The 160 Km Journey

As soon as the Emcee, John Medinger, publisher & editor-in-chief of Ultrarunning Magazine, announced that Kilian Jornet was a few meters aways from the entrance of the Oval Track, I purposely went down to the sides of the Finish Arc and positioned myself on the left side of the gallery.

I was standing on the gallery and on my left was a guy who was wearing a Hawaiian Shirt and denim pants. There was no way that I could see his frontal appearance as we were standing side by side. As soon as Kilian Jornet crossed the Finish Line, I must have said something about the physical description of the Champion. In my recollection, I might have said, “He’s small as an ultrarunner”! And then the guy on my left said something and our conversation started.

I will mention him in our conversation as the Hawaiian Guy and our conversation went this way. (Actually, he did almost all the talking and I could hardly comprehend/understand some lines that he said. I hope I can accurately relate what transpired in that brief talk with this guy).

Hawaiian Guy: Kilian Jornet is a kind and sweet person. We had been “twitting” with each other months before this race. I knew what he went through in his training and preparation.

Bald Runner: He’s too small and light to be an ultrarunner. He came prepared for this year!

HG: Kilian Jornet is a honest man and he was very transparent on his preparations towards this prestigious event.

BR: Yes, I’ve seen his Kilian Quest Videos in the Internet and he is really good. And he has the full support of Salomon.

Our conversation was interrupted with the announcements of the Emcee and some moments of taking some pictures of the Champion. As the second runner, Mike Wolfe, crossed the finish line, we continued our conversation.

The guy kept on talking about the challenges and the hardships that the elite and the average runners had gone through in their training and most of all, to come up with their respective goal in finishing the race on hand. I just kept nodding my head and sending the message to the guy that I understood all the things that he was teling me.

And suddenly, I’ve asked the following questions:

BR: Did you have the chance to participate in this race? Are you waiting for a particular runner to arrive at the Finish Line?

HG: I finished this race for THREE times! And this is the only time I came to be an spectator in this race for the past 22 years. I was the CHAMPION in the 1989 Edition and my name is Mark Brotherton! This is the old WS 100 Belt Buckle that I won as the Champion then. (Showing me his BIG Champion SILVER WS100 Belt Buckle as he turned his body to his right!)

BR: Ohhh…Wow!!! Awesome!!! (Surprised with BIG eyes!!!) I am Jovie and I am from Manila, Philippines. This is my first time to watch this event and see the terrain of the route. I came here to run for MIWOK 100 but I was injured and I extended my stay here to see the real action of the top ultra trail runners in this event.

Mark Brotherton: Very nice! I have friends who are Filipinos and they are the “best” Registered Nurses in the whole world. As a Medical Doctor, I’ve worked with them. They are kind, loyal and industrious. Do you have plans of participating in this race in the future?

BR: Thanks for that nice compliment to our nurses. Well…I hope I am still strong to finish a 100-mile run in 30 hours with my age of 60 years old by next year. I have to qualify first. I have to improve my 50-mile finish time.

MB: You can finish it. Just prepare and train for it. Wait…I think there is a famous ultramarathon race in the Philippines which I discovered while I was browsing the Internet 2-3 nights ago. I think…it’s the BATAAN DEATH MARCH!!!!

BR: (Surprised…Smiling…with both Eyes wide-open!) Oh, yes…we have that race in the Philippines and I am the Creator and Race Director of the said event and we had this year’s 3rd edition last March. This year, we did the first BDM 100-Mile Run where the finish line is the very same place where the POWs Concentration Camp was located in Camp ODonnell, Tarlac.

MB: Wow! It’s a honor to meet you!

BR: It’s my pleasure also to meet and talk to a Legend and Champion of the Western States 100!

MB: We have to look where Kilian Jornet is right now and I have to meet him.

BR: OK, I have to look for my wife, too! And then try to have a picture with Kilian.

As we were going on a separate direction, Mark said something which I could vaguely understand…but there were words which I could understand.

Mark Brotherton: Jovie, thanks for the conversation. I hope you will not say I am “Mr GAGO” if you relate this story to your friends.

Bald Runner: No! I will not do that! Bye..Thanks! (At the back of my mind, I was thinking that Mark B must be fluent in Tagalog as he is associated with Filipino nurses in the hospital. Well, I just said to myself…if there is “LADY GAGA”, why not for a “GENTLEMAN GAGO” as a name of a male singer? hahaha! I am sure, he should be a Pinoy!)

As soon as I was back at the Hotel, I immediately opened my laptop and browsed the Internet to find out more about Mark Brotherton. This is what the results are: 1985 WS 100; 1987 WS 100; and 1989 WS 100.

As the Champion in the 1989 edition of the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Race, his finish time was 16:53:39 hours. In this year’s edition, his time would land on the 13th position which is still considered as solid, heroic, fast, and strong finish.

He is now one of my “friends” on Facebook and we exchange “comments” with one another. I know he will be the first one who will read this post as soon as I publish it.

