Baguio City, Philippines – Defying safety norms that often require runners to wear shoes, a 30-year-old man dubbed the “Barefoot Runner” stunned the endurance sports community after completing the grueling 100-mile Baguio–Sagada Ultramarathon completely barefoot.
Held from December 5 to 7, the event was organized by Slowfoot Runner Events Management (SREM). The race started at the Rizal Monument in Burnham Park, Baguio City, at midnight on December 6 and ended in Sagada, Mountain Province, with a 40-hour cutoff time.
Jayson L. Rivera, from Barangay Concepcion, Luna, Isabela, was among more than 30 runners in the 100-mile category. Rivera holds a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship, is a CPE and TESDA graduate, and is currently taking two additional TESDA courses.
In an interview with GURU Press Cordillera, the 30-year-old recounted that he ran the entire 100-mile race barefoot, believing he could not reach his full potential while wearing shoes.
“From start to finish, barefoot talaga ako. Sa mga nagdaang races ko, nakasapatos ako kasi may mga event na hindi allowed ang barefoot run for safety reasons. Pero natuklasan ko sa sarili ko na parang ’di ko mailabas ang kabuuang potensyal, kakayahan, at abilidad ko sa pagtakbo kapag hindi ako nakapaa. Kaya kinakausap ko ang mga race directors ng bawat event na sinasalihan ko na kung maaari ay barefoot run ako,” he said.
Known in the running community by titles such as Special Runner, Barefoot Man, Barefoot Runner, Mamaw Runner, and Animan Barefoot Runner, Rivera said his greatest achievement is the admiration and recognition he receives from spectators.
Originally planning to remain in the off-season until the end of the year, Rivera decided to join the race after coordinating with SREM Race Director Arnold Balaba. He emphasized that he always seeks approval from race directors to ensure safety and compliance with event rules, crediting his injury-free finish to careful preparation and faith.
Asked for his message to fellow runners, Rivera said that facing a genuine rival brings out the true meaning of the sport.
“Isang bagay na hindi matutumbasan at hindi matatawaran ninoman ang magkaroon ng katunggali sa larangan mo na totoo at hindi peke. Dahil kapag nakaharap mo na ang taong iyon, baka doon mo pa lamang malaman ang tunay na kahulugan ng ginagawa mo, at siya mismo ang magpaparanas ng totoong pagtakbo,” he said.
Although finishing without a podium spot, Rivera’s barefoot run reignited interest in unconventional running techniques and showcased the dedication and discipline of ultramarathon athletes.
Meanwhile, SREM announced Ronie Milan as the winner of the 2025 100 Miles Baguio–Sagada Ultramarathon (3rd Edition), setting a new course record of 23 hours, 53 minutes, and 22 seconds, followed by Deck Barry, who finished with a time of 27 hours, 59 minutes, and 15 seconds.
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