When Rosa Rosenberg signed up for her first-ever race in Asia — right here in the Philippines — she wasn’t just joining another race.
She was stepping into a world that once told women like her to stay quiet, stay pretty, and above all, never sweat.
Rosa, a U.S. Army veteran from California who turns 79 next month, remembers exactly what it felt like to grow up in an era where women were denied the freedom to move.
For her first Asian race, she chose The AIA Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series Manila, a course that would test her endurance and celebrate how far women have come in the world of running.
“When I grow up, think of my age,” she says. “Women weren’t allowed to sweat. They didn’t even have women’s marathons as an Olympic sport… they weren’t even doing marathons.”
The major races we celebrate today — Chicago, New York, Berlin, Paris, London — existed without space for women.
Running was a door locked shut. But Rosa, stubborn in the best way, found her way in any way.
Her entry point was the U.S. Army, a career path that required strict fitness and weight standards.
“I got into running because I was in the armed forces and we had to keep our weight down,” she shares. “And I had difficulty.”
What began as obligation became discovery as running, though part of Army training, offered her discipline, release, and eventually belonging.
“I just became a part of the half marathon culture,” Rosa says. “Although marathons to me are very challenging.”
Over decades, she would complete over 200 marathons and half marathons, rewriting her own story — and symbolically, the one written for all women before her.
Her Biggest Surprise? Asia — and the Philippines.
Rosa had never been to the Philippines, but she had spent years working alongside Filipino colleagues.
“But I’ve worked with many people that are from the Philippines," she says. "And I wanted to go to the Philippines to see what it’s about.”
The night-time race format was a blessing — especially for someone used to California’s dry climate.
“Doing the course at night time helped,” she explains.
“Where I come from, there's not a lot of humidity. So I don’t think I could have survived it if it was in the daytime.”
But beyond the weather, what struck her most was the inclusivity — something she wished existed decades earlier.
“I didn’t feel isolated, let’s put it that way. And I appreciated the fact that they gave us plenty of time to finish a half marathon. Five and a half hours is generous.” Rosa says.
In many races back home, she points out, runners are given no more than three hours.
“And a lot of people can’t do it in three hours plus,” she adds.
“There was something for everyone. It was walker-friendly, it was handicap-friendly… you could pick something, and people appreciate what you can do.”
From Barriers to Finish Lines
For Rosa, running in the Philippines wasn’t simply about the miles.
It was about witnessing a world far different from the one she started with — a world where women are not only allowed to run, but welcomed, celebrated, and encouraged at every step.
A world where a soon-to-be 79-year-old woman can run confidently through Manila’s night, carrying with her the memory of the years when women weren’t even given the chance.
A world she helped build — simply by refusing to stop.
And as she stands at the finish line in the Philippines, Rosa Rosenberg embodies the truth she’s been running toward her entire life: There was a time when women couldn’t. Now, women can — and women do.
Watch the full interview here:
With reports from Maureen Muarip/One Sports
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Inna Mina is a sportswriter with a passion for telling stories that go beyond the scoreboard.
She covers running, athletics, and other major Philippine sporting events, while also following grassroots sports, athlete journeys, and women in sports. Her work also includes lifestyle stories on health, fitness, and community.