With his permission, I am posting some of his pictures that I “grabbed” from his Profile at Facebook.

Janelle & Mark Brotherton (Note: The Hawaiian Shirt & WS100 Silver Buckle)

WS 100 Champion Mark Brotherton In Action

Yes, he is also sporting a “Bald” look!!!

This confirms my theory (again??) that “Bald Runners” are the best Ultra Runners!!!! (Joke!)

Birth of an Idea/Concept

The idea was brought about by my invitation as the Guest of Honor and Speaker during the Araw ng Kagitingan  Bike/Cycling Event sponsored by the Philippine Veterans Administration Office under the Chairmanship of DND’s Undersecretary Ernesto Carolina which was held on the 1^st week of April 2010. The cycling event consisted of Officers and EPs of the AFP and other Bike Clubs in Metro Manila and other provinces within the suburbs of Metro Manila. Almost 200 cyclists attended the event where they started at the BDM Shrine in Mariveles, Bataan and finished inside the Capas National Shrine, passing through the historical markers and Kilometer Posts of the Bataan Death March in the Old Railway Stations in San Fernando and Capas, Tarlac.

As most of the cyclists arrived in the early afternoon, I asked a lot of cyclists with cyclometer on their bikes on the actual distance they have traveled or biked on the said route. More than four cyclists registered a distance of 151 kilometers as they ended on the last Flagpole of the Capas National Shrine. This gave me the idea that the distance from Mariveles, Bataan to Capas National Shrine could be a running event that would completely commemorate the distance travelled by the POWs by march and by train.

Planning

Being “low-tech” and non-Google Map expert, I started to plan the route by actually going to the area and recon the place where the runners would continue as soon as they reached BDM Km Post 102 in San Fernando, Pampanga. My former multi-day run from Manila to Baguio City using the McArthur Highway gave the idea to let the runners take this road as they proceed to the Old Railway Station in Capas, Tarlac. (There was no way for me to trace the old railway that connects San Fernando, Pampanga and Capas, Tarlac.)

I considered in my planning that there is a necessity for a “test run” for the BDM 151 runners, at least, one month before the Race Day and it would be an easy 49K long run.

I made an announcement in my blog that there will be a longer version of the BDM Ultra Marathon Race which will end at the Capas National Shrine in Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac sometime in May/June 2010. I received a lot of comments from friends and Finishers of the 2010 BDM 102 that it would be a big challenge on their part and they were amenable to join the said extended distance. In addition to the said positive and encouraging comments, some of the runners intimated that if possible, I could extend it to 160K so that the runners would be able to experience a solo 100-Mile Run. Initially, I did not approve of it because there is no historical basis to extend the Bataan Death March as what was stated in the books of history.

In one meeting with my brother, General Samuel, on the third quarter of last year, he told me to contact another General who is now the Historical Officer of the AFP, General Aguilar. Through these good Generals, they informed me that the POW Concentration Camp at Camp O’Donnell was divided into Two Sectors/Areas. Sector/Area 1 is the same area where the Capas National Shrine was established and it was the POW Concentration Camp of the Filipino & Militia contingents; while Sector/Area 2 which is now the area occupied by the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and Light Armor Division (LAD) of the Philippine Army was the POW Concentration Camp of the US troops before they were finally transferred to Nueva Ecija in June/July of 1942.

So, the BDM 151 could be extended for another 9-10 kilometers just to meet the requirements of a 160K Run with the purpose of letting the runners reach the TRADOC, PA area and back to finish inside the Capas National Shrine. The DPWH Km Post 118 along the Capas-Sta Juliana Road was used as the turn-around point for the course. I had to measure this distance again from the Gate of the Capas National Shrine up to Km Post 118 just to make sure that it will be 160 kilometers.

Advance Scheduling

Due to the increasing number of applicants for the 3^rd BDM 102K Ultra Marathon Race which breached the 200 limit of runners, I decided to schedule the BDM 160K in advance, at least, one week before the main event, which is the BDM 102K. The reasons were for the safety and control of the runners. Also, I don’t like that my attention and focus will be divided to two different races in one day in two different finishing areas. It would not be possible for me to be shuttling from one finish line to another with 58 kilometers in between each other!

With the BDM 102 as the main event, I decided that the focus and attention should be concentrated on the supervision and administration of the 1^st BDM 160K Ultra Marathon Race due to its being the longest, hardest, and most challenging distance. This will entail a lot of pre-positioning of our time stations/checkpoints and mobile marshals within the distance of 160 kilometers.

It was an action that I have to take risk as most of the participants from outside the country were pissed off or complained due to another adjustment in their flight schedules. I am really sorry for those who were affected by this decision but in the end it was the right decision in order to have a successful result in this event. I hope that those who were not able to join this event due to such decision would be able to come and join the event in its second edition.

