From track to tech: Meet Mench Dizon, the marathoner pushing a digital future for Filipinos

Securing a spot in these world-coveted races is an achievement in itself, as runners must meet strict qualification standards. Dizon, however, not only completed them but also became the first Filipina to do so.

“The defining moment for the World Marathon Majors was crossing the finish line in Boston,” Dizon recalls. “That was 2017. By that time, I had been running for eight years. For me, that was the fulfilment of my running journey—at least at that time.” But as with all great athletes, one finish line is merely the starting line for something greater.

The World Marathon Challenge, which involves running seven marathons on seven continents in seven days, was a dream she harboured since 2015. “It was a pipe dream and I didn’t know when it was going to happen. But I told myself, it will happen in my lifetime.” And in 2024, it did.

Read more: Find your pace with these run clubs in Metro Manila

The journey, however, was anything but easy. The challenge required her to run marathons in extreme conditions, from the sub-zero temperatures of Antarctica to the sweltering heat of Africa. “Antarctica was one of the hardest,” she recalls. “Coming from a tropical country, I had no intuition for that kind of cold. I had to layer up and prepare myself mentally to push through the ice and wind.”

By the time she reached the fifth marathon in Madrid, exhaustion began to set in. “I was really fading,” she admits. “The course was full of uphill and downhill stretches, and I was just drained.” In that moment, she turned to her biggest support system—her husband. “Even though he was in a different time zone, I called him. He didn’t need to say anything, just hearing him breathe on the other end kept me going.”

Read more: Race-cations: 8 international marathons that are so scenic that they feel like a vacation

While the physical demands of running across continents are immense, Dizon believes that mental fortitude is crucial to endurance. “The good thing about the course setup is that it’s done in loops. So I trick my mind—‘Okay, I can manage, it’s just four more kilometres.’ But when exhaustion kicks in, it’s about focusing on what’s in front of me—my steps, my breathing, my prayer.”

She draws inspiration from Irish poet David Whyte’s words: “The antidote to exhaustion is wholeheartedness.” For her, each race was an opportunity to reconnect with her purpose—to represent Filipinos, inspire others, and push the limits of what is possible.

Beyond Whyte’s philosophy, Dizon finds strength in the people closest to her. “My husband inspires me because he is a dedicated entrepreneur, father and my biggest supporter,” she shares. “My kids inspire me with their discipline and their mindset of showing up every day.”

Dizon also carries her mother’s resilience with her. Born with a disability that prevented her from walking, her mother never let it define her spirit. “My mum inspires me because she has never walked a day in her life. And now that I’m running all over the world, it's a real gift,” she says. “For people who never even walked a day in their life, just running or standing is a gift.”

Read more: How walking can lead to more sustainable cities

Conquering the World Marathon Challenge was more than just a personal achievement. Dizon dedicated this feat to raising PHP 7 million for a digital education centre at the Sisters of Mary School, an institution that provides education to underprivileged youth. 

“I grew up as a scholar,” she shares. “My mum didn’t know I applied for a scholarship to Ateneo [de Manila University]. She only found out when I got accepted. Education was my transformation moment, and I want others to have that chance.”

Her fundraising efforts align with her broader mission: preparing Filipinos for the digital future. As the country head of Yield Guild Games (YGG) Pilipinas, she spearheads the Metaverse Filipino Worker (MFW) movement, an initiative that empowers Filipinos to earn from digital work opportunities without having to leave their families.

“Think of it as the OFW model, but they don’t have to leave home,” she explains. “We are bridging global job opportunities to Filipinos, ensuring that they are not the last to know about these technological shifts.”

Central to this movement is the integration of Web3 and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, which are reshaping the global workforce. “Web3 is revolutionising how people work and earn,” Dizon explains. “With blockchain and decentralised platforms, more Filipinos can access opportunities without traditional gatekeepers. Meanwhile, AI is the big wave. We need to teach Filipinos how to use AI as a superpower—whether it’s AI-assisted virtual assistance, content creation or game development.”

Read more: Decentralising trust: how blockchain, AI and Web3 are reshaping Asian economies

“It doesn’t have to be perfect for you to get started,” shares Dizon, stressing how this philosophy has helped her as an endurance athlete and a leader. “Bias for action is always important. If you wait for everything to be polished, you’ll lose momentum. I tell my team, just put it out there, keep showing up and the market will come.”

Dizon also highlights the importance of enjoying the process. “Sometimes we lose the fun in the pursuit, right? We feel that it has to be serious. Yes, you can be serious, but you don't always have to be serious about everything about it. For instance, during the marathon, I had to find the fun in the fatigue.” This mindset has allowed her to push through challenges, both in sports and in her leadership role.

Read more: Great endurance: 16 celebrities with the fastest marathon times

While many would assume Dizon is already planning her next extreme endurance feat, she has her sights set on a bigger race—scaling the MFW movement. “The next race is really the work race,” she says. “How can we bring these opportunities home? How can we make sure Filipinos are equipped to compete on the global stage without leaving the country?”

Still, she hasn't left her love for running behind. “If I were to sign up for another race, it would be with my son. He’s been training on his own, and he doesn’t want me to run with him,” she laughs. “So I need to train for speed just to keep up with him. Finishing a race side by side—that’s my next goal.”

Front & Female Changemakers celebrates the extraordinary journeys of inspiring women who have emerged as powerful changemakers in a range of fields, offering a glimpse into their lives and showcasing their courage, vision and relentless pursuit of change and progress. From social entrepreneurs and business leaders to educators, artists, activists and scientists, Front & Female changemakers exemplify the ability to challenge the status quo and demonstrate the power of women to effect change.

NOW READ

This founder wants to hack the startup code in his book ‘Startup Mindsets’

The “tough guy” myth is affecting men’s health—and how this Filipino entrepreneur wants it gone

When AI revolutionises home living: Butler’s Jonathan Lam on the future of real estate