At 59, Ifugao's 'Iron Lady' outruns age to conquer the Nueva Ecija Marathon

FEATURE

IFUGAO, Philippines – While many people her age are slowing down and embracing a quieter lifestyle, 59-year-old Irene Buyuccan was charging through the finish line of a grueling 42-kilometer marathon—proving that determination can outrun age.

The Ifugao native recently emerged as the Women's Champion in the 42-kilometer category of the Nueva Ecija Marathon 2026, turning heads not only because of her victory, but because she achieved it at an age when most competitive runners have long retired.

Held on July 12 in Guimba, Nueva Ecija, the third edition of the marathon gathered runners from across the country for five race categories: the 1K Kids Dash, 6K, 10K, 21K, and the challenging 42K full marathon.

Representing the Ifugao Haggiyo Trail Runners, Buyuccan did more than complete one of the toughest races in the event—she crossed the finish line as the fastest woman in the full marathon, claiming the championship and earning the admiration of fellow runners and spectators alike.

Her remarkable performance also earned her the Toughest Runner Award and the Age Group Champion title, underscoring a race defined not only by speed but also by resilience.

Behind the medals was a story of discipline and quiet perseverance.

In a Facebook post after the race, Buyuccan revealed that much of her preparation was done alone, choosing to keep training even when many would have taken time to rest.

"They said 'rest.' I said 'race.' From training alone to standing on top," she wrote, thanking God for keeping her and her companions safe and strong throughout the marathon.

Her words captured the mindset that carried her through months of solitary training and 42 demanding kilometers of road—a belief that persistence often speaks louder than excuses.

The organizers of the Nueva Ecija Marathon were equally inspired by Buyuccan's achievement, describing her as the "Iron Lady of Ifugao."

In a Facebook tribute, they praised her for showing that age should never be viewed as a barrier to pursuing excellence.

"Presenting the Iron Lady of Ifugao, who demonstrated that even at 59 years old, you can still be at your best. She conquered Nueva Ecija's long bypass road through Guimba and Cuyapo and crossed the finish line with the Ifugao Haggiyo Trail Runners and friends. It was undoubtedly a well-celebrated moment," the organizers wrote.

For many, Buyuccan's victory is about more than winning a race. It is a reminder that strength is not measured by age but by the willingness to keep moving forward, even when the road is long and the odds seem stacked against you.

In a world where growing older is often associated with slowing down, Irene Buyuccan has rewritten the narrative—one stride at a time.

At 59, she didn't simply finish a marathon.

She conquered it.