Julie Uychiat to run in 2023 World Marathon Challenge for Kalipay Negrense Foundation

Negros Occidental-born Julie Uychiat won't just be running for herself in one of the biggest race events of her running journey when she takes on the 2023 World Marathon Challenge set to unfurl on January 31 in Antarctica.

Uychiat, who was born in the Philippines but later moved to the United States to pursue a nursing career, will also be running for the Kalipay Negrense Foundation Inc. in a bid to support disadvantaged children.

For her, finding the sport of running has proven to be a meaningful experience.

"Discovering running much later in life has been one of life’s greatest blessings. I was already 44 years old when I started my marathon journey," Uychiat told GMA Integrated News.

"Running has given my life [a] new direction and outlook. It has so far been both empowering and fulfilling. When I made the decision to register for this World Marathon Challenge, I knew in my heart that I needed to connect to higher purpose to conquer such a challenge."

So as part of her race, Uychiat is also fundraising for Kalipay, a non-profit foundation working for the cause of homeless, abandoned, neglected, malnourished, and abused youth in her hometown of Negros Occidental.

She will now face the challenge of running seven marathons in seven continents in seven days.

The marathon event starts in Antarctica then in Cape Town in South Africa before it moves onto Perth in Australia on February 2. On February 3, the marathon will continue in Dubai for the Asian race then in Madrid for the European leg on the 4th.

The seven-day marathon will head to Fortaleza in Brazil on February 5 then wrap up in Miami on the last day on February 6.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News