Cesar Guarin: Global run a 'thank you' to Pinoys abroad

For Filipino ultramarathoner Cesar Guarin, it's not just about the honor of being the first Pinoy to run around the world, it's also about ensuring that his kababayan around the world get the appreciation they deserve.

In an interview Monday on GMA News TV's "News to Go," Guarin said one of his motivations to complete his run around the world is to "thank Filipinos for their heroism."

"Ang motivation ko talaga to complete itong global run, I just want to be able to meet a lot of Filipinos abroad. It's a way of really thanking them for the heroism na ginagawa nila to help our country," he said.

The 57-year-old Guarin, considered as the "Father of Ultramarathon" in the country, is in the middle of a quest to become the first Filipino to run around the world.

The president and general manager of CEJOGUA Sports Corporation (CSC)--headed by local sports wear line iSports BOTAK--has been at it for quite some time now.

Guarin's "Global Run: Alay sa Pilipino at sa Buong Mundo" began all the way back in 1983, when he crossed the Philippines, going from Baguio to Zamboanga City.

Since then, Guarin has sprinted across the United States, Europe, and Australia, with more stages planned for the Middle East, an Alaska to California trek, several more European and Asian nations, before wrapping up with a Brunei to Philippines trek in 2017.

When all is said and done, Guarin would have run a total of 40,042 kilometers, or 24,881 miles.

Guarin actually began with the dream of winning an Olympic gold medal for running, before it evolved to where it is now.

Now, through his many runs, he meets many Filipino communities based abroad, where he tries to inform them about the plight of street children.

His journey has also drawn sponsor money, which goes to the Tulay ng Kabataan charity.

Guarin's next goal is to conquer the Middle East, the seventh leg of his 16-stage worldwide run, according to his Global Run site.  

On the "News to Go" interview, he said he is set to fly to Bahrain on Tuesday, where Guarin will start running on April 15.

There, he will make his way to Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and, finally, Dubai.

Guarin said he hopes to finish his Middle East run by May 20. - Adrian Dy and Gian C. Geronimo, VVP, GMA News