HISTORY MADE: Ian Piza and Gerich Dijamco Conquer the 672-Mile Luzon Endurance Run from Aparri to Sorsogon
Philippine ultrarunning history has entered a new chapter as Master Ian Piza emerged as the first-ever finisher of the Luzon 672-Mile Endurance Run, while Gerich Dijamco continues his relentless push to become the second athlete to complete one of the most extreme endurance challenges ever staged in the country.
Spanning an unforgiving 672-mile route from Aparri, Cagayan to Sorsogon City, the multi-day race pushed competitors far beyond physical limits—testing mental toughness, discipline, and resilience amid relentless heat, exhaustion, and severe sleep deprivation.
Piza has conquered the course and set a historic benchmark for Philippine ultra-endurance sports. Meanwhile, Dijamco presses on with unwavering determination, buoyed by the support of fellow runners and local running teams lining the route.
A Historic First
By officially reaching the finish line, Ian Piza became the first athlete in history to complete the full Aparri-to-Sorsogon route under race conditions. His achievement marks a defining moment not only for the event, but for the entire Philippine ultrarunning community.
Supporters and fellow athletes hailed the finish as a breakthrough moment, proving that Filipino runners are capable of completing ultra-distance events on a scale rarely attempted in Southeast Asia.
The Warriors of the Luzon 672
The Luzon 672-Mile Endurance Run brought together a small but formidable group of runners, each representing different backgrounds and levels of experience in ultrarunning:
- Nehemias Ian Piza (Lasam, Cagayan) — Born in 1981, Piza began his endurance running journey in 2012 and has conquered distances of up to 217 miles. He is one of the elite runners competing in the 2026 Luzon 672-Mile Endurance Run.
- Sherwin Dune Quindara (Palayan City, Nueva Ecija) — A newcomer to ultramarathons who began competing in 2025, with a longest recorded distance of 69 miles prior to joining the Luzon 672 challenge.
- Dennies “Ednnies Jornet” Lajada (Caloocan City, Metro Manila) — An experienced ultrarunner who started his journey in 2017 and has completed distances of up to 217 miles.
- Gerich Dijamco (Tarlac City, Tarlac) — Competing since 2022, with a longest distance of 164 miles, known for his steady pace and mental endurance. Currently drawing strength from the support of Guinobatan Runners Club (GRC) and Camalig Running Team around 4:00–5:00 AM, he is at KM1043. With less than a marathon remaining, he is on the brink of becoming the second finisher of the longest footrace in the Philippines. 🔥 DIG DEEP, push through, and finish STRONG—SALUDO, Master Gerich!
- Virgilio Undaloc Jr. (Catbalogan City, Samar) — A veteran ultrarunner who began competing in 2012 and boasts an impressive longest distance of 434 miles, making him the most experienced runner in the field.
Each athlete’s participation underscored the depth of commitment required to take on one of the longest road ultramarathons ever attempted in the Philippines.
Beyond Physical Limits
The Luzon 672-Mile Endurance Run is designed not just as a race, but as a true test of human endurance. Runners face continuous motion across provinces, unpredictable weather, long stretches of open road, and extreme physical exhaustion.
Completing even a portion of the course requires months — if not years — of preparation, making every milestone achieved during the race a victory in itself.
A Milestone for Philippine Sports
Ultrarunning remains a niche but rapidly growing sport in the Philippines. Ian Piza’s historic finish, along with the courage shown by all participating runners, is expected to inspire a new generation of endurance athletes and elevate awareness of ultra-distance racing nationwide.
As the Luzon 672-Mile Endurance Run enters the record books, one truth stands clear:
🏃♂️ 672 miles 🔥 Unbreakable will 🇵🇭 Philippine ultra-running history made
The road from Aparri to Sorsogon has now been conquered — and the legacy of the Luzon 672 has only just begun.
