Patrick Concepcion

There are a few runners that have been a motivation to this runner.  Certainly those from Jim Ryun and Steve Scott to my good friend Mike Dasalla here in America to Carlito, Dennis, Wilbert, Jaymie, Bald Runner and Dennis in the Philippines.  Then there's Patrick Concepcion.

 

Prior to this runner's first visit to the Philippines back in 2008, Patrick and I conversed on Facebook on many occasions.  He would be up late at night in the Philippines when it's broad daylight here.  It was visa-versa with me whenever talking with him.

 

Patrick was definitely a great runner, committed to training and races, and great amongst the running community in Metro Manila.  Like many runners, Patrick was one of the nicest people around.  He was definitely a role model for all of us.  He was even a greater father and family man from what people have said.

 

The last time seeing Patrick was in November 2017 (picture above) when both of us took part in the Takbo 16K and 20 Mile Race just south of Rizal Park in Manila.  Running a race at 5am in the morning in the Philippines is a blessing.  It was warm but not as humid as some past races run. 

 

Patrick was in great shape then as he was when I first met him.  We both found time to take a photo-op before he took off on his run.  We saw one another after our races and talked about running shoes while cooling off.

 

Since then, have been back in the Philippines several times, a couple of them for races but didn't see the runners I saw back in 2008.  However, it's been 15-17 years since that first race and the running scene has taken off.  

 

After messaging with Carlito the past few days, the blogging has restarted.  Also, this runner was checking up on some past blogs that I followed from years back.  

 

It was very saddened to learn that Patrick passed away in 2022.  Am told that he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June 2021.  However, he would continue to "forge ahead, embracing his age, embracing his life and getting ready for what's next!" in his words up until his death.

 

Rest In Peace Patrick.  Will definitely see you down the road.