A non-commissioned officer of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office was lauded for his dedication to stay fit after he placed first in last month’s South to North 280K Ultra Marathon in Cebu .
PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac commended PO1 Brian Lou Guillen as well as Chief Insp. Fernando Cunanan Jr. of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) who recently emerged as the only Filipino to finish this year’s Ironman full-distance triathlon in Texas, United States.
“This achievement proves that policemen are truly tough and healthy. I think it is only right for policemen to be more physically active and fit, and show that the stereotype of the pot-bellied cop is wrong,” Cunanan said.
Guillen, 26, who is assigned in the tourism police finished first in the 280-km ultramarathon held July 11. The race began at the Santander town hall and ended in barangay Maya, Daanbantayan.
Longest race
Guillen bested 14 other runners in what was dubbed the “longest race in Southeast Asia,” clocking 51 hours, 13 minutes and 38 seconds.
“All of these I achieved through God’s grace, guidance and protection, and through the support of my family, friends, teammates and coworkers,” Guillen said.
He picked up running as part of his fitness regimen only in 2012 but had already joined seven races.
In February, the policeman also finished first in the Hardcore 100 Miles ultramarathon, pressing on despite the onslaught of Typhoon “Basyang” and completing the course in 24 hours and seven minutes.
“I became really fond of exercising when I became a policeman. I hope I can inspire others to do the same,” he aded.