WOMEN’S MONTH FEATURE...

From 5th to first Boholana 
is new Alicia trail queen

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, March 8, (PIA)—No matter how hard she trained, she was sore still, and was a few steps away from waving the white flag. 

Crying in pain, catching her breath and still scraping from her remaining bits of reserved strength, Jessie Ejoc, 33 years old mother, was just about totally drained in the final assault to the checkpoint in Balisa ridge, some 600 meters above sea level. 

With one last heave, she half crawled half-run, reached the checkpoint summit and paused, looked back at where she began: the trails now weaving behind those tall hills, and then sweeping to the clump of white buildings 5 more kilometers away. 

Somewhere in that complex is the finish line. The end is so near and yet so far. 

The last dash, or crawl to the finish five kilometers away is tricky downhill zigzagging maneuver through the trails in instagrammable Binabaje rolling hills is not as daunting as the 25 kilometers of the most challenging trails she just finished in Alicia Bohol. 

But, enjoying the scenery is the least of her concerns. A runner leading the pack of 29 other women runners competing in the 2019 Alicia Trail Run, Ejoc will have other time to replay the scenery that has become among nature photographer's Meccas. 

Jessie, then a florist was the perfect wife to Aproniano Ejoc Jr., and their marriage was blessed with two adorable sons: Ace Farhelle and Ace Brandon. For her, life was perfect and she, as a woman, never dreamed of a life any sweeter. 

But good things never last. 

It was just like any ordinary day when her husband was driving their motorcycle with their sons in the back seat. For some premonition perhaps, he gave the helmets instead to his sons , both 8 and 9 at that time. 

On their way home to Catigbian, the motorcycle the boys were on, met an accident. His boys were badly bruised. His husband, who was driving, died. 

And then life handed to her a very lousy deal. 

Jessie has to be a mother and father to his boys and survive now that her husband Jun, who was always by her side, inspiring her and pampering her with love and care, gone. 

Jessie was devastated and cried a lot. She prayed for healing, for everything. Then she took a serious look at training, than sulking in sorrow. 

“...bisan sakit i know dili seya magmalinawon ug masige ko'g hilak ug mao sa dagan nako ipahungaw ang tanan..(It is painful, I know he will not be at peace if I continue mourning, so I run as a personal outlet for my sorrow). 

And then, she dedicated this run to Jun, her kids and all women who are now at the brink of snapping in to challenges in life. 

A day before the trail race, Jessie, who has made it a daily training routine to run from their home in Sinakayanan to her husband’s tomb some three kilometers away, visited Jun’s tomb. 

I told him, Dong, nasayod ko nga naara ra kanunay naga uban kanako sa tanang panahon bisan dili teka makita, mao mananghid ko nemo ayaw pasagdae sa akong race sa Alicia. (I know you are always beside me all the time even if I can’t see you, now i ask you, be with me in my Alicia race.) 

Then, she went on asking, “ikaw may doul sa atong Ginoo, palihug ko’g hangyo [niya] nga unta tagaan kug kusog nga makasurvive ko ani nga laing challenge sa akong kinabuhi. (Since you are now closer to God, beg for him to give me the strength to survive another challenge in my life.) 

The trails of Alicia have been claimed as the most brutally beautiful racing trail,an sports eco-tourism venue for the local government. 

With a sip of water she begged from the marshal at the final checkpoint, Jessie knows she can’t rest too long as the next female runner, who is acclaimed as the Visayan queen of the trails is catching up fast. 

Ejoc, the most promising local female bet for the 30 kilometer Alicia Trail Run 2019 has an undisputed climber on her heels: Noriebelle Guinto 2018 Alicia Trail Run Female champion and who is determined for a repeat performance. 

Ace Jess Ejoc, born February 2, 1986 in Dumungag, Zamboanga has turned to running as a hobby and made a serious pitch as a professional marathoner after her husband died. 

In fact, her running has also influenced her kids, as their personal family therapy. 

Born naturally charming to Juliet Comilao Siarez and Narceso Sulatorio Ombrete, Jessie projects herself as your dainty, demure, girl. 

But deep inside, nobody would know she keeps tending the fire of determination to get her kids past all their future obstacles as a family. 

Surviving this race is one thing she has to do for her kids. 

Ejoc came in fifth in the 2018 Alicia Trail Run, and as the only Boholana in the stage honors, it was more than she asked, she said. 

Now with the former champion a few minutes behind and closing in fast, she has to grab the chance. 

I trained for the climbs, I know I was strong in the flat tracks, but she (Guinto) is a great climber, so I have to widen the distance in the flat trails, she shared. 

"She is a revered runner, that when I got past them, I asked, “mo una ko og gamay Maam ha,” out of respect, she said. 

Anytime, Guinto would be doing her best on the two kilometer assault, she decided has to go now. 

Facing a daunting steep descent, she summoned her last will to use the momentum to get her down, her feet diligently pumping to keep her from a long forward roll. 

Behind my back, the race marshals were screaming, afraid i could lose control, which i almost did, but my feet just got in control, to the last stretch, she later confessed. 

Ejoc, wearing racing number 3051 crossed the finish line first for the 30 kilometer race in the women's category, after 4 hours and 11 minutes from gunstart at 4:00 AM, February 24. 

Her team mates, who have completed the 10 kilometers minutes ahead were there at the stand, cheering her on. 

Guinto, #3066, the 2018 champion from Baybay Leyte, crossed the finish line some ten minutes later, and has to get the second fastest time in the 30K women. 

Coming in third was Cebuana runner Michelle Beck wearing 3017 at 4:28 with another Cebuana Maria Jessa Sepe (3135) on her heels completing a personal time of 4:31:00. 

Alicia Trail run 2018 third placer Fe Hoffner Von Styggnein, also from Baybay City, finished fifth this time. 

Ejoc, the only Boholana in the 2018 20 kilometer Alicia trail run just proved a Boholana woman can conquer any challenge if they keep the fire of determination, pack a prayer and struggle to be the best they can, wherever they are. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)