“Kaya natin ’to!”
WE CAN DO THIS
Welcome to my corner of the web! I'm Gerald Tabios, a firm believer in living life to the fullest and maintaining a well-balanced lifestyle. Born and raised in the scenic city of Malaybalay, Philippines in 1969, I embarked on an adventurous journey that eventually led me to Elmhurst, New York, where I now reside with my loving wife and two wonderful children.
My educational background includes a degree in Civil Engineering from Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, laying the foundation for my professional endeavors. In 2001, my wife, Donna, and I made the life-changing decision to migrate to New York, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
Running taught me patience, humility, and gratitude.
My running journey began in 2004 with my first marathon, the New York City Marathon. What followed was an unexpected path into ultrarunning, highlighted by my first 100-mile ultramarathon in 2012. Inspired by The Ultramarathon Man by Dean Karnazes, I set my sights on the legendary Badwater 135. In July 2014, I completed the grueling alternate course, turning a distant dream into reality.
In 2015, Badwater returned to its original route and introduced a nighttime start. Since then, I've completed the Badwater 135 ten times. My passion for ultramarathons even inspired a documentary film, "Running for Freedom: My Journey as an Ultra Marathon Runner," directed by James Castillo which premiered at film festivals in the year 2019, showcasing my unwavering dedication and resilience.
In 2016, I applied for the Boston Marathon but was not accepted due to field size limits. In 2017, I was finally accepted and fulfilled my Boston dream.
In September 2022, I was honored to be recognized as one of the Outstanding Filipinos in America (TOFA) in Sports for long-distance running, highlighting my contributions to the athletic community and my commitment to excellence. In August 2025, I received the Empowerment Award for Excellence in Endurance Sports at the 21st People’s Ball, honoring my over 200 marathons and ultramarathons including nine finishes at the grueling Badwater 135 and celebrating discipline, resilience, and national pride.
In January 2025, I published my first book, a memoir titled Escape from Comfort: Lessons from the Road and Death Valley. The book reflects on lessons learned through years of running, perseverance, discomfort, and growth drawn from experiences ranging from the heat of Death Valley to the streets of New York City.
On June 30, 2026, I was deeply honored by my hometown of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, with two special recognitions. The Sangguniang Panlungsod presented me with Resolution No. 2026-0629, a Resolution of Commendation and Congratulation, recognizing my exceptional achievements in international endurance running and my contributions to sports, literature, and film. The resolution also recognized my accomplishments as a source of pride and inspiration to the people of Malaybalay City and the Philippines.
On August 10, 2026, the City Government of Malaybalay, through City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran, presented me with a Citation of Honor recognizing my extraordinary legacy as a son of Malaybalay. The citation highlighted my more than 220 marathon and ultramarathon finishes worldwide, 20 New York City Marathon finishes, five Boston Marathon finishes, 13 Great New York 100 Mile Race finishes, and my milestone 10th Badwater 135 finish, as well as my achievements in literature and film. Receiving these honors from the city where I was born and raised made them especially meaningful to me.
Outside of the racing world, I work as a driver for a private family in the bustling streets of New York City. Despite my demanding schedule, I prioritize fitness by incorporating running into my daily commute, logging miles to work five days a week.
My journey through ultramarathons has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, teamwork, and the indomitable human spirit. While my personal achievements are significant, my ultimate motivation lies in inspiring others to overcome obstacles and prioritize their health and well-being.
I invite you to join me on this incredible journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and living life with purpose. Let's push boundaries, embrace challenges, and strive for greatness together. Remember, the only limits that exist are the ones we place on ourselves. Here's to embracing the extraordinary and chasing dreams with unwavering determination!