Ultra Marathon Clinic

At least 4-5 sessions of lecture had been conducted at the Philippine Army Officers’ Clubhouse Lecture Room ranging from subject topics like Training, Strengthening Program, Hydration, Apparel, Nutrition, Race Strategy, Support Crew Tips and Techniques, Reminders and Rules & Regulations, Heat Training and others. It was the lecture of Atty Jonnifer Lacanlale that gave the insight among the participants on what it takes to finish a 100-Mile Ultra Trail Run as he just finished the GNW 100-Mile Endurance Run in Australia.

Test Run

There was only one scheduled “test run” for the BDM 160 runners which was held at least one month before Race Day. The “test run” was from BDM Km Post 102 in San Fernando to the Finish Line, a distance of 58 kilometers. I scheduled it to start in the late afternoon, 5:00 PM, which is the estimated time that the lead runners would reach the area on Race Day. And I was right in my estimation for the said start as compared on what really happened on Race Day. The runners were exposed on what it felt to run on night time along the dusty and traffic areas on the stretch of San Fernando-Angeles-Mabalacat-Bamban Areas, and the cold breeze (and lots of dogs) as they run along the Capas-Sta Juliana Road and ending at the Gate of the Capas National Shrine.

Registration Fees

The registration fee is costly if compared with the BDM 102K Race. This race and the  experience you get has a “class” of its own because of its historic significance, the procurement of the “Finisher’s Silver Buckle”, and being the most prestigious extreme running event in the country today. There will come a time that this event will be participated by those who have saved their money and well-trained & sincerely prepared  for the event.

Qualifications

I became strict on this matter as I advised late applicants that they have to finish first the BDM 102 before they could be considered and invited to join this premier event. The foreign runners from USA had finished 100-Mile Endurance Runs and I accepted them. The Singaporean Runners had to finish a 100K Running Event within the cut-off time of 18 hours within the year prior to the event just to be able to qualify to join the BDM 160K. I am glad they complied with this requirement in one of their ultra races in Singapore.

I have to turn down triathletes who applied and had finished 70.3 Ironman or Kona Ironman because of the reason that they have to finish first the BDM 102K Ultra Marathon Race before their application will be considered to join the BDM 160. It is not a guarantee that an Ironman Finisher would be able to finish the BDM 160K without trying and qualifying first in the BDM 102K.

Race Day (February 26-27, 2011)

Fifty-Nine (59) “brave warriors” toed the starting line inside the BDM Shrine in Mariveles, Bataan at 5:00 AM of Saturday, February 26, 2011 for another historic moment in the history of running in the country. The BDM 160K Ultra Marathon Race is the first 100-Mile Solo Road Race in the country which is doubly significant because it is a tribute and commemoration of the infamous Bataan Death March in April 1942.

Out of the 59 runners, 7 are foreign runners—2 from the USA and 5 from Singapore; and four (4) ladies—2 locals and 2 foreigners.

After a short program that consists of an invocation (by Jonel Mendoza), singing of the US (by Gilbert Gray) & Philippine National Anthems (by all the runners & crew), and a brief final instructions by the RD, the gun went off at exactly 5:47 AM. The runners left the BDM Shrine with a slow jog and most just walked due to the heavy traffic of vehicles and personnel near the Shrine.

BDM Km Post #14

After two kilometers, the runners had stretched out on the left side of the road while their support vehicle had to “leap frog” to Kilometer Post #7 and wait for their respective runners to arrive thereat. After one hour had elapsed, the 59 runners have already covered a stretched distance of 14 kilometers, with the 3 lead runners (Lacanlale, Iglesia, Santos) reaching the Km Post 14 in 1:12 hours which was a very fast pace for a 100-Mile race on the early part of the event. As the first group of runners had cleared Km Post #14, the last runner (Wenceslao), while brisk walking, just passed by Km Post #7. Despite the increase in elevation on the 1^st 7 kilometers to about 800 meters and the strong headwind meeting the runners on top of the mountains and hills of Mariveles, the lead runners maintained their fast pace (5:08 mpk) as if they were running a Marathon Race.

The fast pace could be attributed by the cooler temperature prevailing on the early morning of Saturday; the strong wind and breeze; the overcast sky; and the pressure within each runner and the competition.

The second group of leading runners at Km #14 with one minute difference from the 1^st group consisted of Albert Salazar, Junrox Roque, and Gene Olvis and the group of Singaporean runners  (Wee, Sean Say, & Paulina) were trailing them with a difference of two minutes. Jonel Mendoza, General Narcise, Lemuel Narcise and John Jeffrey Avellino’s were on the middle of the stretch of runners with 28 minutes behind the leaders and they were running at an average pace of 7:08 minutes per kilometer. While the last runner, Jael Wenceslao, was able to clear Km Post #14 in 2:09 hours (9:13 mpk pace).

