Charlene Gonzalez completes Boston Marathon: 'I was crying non-stop'
Charlene Gonzalez is now a Boston Marathon finisher.
On April 18, the former beauty queen shared the milestone on her Instagram account, where she posted a clip of a volunteer giving her a medal in honor of her crossing the finish line. Another video showed her receiving a foil blanket, which are given to racers to keep themselves warm and avoid post-race chills.
In her caption, Charlene could not help but gush about the feat. She is part of the Hopkinton Center for the Arts team, a charity that raises funds for people who have a passion for arts.
"Definitely one of the most hilly world major marathon I have done thus far, but one of the most beautiful views and crowd support," she wrote.
She also expressed her gratitude to her fellow Filipinos who were in the country of Massachusetts and supported her all throughout her run.
"Thank you to all the Filipinos who were out on the course and cheered me on. Mahal ko kayo. Several even ran with me for moments on the course to show support," she wrote.
Having been part of one of the most prestigious races in the world, the former the Binibining Pilipinas Universe 1994 titleholder highlighted that crossing the finish line was "a very emotionally ending" for her, especially since she was also dealing with an injury.
"I was crying non-stop. First time that I had no base training and went straight to marathon training for three to four months, and on my last month, unfortunately, I was dealing with an injury, which led me to skip some training sessions," Charlene shared.
She continued, "I ran with an injury today and in the beginning of the race, my nutrition/hydration fell and got lost on the course (which is so important in a marathon). I was praying the whole time for my utmost safety, and I thank God for pulling me through. All glory to God almighty. My tears are tears of thankfulness."
She then thanked her husband Aga Muhlach and their children Atasha and Andres for making sure that she was at her best condition.
Charlene is no newbie to participating in large marathons as she previously a finisher at the Tokyo Marathon back in 2017.
Aside from her, TV host Kim Atienza and Anthony Pangilinan, husband of actress and magazine editor Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan, had also participated in the Boston Marathon in its 2017 edition. Kim described the event as the "best race ever" while Anthony regarded it as his "toughest marathon yet."
The marathon is held every year and is one of six World Marathon Majors, with the others held in Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York.