Having good footwear is crucial in marathon running because it provides support, cushioning, and protection for the feet over long distances.
But, a 13-year-old Grade 7 student from Matag-ob National High School in Matag-ob, Leyte, has inspired and impressed many after winning a silver medal in the secondary girls’ 3,000m marathon competition at the Cebu City Sports Center Track Oval during the 2024 Palarong Pambansa last July 2024, achieving this feat by running barefoot.
Additionally, Chrishia Mae Tajarros is the first to bring home a medal from Eastern Visayas. In an interview with Chrishia’s coach, Coach Darlyn Rea Azucenas, she shared that the student athlete is indeed accustomed to running barefoot.
Photo courtesy: Arnold Quizol via Manila Bulletin
“They are used to running barefoot even when they joined the ASEAN Games in Vietnam. They feel that they run faster when they are not wearing spikes,” the coach explained.
The gold medal was won by Asia Paraase from Central Visayas, while Mary Jane Pagayon from the Davao Region took home the bronze medal.
The Palarong Pambansa is an annual national sports competition in the Philippines organized by the Department of Education (DepEd). It brings together student-athletes from elementary and secondary schools across the country’s regions to compete in various sports. The event aims to promote physical education, sportsmanship, and athletic excellence among Filipino youth, while also serving as a platform for scouting potential athletes who could represent the Philippines in international competitions.
Photo courtesy: Department of Education website
The Palarong Pambansa features a wide range of sports, including track and field, swimming, basketball, volleyball, football, and indigenous Filipino sports like arnis. It is typically hosted by a different region each year, rotating to encourage national participation and local pride. The event holds significant cultural value and serves as an opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds to showcase their skills and form bonds through sportsmanship.
