22-yr.-old nursing student from Bontoc, Mt. Province is 3rd runner-up in 2025 Luntian Trail Ultra Marathon

Bontoc, Mountain Province - Nursing student from Bontoc showed remarkable endurance and determination by securing the 3rd runner-up position in the highly competitive 2025 Luntian Trail Ultra Marathon (LTUM) held on August 16–17, 2025 in Kidapawan City, Cotabato.

LTUM, according to Philippine Trail Running Association (PhilTRA), is trail running endurance event as part of the PHILTRA Championship Qualifiers, serving as a critical component of PhilTRA’s nationwide talent identification program.

Included in the event were three categories, 10K, 21K, and 42K run - each designed to test not only the runners’ speed but also their endurance as they go through steep and slippery terrain.

Over 400 runners from across the country participated. Of these, 189 were in the 21-kilometer category, including Zhedrac Dave Fagsao, 22, a fourth year nursing student of Mountain Province State University, who eventually emerged as the third runner-up in the said the category.

This recent accomplishment marks another milestone in his athletic journey. Earlier this year, Zhedrac was recognized and named 2nd Runner-Up in the Philippine Trail Running Championship held on March 22–23, 2025 in Danao City, Cebu.

The nursing athlete

In an interview with GURU Press Cordillera, Zhedrac recounted that he began running during his elementary school years saying, “I started running during elementary school as part of sports activities.”

Over time, running was embraced by the nursing athlete despite school duties, with consistent training, a strict diet, and focused time management, while his passion was fueled by faith and support from loved ones.

“I trained regularly even if there are mandatory duties in school, maintained discipline in diet, and stayed mentally focused. I manage my time by setting priorities and following a strict schedule and my passion for running is God, and the support of my family and friends keeps me motivated ,” he shared.

When asked about how he felt finishing as 3rd runner-up, Zhedrac said that he finds it both overwhelming and rewarding as it strengthened his confidence, discipline, and faith.

Despite the sudden rain, the varsity athlete and the other runners pressed on. He said the steep sections were the hardest saying, “The uphill parts of the trail were the toughest and continuing even if I had cramps in both legs.”

Goals and message

With his unwavering dedication, Zhedrac said that he aims to join more marathons and grow both as an athlete and a compassionate nurse.

“Yes, I plan to join more marathons to gain more experience and my goal is to continue excelling in sports while becoming a compassionate nurse,” he shared.

Meantime, when asked about his message to student-athletes like himself, Zhedrac simply said to be consistent, and stick to your passion saying, “Stay disciplined, manage your time wisely, and never give up on your passion.”