Louie Sangalang Jr., a cancer survivor, takes on a one-of-a-kind challenge, running a marathon in frigid conditions in the North Pole. Dennis Gasgonia, ABS-CBN News

Cancer survivor Louie Sangalang Jr. will attempt something that no other Filipino has done before — running a marathon in sub-zero temperatures near the North Pole.

Sangalang, a triathlon enthusiast and former mixed martial arts champion, will be among 10 runners from around the world supported by FWD Life in the coming North Pole Marathon on April 9.

“I’m quite excited because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me and I'm happy to represent the country,” said Sangalang, who was treated for cancer of the appendix back in the 2000s.

He said his experience with the illness has strengthened him and encouraged him to take up sports.

After successfully battling cancer, he took up mixed martial arts and became a URCC featherweight champion at one point. Later on, he took up long-distance running and eventually became a triathlete.

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“The challenge I've faced with cancer actually toughened me up. So everytime I'm faced with a challenge like this particular race, I always think there's nothing harder than undergoing the treatments, they're not easy and they take a toll on your body,” said Sangalang.

“I'm not going to say na sisiw ito, but it's easier than what I've gone through.”

The North Pole Marathon will feature a 42-kilometer path in an area with an average temperature of -30 degrees Celsius.

Backing him up is a team that will give him vital support during his preparations.

Part of the squad are triathlon icon Ani de Leon Brown, who will collaborate with his personal trainer Ige Lopez, esteemed climber Romi Garduce, Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan and son Benjamin will be the nurturers. Celebrity host Sam YG will be his training partner.

Louie Sangalang with his team: (From left) Sam YG, Ani de Leon Brown, Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan and son Benjamin and Romi Garduce. Dennis Gasgonia, ABS-CBN News

Garduce, one of a handful of Filipinos who made it to Mount Everest, said the training team will make sure that Sangalang will be prepared to handle the adverse polar environment.

“We’ll try to familiarize him with the Artic conditions . . . How to use the use the right outwear, head system, when to use the mask, the balaclava, the goggles. Paano mo gagawing hindi ka papawisan at the same time keep yourself warm . . . Kasi you’re moving, magpapawis ka pero since sub-zero hindi ka dapat pawisan,” he said.

The marathon is supported by FWD Life Insurance, but Team Sangalang named the campaign “Blaze a Trail in the Artic.”

“FWD is the only one who covers extreme sports. Aside from that we’re letting people pursue their passions in life, we got their back. The North Pole Marathon is in the bucket list of every runner . . . so we wanted to take that further and empower a runner like Sangalang to go for it to carry the Philippine flag,” said Roche Vanderberghe, marketing head of FWD Life Philippines.

FWD Life Philippines president Peter Grimes added: “As a brand that continues to change the way people feel about insurance, FWD saw the North Pole marathon as a unique platform to empower people to overcome extreme challenges, to pursue their aspirations without worries, and to ignite their passion for life enriching experiences.”

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