5,700 Mile Race Against Abuse

This year, Guinness World Record holder and ultra-triathlete Shangrila Rendon has chosen to race an almost-unfathomable distance in dangerous conditions in order to inspire others to rise above their demons and achieve personal success and happiness. It is her greatest hope that her strength will serve not only as an inspiration to others, but as a catalyst in the dialog about preventing and healing sexual abuse.

Through her partnership with Global Outreach and Assistance League  (“GOAL”) a 501c3 non-profit organization,  Ms. Rendon is taking on the world’s longest and most challenging cycling race in an effort to raise both awareness and money to fund the implementation of the RACCE program (Rescue And Crisis Counseling Education).  RACCE will be geared towards the prevention and healing of sexual abuse in the Philippines.  


SHANGRILA RENDON’S STORY

On July 18, 2017, Shangrila Rendon will be one of two women attempting a feat no other female solo cyclist has ever tried: this Filipino-American ultra-triathlete will take on the Red Bull Trans-Siberian Extreme.  This grueling 5,700-mile (9,200km) course runs from Moscow to Vladivostok. It lasts 24 days and has only 10 solo participants this year, all of whom are the best ultra- endurance athletes from around the world. Regardless of gender, there will be a single winner. Just surviving this race will be a challenge; to date, no female solo cyclist has ever finished it.

Born and raised in the Philippines, Shangrila spent her childhood in Marikina, Metro Manila, Philippines and immigrated to the United States in 1999. Her childhood was plagued by sexual abuse from an early age through her 20s. When Shangrila landed at Los Angeles International airport at age 17, she wore a warm smile to mask her chaotic life, struggles and sadness. But behind the facade of an energetic personality were demons that no person should ever have to battle.

Once settled in LA, Shangrila walked to and from a minimum wage job every day to help put food on the table for her family. Although she gave up an athletic scholarship in the Philippines in order to live in the United States, graduating from college was a crucial part of her American dream. She began attending night classes while working a full-time job. To cope with her stress and severe depression/PTSD from past abuse, Shangrila started running marathons in 2006.  As her footsteps pounded the pavement she began to quiet her mind. Within three years, she started racing competitive triathlons. At age 34, she became the 1st Filipino to complete the Ultraman challenge.  Only nine years after her first marathon, Shangrila earned a world-class ranking as an ultra-triathlete: her accomplishments soared leading her to a Guinness World Record as the fastest female in the Quintuple ultra triathlon.  

Ms. Rendon gets surprised reactions from people when they learn that she began her athletic career with minimal running, cycling, and swimming skills.  Amazingly, Shangrila was only able to run for 15 minutes on a treadmill at age of 25, and taught herself how to swim at 29.

Shangrila looks forward to the Trans-Siberian Extreme and sees it as the next step and the biggest athletic challenge she has yet to take on.  Ms. Rendon’s dual citizenship posed a difficult choice, represent the United States or the Philippines?  Shangrila chose to represent the Philippines in order to help raise awareness for the under represented population affected by sexual abuse in her home country.

Rendon stays positive despite knowing the arduous challenge that lies ahead. “My goal is to beat the race and any possible dark moments during the journey.”

Please join this world class athlete as she continues to make a positive impact on the world around her.   Together, with your donation and  support we can make a difference in the lives of the under represented population affected by sexual abuse.

RACING FOR A CAUSE:  An Interview with Shangrila Rendon

“Born and raised in a developing country I am no stranger to the hardships that face children in the Philippines.  I feel blessed to have been born in a middle class family considering more than 25% of the country’s population lives in poverty.  

Unfortunately, poverty is not the only issue facing Filipinos.  Children around the world, the Philippines included are denied basic human rights and access to education.  Many children are faced with unethical child labor practices, sex trafficking and unattainable health care. 

My heart goes out to these children because I was abused as a child.  Beginning at the tender age of 5 I suffered in silence through abusive injustices that no child should ever have to encounter.  I struggled with these abuses through my early 20’s and found it difficult to express what I was going through.  Deep inside I was crying out for help. 

When my family and I left for the United States, our lives changed dramatically with new opportunities for success.  Unfortunately, the families and communities we left behind are still facing the daunting realities that plage developing countries.  Sadly it gets worse every year and the children suffer the most. 

My past battles and triumph over darkness has led me to a place of influence.  Today I want more than anything to do whatever is in my power to help children suffering from the pain and abuse I went through.  I hope to be an instrument that will help transform their lives – to advocate for the littlest members of our society, be their voice and give them the futures that they deserve.

Global Outreach And Assistance League  (“GOAL”) a non-profit organization has been making outstanding efforts to address the needs of under represented women and children with programs that focus on health, prevention, and education.

I have chosen to partner with GOAL and dedicate my race efforts to raise funds for the creation of program in the Philippines geared towards the treatment, prevention and education surrounding sexual abuse.  A Guinness World Record would be meaningless if not put to good use.  It is my hope that through my accomplishments I am able help these individuals live a life free of fear, pain, ignorance and injustice.  The funds raised through my races will be an investment dedicated to changing the lives of the poorest and most marginalized communities:  A plan is in the works to create a program focused on preventing sexual abuse and healing individuals through counseling and education. 

By racing for GOAL the little girl in me has the unique opportunity to join with philanthropists around the globe.  Together we will give back to society, protect the rights of the underserved and provide promise of a better future for those in need.”  

Get the word out. Stand against abuse and help one woman’s dream become a reality. Together we are stronger.

All donations to Shangrila's cause through www.theglobalgoal.org  are tax deductible so give freely and let's help make a difference.