Sonny Wagdos recalls setting new PH marathon record: 'Kahit ako naiiyak n'on'

Sonny Wagdos earlier this year set a new Philippine marathon record after clocking 2:14:32 at the Tokyo Marathon last March.

Wagdos broke the previous national mark of 2:18:44, which was set in 2004 by his coach, Eduardo Buenavista.

In Martin Javier’s interview on 24 Oras’ “In the Game,” Wagdos recalled his first conversation with Buenavista after rewriting the record books.

“Biniro ko siya, ‘Coach, na-break ko na ‘yung record mo... Ay, mahina pala,’” he said in jest.

But beyond the light moment, Wagdos admitted it was an emotional experience for both of them.

“Umiiyak talaga siya. Kahit ako, umiiyak din ako noon,” he added.

Wagdos also shared that he felt nervous on race day, especially as he carefully monitored his pace throughout the marathon.

“Kinakabahan pa ako noon kasi hindi ko alam kung kaya kong i-sustain ‘yung ganitong pace,” he said. “Sabi ko, bahala na ’to.”

“Dumating na kami ng 30 kilometers, 35 kilometers, sabi ko, break na ang national record. Break na, kuha na ‘to. Na-predict ko na kung anong oras ang finish time ko.”

With the record-breaking performance, Wagdos not only etched his name in Philippine athletics history but also secured qualification for the Asian Games.

Fellow Filipino runner Richard Salaño also surpassed the previous national record with a time of 2:15:08 in the same marathon.

—JKC, GMA News