BDM Km Post #23 

At the next critical intersection at Km Post #23, Jonnifer Lacanlale & Wilnar Iglesia were running together and reached the place in 2:26 hours. They slowed down to an average pace of 6:20 mpk because of the terrain of the route as it was a rolling road. Behind them in 3^rd with 4 minutes difference was Gene Olvis and followed by Junrox Roque and Totoy Santos. A 10-minute difference from Totoy Santos, Say Huat Tan & Paulina Tanoto had been established as they arrived at the intersection. Victor Ting, General Narcise, Jonel Mendoza, and Lemuel Narcise were still at the middle of the pack where they reached the intersection in 3:28 hours. Abe Lim and Gilbert Gray, both from the USA were ranked #38 & 39, respectively, with an identical time of 3:32 hours. Consistently, Jael Wenceslao reached the intersection as the last runner #59 in 4:13 hours with an average pace of 11 mpk!

BDM Km Post #32

The sun started to appear and the sky became clear from clouds when the runners were about to reach the intersection at Km Post #32. Wilnar Iglesia was already leading at this point with 4 minutes ahead of Jonnifer Lacanlale. Iglesia reached this point at 2:58 hours. Gene Olvis and Junrox Roque were trailing Lacanlale with 2 minutes difference. Totoy Santos was on 5^th place with 13 minutes difference from Olvis & Roque. Totoy Santos was followed by the Singaporean Runners (Sean Say, Hong Soon, Wee Tech & Paulina) and reached the Km Post #32 in 3:26 hours. Aniceto Grimaldo, Jonel Mendoza, and General Samuel Narcise were at the middle of the pack with a time of 4:21 hours. They were followed by Blas Ople Tiangco, Mark Hernandez, and Julius Giron with a time of 4:25 hours. Eventually, Gilbert Gray and Abe Lim from the USA had improved their ranking/standing when they reached this point. The two runners were ranked #33 & #34, respectively. Jael Wenceslao was still the last runner who reached this point in 5:15 hours.  

BDM Km Post #50

Wilnar Iglesia was the first runner to reach this point in 4:27 hours with 10 minutes difference from Jonnifer Lacanlale who was the second runner. 3^rd runner was Gene Olvis with a time of 5:00 hours. Sean Say Huat Tan of Singapore was the 4^th runner in 5:04 hours followed by Junrox Roque in 5:13 hours. Junrox was followed by Wee Tech Hian and Seah Hong Soon after 7 minutes. Totoy Santos and Paulina Tanoto arrived #8 & #9, respectively, with a time of 5:34 hours. Gilbert Gray of USA was able to gain grounds as he improved his standing to #18 as he reached this point in 6:33 hours. Jonel Mendoza has also gained grounds from #25 in Km Post #32 to #20 as he reached this point. Mark Hernandez and Julius Giron were still together and ranked # 22 & #23 with a time of 6:44 hours, followed by General Samuel Narcise with 14 minutes difference. Jael Wenceslao was no longer the last runner when he reached this point in 7:41 hours and gained grounds to be ranked #51. Junar Layug & Joseph Soriao were the last runners to arrive with an identical time of 8:06 hours.

RD’s Personal Observation From BDM Km Post #50 to #97 

After the 59 runners arrived at BDM Km Post #50 in Abucay, Bataan, I left the place aboard my vehicle and took the Roman Highway so that I can catch up with the lead runners before they would reach the intersection that goes to the town of Guagua, Pampanga after passing Lubao, Pampanga. I brought a Race Marshal to be prepositioned on the said intersection.

At the vicinity BDM Km Post #80 (before reaching the Poblacion of Lubao, Pampanga), I saw Jonnifer Lacanlale brisk walking on the left side of the road and I asked him what is the problem or “issues” he was encountering. I slowed down driving my vehicle and asked him about his situation. He gave me a body language that sent me a message that he is “giving way” for the stronger runners and had some problems with his quad muscles due to stiffness and cramps. I smiled at him and shouted that he can still make it and be able to recover along the way. To be accurate, I shouted at him, “Kaya mo pa yan!” Pwede ka pang maka-recover niyan!” and gave him the “thumb-up” sign before I left him.

I tried to catch up with the lead runner/s as I proceeded to the Poblacion of Guagua, Pampanga. The first runner I was able to catch up (after leaving Jon Lacanlale) was Gene Olvis and tried to ask about his condition and he answered that he was doing fine. As I moved forward, I saw Sean Say Huat Tan approaching Km Post #85 and he was the second place runner at this point. I tried to ask him about his condition and he answered that he was doing fine. I gave him a “thumb-up” sign before I left him.

After positioning my Race Marshals at the Poblacion of Guagua, Pampanga, I proceeded to Bacolor, Pampanga, towards San Fernando, Pampanga, just to find out where Wilnar Iglesia was located. I was surprised to see him running towards BDM Km Post #97 and he was strong with a consistent pace. I asked him if he is ok and he replied with a positive answer. I could only conclude at this point that the lead runner was already ahead by 12 kilometers from the second runner.

