‘Crank’ survives 24-hour challenge

Frank “The Crank” Camacho poses for a photo during a break in his 50-mile trek in Guam last weekend. (Contributed Photo)

Frank “The Crank” Camacho completed the 24-hour challenge of running/walking around the villages in Guam and raised more than $16,000 for the Guam Homeless Coalition.

Camacho ran/walked from Merizo Pier last Friday morning and made it to Ritidian Point the next day for a 50-mile journey that aimed at raising awareness about homelessness on Guam.

After the trek, the Marianas warrior was definitely exhausted, but was pleased with the results and the lessons he learned from taking on the challenge.

“The run/walk for 50 miles has made me a better man. The physical excruciating pain, the mental struggles, and the amazing conversations! It is unforgettable and I will forever be grateful for it. Exhaust the body, proceed the mind, and cultivate the spirit,” said Camacho, who was joined in the trek by Guam Time chief executive officer Matt Sgro, Marine veteran Ray Shinohara, and Fokai Industries co-founder Roman Dela Cruz.

Camacho added that the trek had two challenging parts. One was walking in darkness for six miles heading up north to Ritidian Point, as their bodies were already in pain and his feet felt like “stepping on glass with every step.”

“And it seemed like the road to Ritidian Point never ends. The other hardest part for myself was mile 48 the next day when the sun was out. I was almost mentally broke. I was going to just sit down and lie down on the road and quit. and wait for my wife to pick me up, but I just kept stepping and stepping,” the Ultimate Fighting Championships veteran said.

The MMA fighter acknowledged the people they met along the way and the support they received to survive the challenge and raise funds for the homeless people of the island.

“What stood out the most was seeing and experiencing our true Inafamaulek and Hafa Adai spirit live! The amount of honks, waves, water, Gatorade, food, and love on our trek was cool as heck. It’s so nice to see we, as an island community, still have it inside us! I am confident we will all continue to show the same love and kindness to our underserved communities and our Che’lu’s in need,” the 31-year-old athlete said.

Camacho also thanked Adas Trust, Bank of Guam, Cars Plus, Calvo’s Insurance, Delta Tire & Lube Monster Hydro, Paradise Fitness, Payless Supermarkets, Pepsi Guam, and 76 Circle K for their donation,

“I am far from a runner or endurance athlete, but I CAN. Next stop, Saipan,” Camacho said.