At an age when many people might consider simply finishing a half marathon an extraordinary accomplishment, Queruben “Tatay Ruben” Abella did much more than cross the finish line.
The 75-year-old runner completed the 21-kilometer (13.1-mile) race in 1 hour, 56 minutes and 29 seconds — maintaining a pace that would challenge plenty of runners decades younger.
Yet when photographs from the event began attracting attention, it wasn’t only Abella’s age or finishing time that fascinated people.
It was what he had on his feet.
A Remarkable Run in a Remarkable Pair of Shoes
Abella completed the race wearing an old pair of second-hand running shoes riddled with holes.
At first glance, the footwear appeared to have simply deteriorated from years of use. But there was more to the story.
Some of the openings had reportedly been made deliberately. Abella had modified the shoes to increase ventilation and help water drain more easily during demanding races.
They weren’t new. They weren’t fashionable. And they certainly didn’t resemble the high-tech running shoes commonly marketed to serious athletes.
But for Abella, they were light, comfortable and familiar — and apparently more than capable of carrying him through another 13.1 miles.
Running for More Than a Finish Time
The race took place in Bohol, Philippines, in October 2024, and the event had a purpose beyond competition: helping raise awareness and support for local breast-cancer patients.
Abella’s performance quickly became one of the memorable stories surrounding the race.
As images of the veteran runner and his battered footwear circulated online, people were struck by the contrast: an impressive sub-two-hour half marathon completed at age 75 in shoes that looked ready for the trash.
Supporters eventually stepped forward and reportedly gave him three new pairs of running shoes.
The gesture was generous, but by then his old shoes had already become part of what made the achievement resonate.
A Reminder That Equipment Isn’t Everything
Modern running has become increasingly focused on technology. Lightweight foams, carbon plates, specialized training watches and premium footwear can all provide genuine benefits.
But Abella’s performance offered a useful reminder of something that can’t simply be purchased.
Equipment can improve performance, but it cannot manufacture years of discipline, conditioning and experience.
His run also challenges assumptions about aging and athletic performance. A finishing time of 1:56:29 at 75 years old isn’t merely impressive because of the condition of his shoes. It is an accomplishment in its own right.
Abella didn’t need pristine equipment to make people pay attention.
He needed 21 kilometers, less than two hours and the determination to keep running.
And in the process, a pair of battered second-hand shoes that most people might have thrown away became an unforgettable symbol of persistence.