Catching up with Filipino ‘Forrest Gump’ Cesar Guarin on global run

DUBAI: At an age when people are busy contemplating their retirement, Cesar Guarin has still got a big task on his mind, not that he’s achieved any less already. Nearly halfway through his job, the Filipino global runner intends to complete the Global Run which he began three decades ago covering almost 18,000km run so far.

As he sat down for a chat with XPRESS, words like motivation, inspiration brought a huge smile to his face. That’s precisely what has kept him going and will probably stay with him till he attempts to touch the finish line which is another 24,000km away.

“I know it’s a tough job,” the 58-year-old said. “But I think I will be able to complete the Global Run. I don’t have any doubt in my mind about not being able to complete it,” he added.

“In ultra marathon, 65 is the cut-off age and I still have seven years. I have to cover at least 42,000 km to be called a global runner so I should be able to do it.

“Running is my real passion and it’s a gift to me. I have to claim that gift so that I can appreciate it. Running and seeing the world is a great motivation and a goal,” he said, admitting however that it was getting difficult as age was catching up.

“When I was younger I was recovering faster but now I really need to push myself and rest. But it’s the natural high of running and the addiction that keeps me going. End of the day, you are really tired but you have that sense of high.”

Guarin began his Middle East run from Bahrain on April 15 and is now in Dubai to finish his final leg this Friday. “It’s been an amazing experience,” Guarin, who is in the Middle East for the first time, said.

“I used to see it on TV but in reality it’s awesome. Running through the desert has been a great experience. I was expecting the weather to be hot but fortunately, the breeze is fine,” he added.

Guarin singled out his one-day sojourn in Saudi Arabia as the highlight of his run so far.

“I was always fascinated about Saudi Arabia. But when we planned the run we thought of skipping it because of documents issue. However, when we arrived in Bahrain our permit was approved, so we had to reschedule our plan. We went to Riyadh and did a 43-km run for just one day which gave me a glimpse of Saudi Arabia.”

Guarin said he was excited to meet a lot of Filipinos, something which inspired him.

“I’m really happy to have achieved the real purpose of connecting with them. To be able to tell them that this is a tribute to them and thank them for the big help they are providing to their country through their sacrifice of being away from their home and families. I bring that message to them on foot.

“The other one is supporting the campaign called the Pinoy Wise Movement. I believe in that project which encourages Filipinos to save before they return home.

“I also believe the global Filipino community will have a big influence in changing our country. We have such a bad culture of corruption but the Filipinos working outside are different and disciplined. They have to bring that home and change that,” he added.

Guarin also said he was not chasing any record but his first priority was to raise funds for the charity he is involved.

“Being recognised is not important for me. It can be a source of frustration if you keep thinking about it. The only reason why I want to be in the media now is to raise funds for the charity. It becomes frustrating for me if we don’t get enough attention for our charity,” he said.