Mench Dizon, a marathoner and tech entrepreneur, made history as the first Filipino woman to complete the World Marathon Challenge, one of the toughest endurance events globally.

The challenge requires participants to run seven marathons on seven continents in seven days.

Dizon, the country head of YGG Pilipinas, faced extreme conditions across the globe, from the icy winds of Antarctica to the scorching heat of South America. Despite jet lag, little recovery time, and relentless weather, she crossed the finish line in Miami on February 6.

“I have been preparing for a little over four months. I don’t feel ready. But perhaps that’s always how it is. What I am sure about though is that it is the attempt that makes such undertakings worthwhile,” Dizon wrote in a Facebook post before her run, sharing her mission to raise funds for education through the race.

She completed the 42.2 kilometer races in Ultima Basecamp (Antarctica), Cape Town (Africa), Perth (Australia), Dubai (Asia), Madrid (Europe), Fortaleza (South America), and Miami (North America).

Dizon has long been passionate about running, with marathon experience dating back to 2008. She considers it a deeply personal pursuit, having used running as a way to overcome her own challenges and push her limits.

As a leader in the tech industry, she also spearheads the Metaverse Filipino Worker (MFW) movement, which helps Filipinos access online job opportunities. Her work in the Metaverse reflects her belief in the power of technology to uplift communities, just as she hopes her marathon achievements will inspire others to aim higher.

Her participation in the World Marathon Challenge was not only a personal milestone but also a way to raise funds for the Digital Transformation Center at the Sisters of Mary School, a project she supports to provide digital education to underprivileged youth.

“I feel strongly about education as a way to change the trajectory of one’s life. I know this because I was once that scholar who was given that shot,” Dizon said, reflecting on her own experience as a scholarship recipient.

“We would like to equip (these children) with the digital skills so they can participate in a future that allows them to make a dent in the lives of their families and their communities,” she added.

The World Marathon Challenge organizers lauded Dizon and her fellow finishers, acknowledging their extraordinary feats. “You did it! 7 Marathons, 7 Continents, 7 Days—an achievement that only a few can claim! Your determination, resilience, and spirit have been nothing short of extraordinary.”

Dizon’s journey is not just a personal triumph; it’s a testament to determination and the power of using extraordinary efforts for meaningful causes. Through her dedication to education and technology, she’s paving the way for future generations to dream bigger and achieve more.