Photo Credit to Clyde Santuyo
Ipileño Deaf Runner Earns Best Costume Honors at Inaugural Dapitan Heritage Half Marathon
Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay - History, heritage, and the spirit of endurance converged on Sunday, July 19, as hundreds of runners from across the country gathered for the first-ever Dapitan Heritage Half Marathon 2026, a sporting event that transformed the historic Shrine City into a vibrant race course celebrating culture, fitness, and tourism.
Featuring 21-kilometer, 10-kilometer, and 5-kilometer race categories, the marathon took participants through Dapitan's heritage streets, iconic landmarks, and scenic routes, allowing runners to experience firsthand the city's rich historical and cultural legacy while testing their endurance. Spectators lined the course, cheering on participants as they traversed the same streets that tell the story of the city where national hero Dr. Jose Rizal once lived during his exile.
The event, presented by SAGA Motors in partnership with Trisome Dipolog and other stakeholders, formed part of efforts to promote sports tourism while showcasing Dapitan as one of the country's premier heritage destinations. Organizers described the marathon as more than a race, saying every kilometer represented a journey through the city's history, culture, and enduring identity.
Behind the successful staging of the event were dozens of volunteers and partner organizations who worked tirelessly in race management, route preparation, hydration stations, medical services, security, and logistical support, ensuring a safe and memorable experience for every participant.
Adding pride to Zamboanga Sibugay was Clyde Santuyo of Ipil, who captured Second Place in the Best Costume Competition after impressing spectators and judges with his creative pirate-inspired outfit, perfectly complementing the heritage-themed marathon.
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Beyond the recognition, Santuyo's achievement carried a deeper message of perseverance and inclusion.
A deaf-mute and one of the active leaders of the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) community in Ipil, Santuyo has become an inspiration to many through his active participation in community activities and sporting events. His latest accomplishment demonstrated that determination and passion know no barriers, earning admiration from fellow runners and supporters alike.
The recognition also highlighted the growing participation of persons with disabilities in sporting events, reinforcing the message that road races can serve as platforms for inclusion, empowerment, and equal opportunities.
Meanwhile, SAGA Motors marked its 56th anniversary by reaffirming its commitment to community development through initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles, environmental sustainability, and electric mobility. Company officials said bringing people together through sports reflects their continuing advocacy for stronger, healthier, and more connected communities.
As runners crossed the finish line, they carried home not only medals and personal achievements but also a deeper appreciation of Dapitan's heritage.
The inaugural Dapitan Heritage Half Marathon showcased how sports can become a powerful vehicle for promoting tourism, preserving history, and strengthening community partnerships—while also creating unforgettable stories such as that of an Ipileño runner whose determination proved that no disability can stand in the way of achieving extraordinary feats.
