“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 nine times, each race pushing me beyond my limits and reinforcing the power of perseverance and determination. 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 prestigious 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—about perseverance, discomfort, and growth—drawn from experiences ranging from the heat of Death Valley to the streets of New York City.
In 2026, I am applying for my 10th Badwater start, with acceptance to be announced on February 1. It remains a pursuit defined as much by patience and commitment as by outcome.
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!
