For the past 3 years (2023, 2024, 2025), the BDM 102K and BDM 160K Ultramarathon Races were handled by the Zamboanga Trail Runners as per verbal arrangements from me. However, I have decided to get it back from them at the start of 2026. This is the reason why I personally administered the conduct of the 2026 BDM 160K and 2026 BDM 102 which were held early this year.

The usual process of submitting Letters Of Intent and screening each runner were done personally by me. It was a good mental exercise on my part to include all the works and activities related to the conduct of the event.

I am going to write about the statistics of those runners who submitted their Letters of Intent who joined the BDM 102K and BDM 160K.

For the 2026 BDM 160K, I received 100+ Letters of Intent but only 50+ runners joined the event. Half of those who were accepted had finally showed at the Starting Line. This is a 50% reduction of the number of runners whom I accepted to join the event.

The experience I got from these 50+ runners gave me the conclusion that a lesser number of runners in this event gave me the confidence for easier control and administration of the event with a few number of my staff who are known and trusted. Coordination with the PVAO, LGUs, PNP, AFP, and my trusted Intelligence Operatives were very helpful.This is the reason why I decided to limit the number of runners in this event to 50 with an additional allowance of maybe, 10 more runners. This event was done in the later part of January this year (January 24-25, 2026)

On the first weekend of March of this year, the BDM 102K Ultra was held. This is the more popular distance as I got 214 Letters of Intent from the runners. Out of the 214 runners who were accepted, 155 joined the event. 72% of those who were accepted joined the event.

There had been some minor problems in the conduct of this event but they were fixed immediately with the help of the LGUs and my staff. But overall, the event was conducted without any untoward incidents and problems/concerns from the runners. This event was a success. And it is for this reason (again!) that I have decided to limit the number of runners to 150.