In an extraordinary display of human endurance, Filipino ultrarunner Rex Brillantes has carved his name into the annals of global sports by completing one of the world's most demanding footraces.
A Test of Ultimate Endurance
The Authentic Pheidippides Run, a legendary 490-kilometer race from Athens to Sparta and back, unfolded from November 20 to 24, 2025. This grueling event, often described as a journey into the soul, challenged 68 elite ultrarunners from around the world with its relentless elevation, unforgiving terrain, and a strict 98-hour cutoff time.
Less than half of the starting field managed to reach the finish line, a testament to the race's brutal reputation. Among the triumphant few was Rex Brillantes, a 49-year-old native of Negros Occidental. The Dublin-based athlete secured his place in history by crossing the finish line after 94 hours, 57 minutes, and 38 seconds, earning 22nd place.
The Filipino Spirit Prevails
Brillantes's success was not a solitary achievement. His journey was powered by immense personal grit and the unwavering support of his crew. His wife, Jen, and fellow Filipino endurance runner Jivee Tolentino, who in 2021 became the first Filipino to ever finish this race, were instrumental in his triumph.
Jen Brillantes provided a harrowing glimpse into the final stages of the ordeal, stating that the last 50 kilometers felt like walking on shattered glass. This vivid description underscores the extreme physical and mental toll the race exacts on its participants.
A Landmark Achievement for the Philippines
Completing The Authentic Pheidippides Run is a monumental milestone, even for seasoned ultrarunners. It is a challenge that demands peak physical conditioning, unbreakable mental fortitude, and deep emotional resilience.
Brillantes's accomplishment brings immense pride to the Philippines and solidifies the country's growing presence in the global ultrarunning scene. His story is a powerful inspiration, proving that with determination and support, even the most daunting goals are within reach.