As I returned to Poblacion of Guagua, Pampanga and to pick-up my Race Marshal at vicinity Km Post #83, I saw Sean Say Huat Tan approaching BDM Km Post #89 and Gene Olvis trailing him. After I picked up my Race Marshal at Km Post #83, I turned around and proceeded back to Guagua Poblacion. As I approached Guagua Poblacion, I saw Jon Lacanlale jogging & shuffling and he told me that he was able to recover and he is bouncing back on the race. At this point, my staff informed me that Wilnar Iglesia was approaching the BDM Km Post #102 with a time of 10:20 hours!

After 10+ hours had elapsed, the 59 runners have already stretched out within the distance of 35 kilometers in between the lead runner and the last runner!

BDM Km Post #83

At this point, Wilnar Iglesia was leading the runners with a time difference of 47 minutes from the 2^nd runner, Sean Say Huat Tan and arrived with a time of 7:14 hours. The 2^nd runner arrived at 8:01 hours. Gene Olvis was 3^rd runner with a time of 8:11 hours while Jon Lacanlale arrived with a time of 8:40 hours. Singapore runners Wee Tech Hian and Hong Soon were ranked # 5 & #6, respectively with 19 minutes difference from Jon Lacanlale. Gilbert Gray from the USA improved his standing at this point and landed at #12 with a time of 11:16 hours. Ariel Cortez of the Philippine Army was ahead of him who arrived 6 minutes earlier with a time of 11:10 hours. Jonel Mendoza slowly improved his standing by placing #18 with a time of 12:45 hours. Mark Hernandez arrived at this point with a rank of #21 with a time of 12:57 hours followed by General Samuel Narcise in 13:00 hours. Jael Wenceslao had tremendously gained grounds at this point where he landed as #30 (from #51 @ Km Post #50) with a time of 13:23 hours. Patrick Alcomendas, who was consistently on the upper half of the runners, had slowed down and eventually arrived as runner #48 with a time of 14:26 hours. Joseph Soria was the last runner to arrive with a time of 15:03 hour.

Only 53 runners arrived and crossed this point. Six (6) runners have declared themselves as DNF.

BDM Km Post #102

Wilnar Iglesia reached this point in 10:20+ hours as the leading runner. Gene Olvis was the 2^nd runner to arrive with a gap of 1:26 hours from the lead runner. Sean Say Huat Tan was 3^rd with 5 minutes difference from the 2^nd runner with a time of 11:51 hours. Jon Lacanlale was 4^th with a time of 12:36 hours followed by Seah Hong Soon in 12:44 hours and Wee Tech Hian in 12:59 hours. Francisco Lapira was trailing Paulina Tanoto with 3 minutes difference as he arrived in # 9 with a time of 13:45 hours. Gilbert Gray had overtaken Ariel Cortez and Junrox Roque and placed #10 as he reached this point in 13:53 hours. Albert Salazar had also recovered and arrived as #15 with a time of 15:10 hours. Kelly Lim was the 2^nd woman to arrive as #21 with a time of 16:27 followed by Abe Lim of the USA with a time of 16:28 hours. Unfortunately, Abe Lim had to wave and drop the towel once he crossed BDM Post #102. General Samuel Narcise was able to overtake Jonel Mendoza along the way as the General arrived as #23 with a time of 16:31 hours followed by Joma Galauran in 16:41 hours and Jonel Mendoza in 16:42 hours.

Haide Acuna was the 3^rd lady runner to cross the BDM Km Post #102 in 17:34 hours and ranked #37. Raiza Tulan was the 4^th and last lady runner that reached this point in 17:39 hours. The last runner who cleared this point in 18 hours was Dionam Basco and the rest of the runners behind him were declared DNF.

After 18 hours of running, only 49 runners were left on the road with the goal to reach the finish line within the cut-off time of 30 hours. Ten (10) runners eventually were declared as DNF.

BDM 160K Km Post #135 (@ Vicinity Bamban Bridge)

Wilnar Iglesia arrived at this point in 14:21 hours with a time difference of 1:56 hours from the 2^nd runner, Sean Say Huat Tan who arrived at 16:17 hours. Eight (8) minutes later, Gene Olvis arrived as the 3^rd runner with a time of 16:25 hours. Jon Lacanlale was 4^th trailing behind Gene Olvis by 27 minutes and arrived at this point in 16:52 hours. Sean Hong Song was the 5^th runner with a time of 17:30 hours and trailing behind Jon Lacanlale with a time difference of 38 minutes. Wee Tech Hian was the 6^th runner with 15 minutes behind Hong Soon. Arman Fernando was able to gain grounds as he was able to overtake Francisco Lapira and Gilbert Gray and put himself to number #8 with a time of 18:15 hours. Paulina Tanoto, the 1^st woman in the race, placed #11 with a time of 20:15 hours. Julius Giron was able to overtake Junrox Roque and he placed #15 with a time of 21:43 hours with Junrox Roque trailing behind with 9 minutes difference. Jael Wenceslao was already ranked as #18 with a time of 22:05 hours at this point and was able to jump from #30 @ BDM Km Post #102. (This guy really conserved his energy during the daytime run and only to get stronger during the night run!) Jonel Mendoza was steadily maintaining his pace with a time of 23:52 hours while General Samuel was following him with a gap of 8 minutes and a time of 24:00 hours.

