Philippine time).

The Senior EVP and COO of Cebu Landmasters, Inc. was joined at the finish line by his brother Joby Soberano, Houston-based lawyer Stephen Arong, Charles Ong of Innoland, Nicole Ong of Garden Gears and Landscapes, Steve Maniquis of Golfers Hub Cebu, Thomas Yiu of PGL Realty, Inc., Carlos Garcia of Uppercuts, Inc., and Kyle Kokseng of Banilad Town Centre.

In effect, they became part of history as the 45th edition of the London Marathon established a new world record for the number of finishers.

According to multiple reports, the number of runners who hurdled the grueling 42.195-kilometer route under hot conditions had surpassed the previous record of 55,646 set by the New York Marathon in November last year.

In celebration, they proudly pose with the Philippine flag at the London Bridge with the famous tower bridge in the background.

For Soberano, finishing the race was more meaningful has he is now two races away from earning the prestigious Six Star Medal, which was introduced by the Abbott World Marathon Majors in 2016 to honor the runners who complete the six of the largest and most renowned marathons in the world:Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York.

“The 2025 London Marathon is my 4th finish out of the 6 marathon majors. I feel blessed and thankful to have powered through, with the unusually warm weather greeting us on marathon day,” Soberano wrote on his Facebook.

“Tokyo and Boston, you’re next!” added Soberano, referring to the last two major races that would catapult him to the biggest prize and greatest honor for marathoners. — (FREEMAN)