Bochum: Cebuano runner Mark Mahinay will forever cherish the moments at the 2025 FISU World University Games in Bochum, Germany. The lone Filipino entry in athletics did not make the podium in his three events, but he learned a lot from the experience of competing against the world’s best student-athletes.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mahinay, who was born in Catmon town, registered a personal best time of 31:29.38 in the men’s 10,000m event. He clocked 3:55.07 in the 1,500m and 15:17.53 in the 5,000m, both his season’s best. “I am happy with my performance. Even though the three events in a row were not easy, I am proud that I gave each one a good fight,” 22-year-old Mahinay said in an interview Friday. “I got a personal best in the 10,000m and season’s best in the 1500m and 5000m, which is a big thing for me, especially on this big stage. Thanks to everyone who supported me,” added the third-year Information Technology student of the University of Cebu.

Mahinay’s trip to Germany was made possible by Spectrum Runners Phils. president, Dr. German Mayo, who also funded his participation at the 2024 ASEAN University School Games in Indonesia. “I’m so grateful to him for making my once impossible dream to compete in the World University Games a reality. I am proud to be a part of the SpectrumRunners team,” Mahinay said. He won the silver medal in 10,000m and the bronze in 4x400m relay and placed fourth in the 1,500m at the ASEAN University School Games, his first international tournament.

Last April, Mahinay topped the 10,000m, 5,000m, and 1,500m events at the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) National Games in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. About 8,500 student-athletes from more than 100 countries competed in 18 sports at the World University Games, making it one of the largest multi-sport events in the world in 2025.