75-Year-Old Runner Finishes Half Marathon in Under Two Hours—Wearing Worn-Out Shoes

Some runners chase personal bests, others chase glory, and then there are runners like Queruben "Tatay Ruben" Abella, who run for something much bigger.

At 75 years old, Abella isn’t just competing—he’s defying age, expectations, and even his own worn-down shoes. On October 5, 2024, at the 3rd Alturas Pink Run in the Philippines, Abella completed a 21-kilometer (13.1-mile) race in an astonishing 1 hour and 56 minutes—a time that many younger runners would be proud of.

And he did it all in a pair of battered, broken-down running shoes, proving that sometimes, heart matters more than gear.

The Story of a Lifetime Runner

Abella has been running for over 60 years. He completed his first marathon at just 14 years old, and while most people his age have long since retired from intense physical activity, Abella continues to lace up his shoes and hit the pavement.

For him, running isn’t about medals or competition. It’s about community, perseverance, and passion.

"I’ll keep running as long as I can," Abella said. "I’m part of the community."

His dedication to the sport and his unstoppable spirit have turned him into a local legend—not just in the Philippines, but around the world.

The Shoes That Took Him Everywhere

One of the most remarkable parts of Abella’s story isn’t just his incredible time—it’s what he was wearing on his feet.

Abella ran the entire 21-kilometer race in a pair of old, broken shoes, their seams barely holding together.

To many runners, this would be unthinkable. Modern running shoes are designed with high-tech materials, energy-returning foams, and carbon plates to give runners an edge. Abella? He relied on a well-worn pair that had already carried him through countless races.

When asked why he didn’t switch to newer shoes, Abella simply said:

"They are light, comfortable, and don’t hold water when it rains. These shoes have taken me to many places."

It wasn’t about having the latest technology—it was about trusting what works and sticking with what feels right.

A Race for a Greater Cause

The 3rd Alturas Pink Run wasn’t just another race. Held every October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the event raises funds for patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Abella wasn’t just running for himself—he was running to support 30 cancer patients who are currently battling the disease.

"It is amazing to see everyone so happy and passionate to join Pink Run," he said. "It is such a worthy cause. And I would love to continue supporting it in the future."

At an age when many people slow down, Abella is still finding ways to give back.

"He Is Not Just a Runner; He Is an Inspiration"

Abella’s incredible performance didn’t go unnoticed. Race organizer Mary Grace Ido Bernaldez told the Inquirer that he has been a regular at the event since 2022 and has continued to amaze everyone with his determination.

"At 75, he is not just a runner; he is an inspiration to all of us. Tatay Ruben’s persistence teaches us that there are no limits to what we can do."

In a sport where people often worry about age, injuries, or lack of experience, Abella is living proof that barriers exist only in the mind.

A Well-Earned Reward: New Shoes for a Running Legend

After finishing the race, Abella was gifted three new pairs of running shoes, including one from the event organizers.

When they visited him at his village to personally deliver the shoes, he happily posed for a Facebook picture, grinning with his well-earned rewards.

The best part? Abella isn’t planning to slow down anytime soon.

With his new running shoes in hand, he’s already looking ahead to next year’s race, determined to keep pushing forward—one step at a time.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Race

Queruben Abella’s story isn’t just about running fast at 75 years old. It’s about resilience, passion, and proving that age is just a number.

He doesn’t run with fancy gear. He doesn’t chase sponsorships or fame. He runs because he loves it, because he believes in it, and because he can.

In a world where we’re constantly told that we need the best equipment, the latest technology, or the perfect circumstances to succeed, Abella reminds us that sometimes, all we really need is heart.

So, if you ever find yourself hesitating—thinking you’re too old, too slow, or too inexperienced—remember Tatay Ruben.