At this point, my time marshals had only listed 35 runners who passed the Bamban Bridge with the last runner, Arturo Virata, with a time of 24:22 hours and it was already 6:09 AM of Sunday.

The remaining runners have only 6 hours left before the cut-off time of 30 hours with 25 kilometers to go. Severe running–related injuries would be the only reasons why any one of them would not reach and cross the Finish Line and declare themselves as DNF. The mental challenge was on the mind of each of the runner at this point.

@ Highway Post #118/Turn-Around Point on the last 5K

As I approached the turn-around point at Km 118 near the TRADOC, PA Compound in Camp O’Donnell to check if my route marshal had been positioned thereat, I saw Wilnar Iglesia and his Pacer brisk walking in his half-naked attire with long tights as he was 100 meters away from the turn-around point. I said some encouraging words to him that he could finish the race in sub-18 hours! He looked pale and tired but I could see in his eyes the determination to finish the race with a good time.

I left him on the road and proceeded directly inside the Capas National Shrine to set-up the Finish Line Banner, the electrical lightings, and prepare for the Silver Buckle and other awards/souvenirs for the finishers. I knew I have a lead time of almost one hour before he finally arrives inside the Shrine.

Finish Line @ Capas National Shrine

Wilnar Iglesia arrived and crossed the Finish Line at exactly 11:22 PM of Saturday evening with an official time of 17:35:48 hours. It took him 3:14 hours to cover the last 25K-leg of the race. After the traditional “hug” from the RD, I gave him his Awards—1^st BDM 160K Silver Buckle; #1 Finisher’s Medallion, BDM Km Post Trophy, and Finisher’s T-Shirt with Collar. He was apologetic to me for having slowed down and walked on the last 9 kilometers of the race and thereby extending so much time for me to wait for him to cross the Finish Line. This guy is so humble!

From here, it was a waiting game for me for the next runner/s to arrive. The Shrine was so silent and the place was windy and cold. It was past midnight already and I was shivering from the cold breeze of the early morning. Even if I was wearing a thick Adidas Cotton Track Suit with a T-Shirt inside, I was still feeling cold that I have to get inside my vehicle just to be able to warm myself.

After 3:17 hours, I was surprised to see Jonnifer Lacanlale approaching the Finish Line Banner from a distance of 10 meters! He was running like hell and as fast as possible as if somebody was trying to catch and kill him from behind! He was trying to catch his breath and perspiring like he was running under the heat of the sun when I hugged him! After the traditional hug, he immediately lie down on the cemented steps of the Shrine to rest. His official finish time is 20:52:18 hours!

Almost 2 minutes after Jon Lacanlale crossed the Finish Line, Gene Olvis was also sprinting so fast to cross the finish line as if he had seen a ghost along the 400-meter paved stretch of the Capas National Shrine! Gene was able to register an official time of 20:54:08 hours placing himself as the 3^rd runner to cross the Finish Line. I overheard Gene saying the following to Jon Lacanlale, “Pare, ang lakas-lakas mo!” Through the blog of Jon Lacanlale, I found out that these “two warriors” battle it out on the last 5K of the course with a blistering pace of a 5,000-meter run in an oval track!

And the rest is history.

Sean Say Huat Tan of Singapore arrived as the 4^th runner in 21:07:42 hours. Wee Tech Hian, another Singapore runner arrived as the 5^th runner with a time of 21:44:06 hours. Totoy Santos arrived as the 6^th runner followed by a teary-eyed Sean Hong Soon of Singapore as the 7^th runner in 22:30:11.

Arman Fernando was so gentleman enough not to overtake Sean Hong Soon who finished ahead of him by mere 5 seconds! Arman placed #8 with an official time of 22:30:16 hours. I found out later that he really wanted to be ranked as #8 Finisher because it’s his favorite number. He even reserved the Race Bib #688 for this race. So, he got his lucky number in this race, from Start to Finish!

Francisco Lapira crossed the finish line as #9 with an official time of 23:21:10 hours. His hug was a memorable one as he lifted me for a few seconds in the air. Gilbert Gray from the USA, carrying the flags of the USA and Philippines, followed in a few seconds as the #10 with a time of 23:21:25 hours. While he was hugging me, he also lifted me into the air. These guys are really big and strong and still have the strength to carry me after going through a 100-Mile run. These guys are simply amazing!

Ariel Cortez, a First Lieutenant of the Philippine Army, arrived at the Finish Line at sunrise with an official time of 24:49:39 hours placing him in #11^th position. After one hour, Jael Wenceslao arrived with his wife, Cookie, as his Official Pacer with a time of 25:49:33 hours placing him in #12^th position. Jael was sporting a “Tony Krupicka”-look (half-naked with very short running shorts) without the long hair and mustache/beard!

