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By Mikee Natinga Norico

From concept to creation, Malojo’s wooden walking pad—crafted from affordable materials—offers 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—but also by innovation born out of necessity.

At just 20 years old, Malojo, a student-athlete of the ����ר�� (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’s athletic journey began in 2021 as a competitive cyclist, where he spent three years building endurance and discipline. It wasn’t until early 2024 that he discovered his potential in running—almost 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.

“That race made me realize that my body was built for endurance,” Malojo shared. “Cycling gave me the foundation, but running gave me a new purpose.”

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—including an intensive stint in Cebu—Malojo’s 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—just 16 months into his running career.

Building a Solution: The Wooden Manual Walking Pad

A photo of Malojo’s 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—how 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’s movement.

“I needed something I could use anytime, especially during bad weather,” he explained. “So, I built one myself using affordable materials.”

After sharing a video of his creation online, Malojo’s 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.

“What if I try to sell one?” 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 ₱8,000, and a curved treadmill version at ₱12,000. What sets his product apart is its simplicity and sustainability—it 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.

“Anyone can use it,” he said. “It’s perfect for people who want to stay active at home, even while working.”

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—early morning runs, crafting walking pads, attending classes, and training again in the evening.

“It’s pretty hard,” he admitted. “But I can still manage it. I just stay focused on what I need to do.”

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’s 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.

“There is no excuse for lack of experience,” he emphasized. “I started late too. But with hard work and discipline, you can achieve your dreams.”

From a cyclist to a marathon contender—and now an innovator and entrepreneur—John 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—but 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: