Cheers As FWD Philippines Introduces Filipina For The North Pole Marathon

It's the start again of preparing for the most challenging marathon on earth, the FWD North Pole Marathon with a participation of exceptional individuals that are physically capable to face the freezing temperatures of the arctic. FWD Philippines recently announces the sole representative of the country who is also the first Filipina runner to join the marathon.

The FWD North Pole Marathon will be held on April 9, 2019 and now on its 3rd year. Dubbed as the ‘World’s Coolest Marathon’ located at extreme 89° latitude North, it is no ordinary run as they take on extreme temperatures that even seasoned runners can't stand the cold. There is also the harsh and unpredictable weather that brings icy winds and slippery snow. 

But to move beyond the hurdles is what FWD wants to prove with the run. Gathering inspiring and strong individuals that can rise up to the challenge. Representing the country for this is already a Pinoy Pride moment and her introduction is also just in time for women's month.

In the recent FWD Philippines' event, they proudly presented Joyette Jopson as the contender for the 2019 North Pole Marathon. She is a triathlete, 2014 Ironman 70.3 Philippines Filipino Elite Champion, and FWD Financial Wealth Officer. At 39 years old, she is a three-time Iron Man Filipino Elite Champion and has won multiple championship triathlon titles and has been joining triathlon events for the last 13 years.

Jopson will be joined by FWD representative runners from Hong Kong, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand, collectively called FWD Team Asia, as well as runners from around the world, in what is dubbed as one of the world’s most challenging and grueling sporting events. 

“FWD is extremely proud to continue our support for this challenging and one-of-a-kind event, as it resonates our core values of empowering people to pursue their passions and explore a lifetime of limitless possibilities,” said FWD Life Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Grimes said. “Moreover, as a Pan-Asian insurer, we are a strong supporter of Asian achievement, endurance, and excellence.” 


“We chose Joyette as the Philippines’ representative to the FWD North Pole Marathon this year because of her indomitable spirit, something that will help her conquer the North Pole. As the first Filipina who is set to conquer the marathon, she will proudly bring both FWD and Filipino Pride to the world stage,” Grimes added. “Joyette has broken her own barriers as a triathlete, competing with the most experienced athletes in the world, and this is why we believe she is perfect to be the country’s representative this year.” 

“As an FWD Financial Wealth Officer, I take to heart our mission to take care of our customers’ financial future and change the way people feel about insurance,” Jopson said. “I am truly grateful to have been chosen to represent FWD and the Philippines in the North Pole Marathon as this really will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me! Inspired by the FWD’s Get Ready to Live brand spirit, I will bring with me relentless courage and determination against the world’s harshest conditions as I aim to make my country proud.” 

Conquering the World’s Coolest—and Toughest—Marathon  

The FWD North Pole Marathon participants will be running on an ice sheet of 6 to 12 feet thick and above 12,000 feet of Arctic Ocean, literally on top of the world. They will be running a 42-kilometer path with an average temperature of negative 30 degrees centigrade, even going as low as negative 40 degrees centigrade at times.  

What makes the marathon unique is that it is run on a small 4.22-kilometer (2.62-mile) loop about 10 times, over hard snow or ice. The marathon is recognized by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and is the only certified marathon that is run entirely on the frozen water of the Arctic Ocean. 

The North Pole Marathon has also been recognized by Guinness World Records as the "Northernmost Marathon on Earth" and is generally considered one of the toughest marathons ever because the runners do not only contend with their own physical limitations, but also with the freezing temperature, the biting wind, and the snow-filled path. 

“Joyette has rigorously trained in running, cycling, and swimming and has all the traits needed to succeed at the race,” FWD Life Philippines Head of Marketing Roche Vandenberghe said. “She also has the heart of a warrior—having won in several athletic competitions here and abroad—who plans to bring her courage and winning spirit to the 2019 FWD North Pole Marathon.”  

Joyette is also supported by fellow athletes like Romi Garduce- who is the sole Filipino to reach all top 7 summits of the world, Margielyn Didal - 2018 Gold Medalist for Skatebaording, gives moral boost for her to not only finish the run but also reach the top place. 

Even as Joyette is en route to the North Pole, she is has truly proven herself to be worthy of her place and also representing the Philippines and women brings inspiration to all to face unimaginable feats. 

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