Zuelo Cadampog

“Its not the age, it’s just the way you work it!” For a septuagenarian still actively running, such a statement is not meant to brag, but simply to prove that it can be done, as long as you love doing it.

For 76-year-old runner Zuelo Cadampog, he doesn’t feel old at all when his running. Zuelo started running in the 1950s. He remembers the good old days when he ran for the University of Southern Philippines track and field team. He said that it was much healthier to run then because there was not much air pollution. He also reminisced the times when it was safer to run the streets because there were not that many cars.

After proving his worth in the USP squad, he then went on to transfer and run for the University of San Carlos. Cadampog also became a member of the University of the Visayas running team in the late 50s.

Cadampog ran in a record 13 international marathons. He was able to do this while working for the USC engineering department. Time management was an essential factor for him while doing his running.

After more than 50 years of running, Zuelo was able to excel in the 40-50 above marathon category. He won a championship sometime in the 90s.

Cadampog also won the championship of the UV marathon, which started at the Fuente Osmeña circle all the way down to Danao and back. He says it was refreshing and not a burden, something many of can only wish for.

Zuelo is now in his daily routine of training. He has retired from his work at USC and is devoting his time to relaxing and running at the same time. He said that he runs regularly at the Cebu City Sports Center track and sometimes jogs from Fuente all the way to the old Lahug airport.

Noy Zuelo has defied ailments that come along with age, and he believes firmly that exercise has contributed a lot to his physical well-being. He has been running almost all his life, and he is not about to stop now.

- Christian Ben Rodriguez