The first woman finisher, Paulina Tanoto of Singapore, followed as the #13^th runner with a time of 25:56:37 hours. The 2^nd woman finisher, Kelly Lim, proudly carried the Singapore Flag as she crossed the finish line as # 29 with a time of 28:54:38 hours. She had to be given with a seat after she crossed the Finish Line and she was seated while I was giving her awards.

General Samuel Narcise finally entered the Gate of the Capas National Shrine with so much time to spare before the cut-off time of 30 hours. He was declared finisher #31 as he crossed the Finish Line in 29:18:20 hours.

At this moment, I started to ask the location and condition of my friend, Jonel Mendoza. As the minutes and seconds ticked before the cut-off time of 30 hours, I received information that he had 18 kilometers more to go before he reaches the Finish Line and he had some “issues” to deal with. I advised his crew for him to finish the race even beyond the cut-off time. As I closed the arrival of the Official Finishers of the race, I got information that he declared himself as DNF for the race.

Officially, 34 runners, out of the 59 starters, finished the race within the cut-off time of 30 hours. At exactly 11:47 AM of Sunday noon, the official time was closed.

Unofficial Finishers

I maybe harsh and strict with my rules and regulations in my races but there are also ways and means where I could be very kind and generous to my runner-competitors. It is for this reason that I waited for the arrival of the remaining runners who forced themselves to keep up the challenge to finish the FIRST 100-Mile Run in the country and get the reward for their accomplishment. Although I don’t include them in my Official List or Result of my races, I will mention them and acknowledge their accomplishment through this blog. (These guys should be paying me an extra compensation for waiting for them up to 6 hours under the heat of the sun!)

#35 Ramon Gillego—–30:23:27 hours

#36 Haide Acuna (F)—31:08:05 hours

#37 Mar Marilag ——-34:05:54 hours

#38 Christopher Montaos—36:05:08 hours

Except for the BDM 160K Silver Belt Buckle, these 4 “brave runners” received their Bataan 160K Finisher’s Medallion, BDM Km Post Trophy, and Finisher’s T-Shirt.

Conclusion

My special gratitude and thanks to all the runners who had the courage to be a part of this historic event in running in this country. Each of these runners has their own story to tell as they could even write a book out of their failures and victories in order to explore and go beyond their physical and mental limits. These runners, whether they are finishers or not, will serve as inspiration to upcoming ultra runners in this country.

The “flood gates” had been opened and we have proven that we can conduct a 100-mile road race in our country despite our hot and humid weather (without corporate sponsors). We have proven also that we are already known by other countries and ultra runners worldwide that there is a historic Bataan Death March Ultra Marathon Race which could be done ONLY on the very exact place where history/event had happened. There is only ONE Bataan Death March Route and it is located in the very heart of our country.

This road race will remain to be the ultimate test to runners who have properly trained and prepared for the daunting distance. This race is not for the fast runners but a race for the patient, matured, strong, smart, and have the positive determination to finish the race.

See you on the next edition of the BDM 160K Ultra Marathon Race!

This is a classic example of a run with fun and a chance to enjoy the company of other runners in a very relaxed atmosphere. The history of FAT ASS runs around the world had been fully described by Atty Jon Lacanlale in his blog and through his initiative, he was able to introduce the first edition last year. It was too late already to join this event last year when I decided to bring the whole Elite Team Bald Runner to Cebu City for the City’s first Marathon Race.

When Atty Lacanlale announced in his blog about the 2^nd edition of FAT ASS, I immediately applied for the 12-hour event and officially endorsed the said event to those who will be joining the Bataan Death March (BDM) Ultramarathon Race. True enough, the event’s applicants grew in numbers.

With Ultrarunner Patrick Before The Start (Photo Courtesy of Irene Ong)

I arrived at the Clark Air Base Parade Ground at 5:30 AM last Saturday and immediately proceeded at the Starting & Assembly Area. I was surprised to see that some parts within the Area had been transformed to a Camping Ground where I saw a lot of individual and “two-some” Camping Tents used by the runners. I would assume that these runners spent their Friday night at the Parade Ground.

Atty Jon, Don and the rest of the Team Clark were there to assist the participants in their registration. The race’s processing of participants was so simple and additional instructions were presented by Atty Lacanlale. We were warned that the run will start at 6:20 AM.

These are Serious Runners! (Eugene, Jonel, Paolo, Camilla)

We were instructed to run along the paved path/road around the parade ground where each loop would cover a distance of 2.2 kilometers. Each runner would simply write the time as shown on the official clock once he/she completes a loop on the tabulation where the list of runners are posted. It is mandatory for each runner to make an entry on the tabulation every time he/she finishes a loop. In between each loop, a runner could do anything he likes. He could walk, rest, sit, sleep, eat, go to anywhere else, take a shower, or make a side trip inside the base. The overall atmosphere of the running event was very relaxed and exciting.

