ROME—A city that breathes history, a race that celebrates passion. The Acea Run Rome The Marathon returns in 2025 for a special edition, marking the 30th anniversary of this extraordinary event. This milestone coincides with the Jubilee Year, making the race even more unforgettable.
Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See Myla Grace Macahilig encouraged Filipino runners to give their best as they join the historic marathon on March 16.
“We salute the Filipino runners who will participate in the Rome Marathon on March 16. This is a great achievement both personally and for the community,” Macahilig said in an interview after a Thanksgiving Mass.
“I know your strong dedication and commitment to the sport have brought you to this international stage. No pressure, but when you run, you also carry the hopes and dreams of your community, your family, and of course, the Filipino people,” she added.
More than 30,000 runners from around the world are expected to fill the streets of the Eternal City, including Filipino participants. Six Pinoy Pacers will join the race: Fil-Canadian Miguel Garcia, Rolando Espina of Ireland, and the Santa Tesera Pacing Team members JC, Jeanette, Kara, and Cathleen from New York.
As part of their final preparations, a Thanksgiving Mass was held on Sunday, Feb. 23, at Santa Pudenziana Church for Filipino runners and the Filipino Catholic community in Rome.
The Mass was officiated by the Rev. Edward Caringal, the Rev. Ronald Ayah, CS, and the Rev. Vher Fernandez of the Pedro Calungsod Filipino Community. Macahilig’s presence underscored the unwavering support from the Filipino community. Notably, in 2023, she also joined international runners for a meet-and-greet dinner, further strengthening ties between Filipino athletes and the global running community.
The Thanksgiving Mass was also attended by Philippine Embassy in Rome Cultural Officer Naive Mamhot and other embassy staff. Representatives from the Pedro Calungsod Community, Pilipino Runners Roma, Pinoy Teens Salinlahi PURI ASD (Roma), and the Philippine Independence Day Association joined the Eucharistic celebration to show their full support for the Filipino runners.
