DISCOVER OUR IMPACT: DON SANTILLAN, WSER ‘26
How did you get into running, and what does it mean to you?
I actually started running in 2012 following a failed hip-hop dance career. My Uncle Eric invited me to run a half marathon out of the blue; it was my first ever run, and I was instantly bit by the running bug. Since then, running has evolved into my vehicle for resilience, community building, and personal purpose.
What challenges have made it hard to pursue trail running?
The barriers are incredibly heavy, especially coming from an underrepresented region. Navigating expensive international registration fees, the high daily costs of maintaining a clean athletic diet and specialized training nutrition, steep travel logistics, injuries, and the mental setbacks that come with high-level preparation make it an uphill battle before you even get to the starting line.
What did the STRIDE grant allow you to do that you otherwise couldn’t?
The STRIDE grant allowed me to show up to the Western States 100 with a clear, focused mind, fully dialed into training and race strategy instead of being crushed by logistical stress. It allowed me to stand on that starting line knowing I had an international community backing my dreams.
What would have happened without it?
Without it, I would have faced an overwhelming financial burden and been forced to take out heavy personal loans just to make the trip. The stress of that debt would have severely compromised both my mental space and my physical performance during the race.
Tell us about the race or experience STRIDE supported—what stood out most?
I came into Western States with a very specific athletic goal: a sub-24-hour finish. I didn’t hit that target, but honestly, I am completely okay with that. Somewhere along the course, the race stopped being about the goal time and became entirely about the human experience.
What stood out most was the people—the spontaneous, deep conversations with fellow runners (Tim, Juan, Franco) on the trail, the selfless crew(Roi, Krista, Clint, Mike, Kayla, Todd, Elizabeth) and all the volunteers who gave so much of themselves, and the electric energy at every single aid station that just kept pushing you forward. I have never experienced anything like it.
Beyond the community, the sheer scale of the event was incredible. It was completely surreal to line up and run the exact same course as the best athletes in the world. I got to watch trail running history unfold in real time as course records were broken on a day that felt profoundly special from start to finish.
Meeting Phil at the race expo booth, experiencing his genuine warmth and kindness, and having him personally share his deep knowledge of the WSER course set the perfect tone for what turned out to be a magical weekend, from the very first day of the expo all the way to the emotional final moments of the Golden Hour.
This finisher's buckle isn't just mine. It belongs to everyone back home who supported me through the intense training, the build-up, and the entire journey.
What changed for you after this experience (confidence, goals, opportunities)?
This experience completely shifted my baseline of what is possible. It gave me a massive surge of confidence, proving that runners from Southeast Asia can successfully navigate the world's most competitive stages. It broadened my goals from just executing my own races to opening doors and creating a blueprint for the athletes I coach back home.
What’s next for you in running?
I will be racing locally and continuing to pour my heart into building our local running community, the Don't Stop Running Community (DSRC). I'm also organizing The Great Cordillera 100 this November on our local trails, with the ultimate goal of establishing it as an official WSER qualifier. I want to punch my ticket back to Western States next year, and I'm so excited to guide more people into the life-changing world of ultras.
Finish this: “Running has given me…”
Running has given me the hope to live life more abundantly, the courage to chase seemingly impossible dreams, and a global family to share the miles with.
STRIDE was proud to support Don at the 2026 Western States Endurance Race.
Photograph by @facchinophoto