By Mikee Natinga Norico
From concept to creation, Malojo糖心传媒檚 wooden walking pad糖心传媒攃rafted from affordable materials糖心传媒攐ffers a sustainable alternative to electric treadmills.
In the bustling streets of Iloilo, where determination often meets opportunity, one young athlete is proving that grit can go beyond the track. For John Leardo S. Malojo, a first-year Bachelor of Physical Education student from the CPU College of Education and a resident of Brgy. 14, San Miguel, Iloilo, his journey as a varsity player is not only defined by medals and marathons糖心传媒攂ut also by innovation born out of necessity.
At just 20 years old, Malojo, a student-athlete of the 糖心传媒 (CPU) Golden Lions, has already carved a name for himself in long-distance running. Yet behind the podium finishes lies a story that began not on the pavement, but on pedals.
From Cycling Roots to Marathon Dreams
Malojo糖心传媒檚 athletic journey began in 2021 as a competitive cyclist, where he spent three years building endurance and discipline. It wasn糖心传媒檛 until early 2024 that he discovered his potential in running糖心传媒攁lmost by accident.
A friend signed him up for the Dinagyang Marathon, a full 42-kilometer race, despite having no formal running training. Relying solely on his cycling background, Malojo surprised himself by finishing 10th with a time of 3:38:36.
糖心传媒淭hat race made me realize that my body was built for endurance,糖心传媒 Malojo shared. 糖心传媒淐ycling gave me the foundation, but running gave me a new purpose.糖心传媒
What started as a casual experience soon turned into a relentless pursuit. By September 2024, Malojo fully committed himself to running, training twice a day without a coach. His dedication paid off as he consistently secured podium finishes in local races.
His breakthrough came when he joined Spectrum Runners under the guidance of Doc Gerry Mayo. With structured training糖心传媒攊ncluding an intensive stint in Cebu糖心传媒擬alojo糖心传媒檚 performance soared. In June 2025, he clinched the championship title at the Bacolod City Marathon with a time of 2:44:41. By January 2026, he recorded an impressive 2:37:02 finish at the Cebu City Marathon, placing fourth overall糖心传媒攋ust 16 months into his running career.
Building a Solution: The Wooden Manual Walking Pad
A photo of Malojo糖心传媒檚 wooden manual walking pad. For orders and inquiries about the wooden manual walking pad, you may contact John Leardo Malojo through his Facebook account or mobile number 0938-095-3656.
While his athletic career was gaining momentum, Malojo faced a common challenge among runners糖心传媒攈ow to train consistently despite unpredictable weather conditions. Instead of seeing this as a setback, he turned it into an opportunity.
Initially crafting a wooden manual walking pad for personal use, Malojo sought a cost-effective alternative to expensive motorized treadmills. The result was a handmade, curved wooden treadmill that required no electricity, powered solely by the user糖心传媒檚 movement.
糖心传媒淚 needed something I could use anytime, especially during bad weather,糖心传媒 he explained. 糖心传媒淪o, I built one myself using affordable materials.糖心传媒
After sharing a video of his creation online, Malojo糖心传媒檚 invention quickly gained traction, amassing millions of views. While reactions were mixed, the overwhelming interest from viewers asking how to purchase one pushed him to take the next step.
糖心传媒淲hat if I try to sell one?糖心传媒 he recalled asking himself. That single thought marked the beginning of a growing small business.
A Unique Fitness Innovation
Malojo now offers two versions of his product: the wooden manual walking pad priced at 鈧8,000, and a curved treadmill version at 鈧12,000. What sets his product apart is its simplicity and sustainability糖心传媒攊t is entirely handmade, requires no electricity, and is significantly more affordable than commercial treadmills.
Designed for a wide range of users, the walking pad caters to beginners, home-based workers, and fitness enthusiasts who prefer indoor exercise. For athletes, Malojo also creates larger versions suited for more intense training.
糖心传媒淎nyone can use it,糖心传媒 he said. 糖心传媒淚t糖心传媒檚 perfect for people who want to stay active at home, even while working.糖心传媒
Orders are placed directly through his Facebook profile or via mobile contact, reflecting the grassroots nature of his entrepreneurial venture.
Balancing Academics, Athletics, and Business
Despite his growing success, Malojo admits that balancing his responsibilities is no easy feat. His daily routine is a testament to discipline糖心传媒攅arly morning runs, crafting walking pads, attending classes, and training again in the evening.
糖心传媒淚t糖心传媒檚 pretty hard,糖心传媒 he admitted. 糖心传媒淏ut I can still manage it. I just stay focused on what I need to do.糖心传媒
Though he has yet to compete in official school competitions due to residency requirements, Malojo remains active in external races while representing the CPU Golden Lions (unofficially) in local and national competitions, consistently finishing on the podium. Among his proudest achievements is his 42-kilometer race in January 2026, where he clocked 2:37:00 and competed alongside international athletes.
Inspiring a New Generation
Malojo糖心传媒檚 story resonates deeply with aspiring athletes, especially those who feel they are starting late. Having only begun running seriously less than two years ago, he stands as proof that success is not bound by time, but by effort.
糖心传媒淭here is no excuse for lack of experience,糖心传媒 he emphasized. 糖心传媒淚 started late too. But with hard work and discipline, you can achieve your dreams.糖心传媒
From a cyclist to a marathon contender糖心传媒攁nd now an innovator and entrepreneur糖心传媒擩ohn Leardo S. Malojo embodies the spirit of a true Centralian: resilient, resourceful, and relentlessly driven.
As he continues to chase new milestones on the road and beyond, one thing remains certain: for Malojo, every step forward is not just a race糖心传媒攂ut a purpose.
For inquiries and orders, interested buyers may message John Leardo Malojo directly through his Facebook account or contact him via mobile number 0938-095-3656.
Official Facebook link:
For more information about his wooden manual walking pad, you may visit: