Philippine champion marathoner dies at 30

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of A2C Poliquit. May his soul rest in peace.” (Photo: PSC (Philippine Sports Commission)/Facebook)

Poliquit has been in a coma at V. Luna Medical Center in Quezon City since last Friday, April 5, with Nierras sharing with Rappler through a phone interview, “He came from New Mexico to represent the Department of Defense in New Mexico some two weeks ago. He had been complaining of a migraine there and was attended to there.” He elaborated, “When he won the Milo Marathon, he had been saying he had headaches,” referring to Poliquit’s successful run in the 42nd Milo Marathon National Finals last December, adding, “On Monday, he should have been gotten a medical so he could return to the national team.”

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) mourns with the rest of the country on the matter, posting a photo captioned, “You ran a good race. Thank you for all you did for the Philippine sports.”

Mary Joy Tabal, who ran alongside Poliquit, also shared her grievances saying, “You will always be in our hearts, Pol! May you rest in peace! Gone too soon!” adding, “Let’s bring this smile to heaven, Pol and continue to run your eternal marathon. You will always be my marathon king, our marathon king. You will be in our hearts. Rest in peace, Master Endurance!”

Originally from Tagum City, Davao del Norte, Poliquit is known for winning three of the Milo Marathons in 2014, 2015, and 2018. His most recent participation in a competition was last March 10, at the Davao International Marathon in Davao City. Prior to that, he served in the military as Airman 2nd class. In 2012, he also ran 10,000 meters in the Asean University Games in Laos.