How running transformed the life of a vegetable vendor’s son

By Julius R. Paner

For Elmer Bartolo, running is synonymous to life. This native of Barangay Talandang in Tugbok District of Davao City, who had been in the frontage of so many tabloids and magazines because of his running brilliance all over the Philippines, has considered running as a way to escape from the outskirts of economic and social dearth. 

  

I was very fortunate to have partly witnessed him chasing his big dreams being purely cuddled by life’s pains and sufferings of poverty. That was more than a decade ago when I also dealt my own version of struggles in life. And I am glad to have revisited Barangay Talandang just last week to see some changes in the place, including my old friends and of course, this friend who I incidentally met last 2012 while also joining an organized run in Davao City.

During the 37th National Milo Marathon Davao City Qualifying Round where he won second place 

 “After graduating in high school I tried my luck working in Manila in a certain mechanical shop. Much as I wanted to, I could not afford to finish studying in college because I had to look over my siblings’ needs. My parents could not bear all of them that’s why I had to do my share,” said this humble national-caliber athlete. “Life had not been too good in Manila as well, that’s why I returned home with nothing to settle to except keeping myself hyper by playing basketball in the barrio”. Elmer also continued helping his parents selling vegetables in Davao City, their only source of income, after his return to Davao.

It was year 2008 when Elmer finally got a crack at a sports called running. Carrying his experience as a track and field athlete in high school days competing for 100, 200 and 500 meter dashes; he ruled the 2008 Sinulog half-marathon in Cebu with a whopping record of 1:10:20. With such a memorable run, organizers of the Sinulog Half Marathon officially declared him the Philippine record holder for 21K run. The next two weeks after that Sinulog victory, Bartolo continued his domination in the 21K by winning again two straight runs in Cebu.

2008 Sinulog Half Marathon in Cebu City

“What I like about Cebu is that they organized running competition almost every week. It actually opened so many opportunities for us runners to earn a living because they also offered bigger cash prizes,” Bartolo revealed. Seeing something entirely different in a place they call “Queen City of the South”, he decided to stay in Cebu for three years for one main purpose, living through running. Apart from the competitions in Cebu, Bartolo also dominated several footraces in the Visayas, including the 2009 Milo Marathon in Dumaguete where he was hailed champion in 21K category.

With utmost curiosity, I asked this fellow about his secrets in running. “Constant practice, proper nutrition and relaxation,” he said. “While we runners recognize the importance of having physical preparation in joining a running event, it is also important to give our bodies enough time to relax. In a way, we will gain strength physically and mentally. Also, we need to sleep in time and take appropriate diet.”

Bartolo is shown here trying to elude a competitor which he eventually did just before the finish line 

After his stint in Cebu, he came back to Davao for good. “Running in Davao was quite good also especially in 2011 where organizers had staged a lot of competitions,” said Bartolo who ruled numerous runs like Run with the Masters, City High Run, Run for the Athletes, Merco Anniversary Run among others. And in his quest to explore another field of running, he joined the International Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge, one of the most extreme adventure races in the country with three disciplines in mountain biking, running (trail and road) and water tubing.

(Above) Bartolo joining the tough Boulder Face Challenge. (Below) Showing his Finisher's Medal 

 “Boulder Face Challenge is perhaps one of the hardest competitions I have ever joined. It was very difficult climbing Mt. Apo in a 24-hour time, especially the other discipline (water tubing) which I am not used to do, maneuvering in a strong river current for more than an hour.” In his second try of the race, Bartolo and his teammate made it to the 4^th spot.

His collection of medals

When I asked him about what’s the best thing that running has given him, he told me he really grew more as a disciplined person. According to him, the best thing to become a consistent runner is to have self-discipline; diet control, no alcohol intake and the likes, no cigarettes and the likes, and fervent prayers. Bartolo also takes pride of his new house, which, according to him built in six years time from the earnings he got in running.

Elmer Bartolo showing his newly-built house in Tugbok District

Bartolo further stressed that when time comes that he can no longer run, he will be happy and proud to tell his kids about the experience he got while running and the benefits he obtained out of it, not just the economic side but eventually the overall transformation of his personality.

Bartolo with this blogger

At 32 years old, Bartolo said he still doesn’t feel any signs of body problems. “My knees are still supple and strong. My upper body can still compete that’s why I still have to go on with this lifestyle.” Of course, this good friend of mine still thought of himself having slowed down a little bit because of his age. “There are lot of great young athletes sprouting now especially in Davao City. When I joined the 37^th Milo National Finals in Manila, I saw so many fast runners. These guys are great and still have a long way to go. But for as long as I can compete, I promise to be just behind their backs and if they tend to be complacent, maybe I will be able to overtake them before they can take their final steps to the finish line,” Bartolo concluded in a casual and humorous mode.