Start of the Run!

On Our Early Loops For The Day

With less than a hundred of runners combined from the 24-hour; first wave of the 12-hour and 6-hour runners, the race/run started with a jovial and very relaxed mood. After completing one loop, I immediately made an assessment of the runners joining this event. First observation is that there are serious runners who joined to make sure that the official record made last year will be broken; second, most of the runners who were there are participants in the BDM 160 & BDM 102 Ultra Races who are building-up their mileages and putting more time on their feet; third, runners who are there for the fun of it and the experience. I guess, I belong to the third group of runners.

Runners In Action ( With Camilla & Cesar)

Nice Scenery & Place To Run

Having been on treatment and rehabilitation on my latest calf muscle injury for the past month, I treated this run as my “comeback” run and my formal start of training for the year. Initially, I planned to test the possibility of evaluating what an ultra runner would experience if he/she maintains an average pace of 10 minutes per kilometer for the duration of a 12-hour running event. This is one way of validating the degree of difficulty or comfortability of a runner and/or the possibility of a runner to meet or qualify to finish the BDM 160 within the cut-off time of 28 hours. I used myself as the subject of the experiment even if I am still recovering from an injury which is a good way to control my urge to run at a faster pace.

Focus...No Pain...Focus...No Pain...Focus...No Pain...(Photo By Irene Ong)

I made some simple mathematical computations on this matter. If a runner consistently run an average pace of 10 minutes per kilometer, he could finish 6 kilometers per hour. By multiplying 28 hours with 6 kms/hour, it has a result of 168 kilometers which is more than the 160 kilometers needed to complete the race. To be exact/accurate, a runner that could maintain this average pace of 10 mins/km, would reach the finish line in 27 hours and 39 minutes!

However, 10 minutes is too long and too much time to finish one kilometer! Maybe, a runner could make some adjustments on this pace. He/She could run continuously for 8 minutes and walk the remaining 2 minutes and repeat the process 160 times. Or run continuously for 48 minutes and then walk for 12 minutes in order to cover a distance of 6 kilometers! The combination of running/jogging and walking are endless but what is important is for the runner to be crossing the finish line within the cut-off time of 28 hours for a 160-Km Road Race.

Running & Pacing With BDM Veteran Caloy

I finished my first loop of 2.2 kilometers in 18:45 minutes based from my GF 305. It is very slow but I feel comfortable. The air was cold that I did not perspire for the next 3 loops but ended up urinating and going to the bathroom every time I finished a loop! Despite the walking breaks towards the tabulation to encode my time; relaxing breaks devoted to drinking of water & eating some food; and for those “pee” breaks to the nearest bathroom, I was able to run 3 loops with at least few minutes to spare before making one hour of elapsed time. Conservatively, I could run 6.6 kilometers for one hour which is more than the distance I have planned for!

Bold & Bald Runner @ 2011 FAT ASS (Photo Courtesy of Yasmin Dizon)

 But things changed after the sun was already heating up the whole place. I started to perspire and my visit to the bathroom to pee started to become at a ratio of 2 loops for every pee break. For every loop that I finished, I forced myself to brisk walk for 2 minutes before I start my run again. This was repeated from Loop 4 to Loop 10. I continuously hydrated myself with water and sports drinks making sure that my renal system is working properly where I take my pee breaks every after 2 loops. I drank 350 mL of water per loop and on the next loop would be a sports drinks—Gatorade or Powerade. Every after running for 3 loops, I would drink one bottle of Ensure Plus (350 calories per bottle) and eat one sandwich with Cheez Whiz spread. After my 10^th Loop, I’ve observed that I could maintain an average pace of 8:45 to 9:30 minutes per kilometer and I was able to maintain an average of 3 loops per hour or 6.6 Kilometers per hour. It is a faster pace than what I planned for but my legs were still strong despite from not running for the past month!

After running for 10 loops, I decided to eat for my early lunch. I prepared a Pancit Sotanghon Guisado with Chicken strips and Pork Adobo for the event as my solid Food source. I ate  a lot and finished with some fresh fruits (sliced apple, banana, and water melon) and water. I forced myself to take a nap after my stomach was full on the grass portion beside the route. What is good about the venue is the presence of tall acacia and mahogany trees which provided enough shade for the runners who would opt to do some camping in the area. I think I was able to sleep and rest for one hour and a half!

When I woke up, the direction of the runners around the loop had changed into clockwise direction! The rule states that the direction of the run is changed every 6 hours. We started running the counter-clockwise direction from the start and when I woke up from my sleep, the runners just started to change the direction of the run into clockwise direction.

Running Alone On My Second Half of the 12-Hour Event

The runner’s lane at the Parade Ground looks deceiving. You might think at a glance that it is a plain or flat route but running on it for several loops would show a distinct description of it. If a runner is going north, it is slightly downhill! Which means that if you are running going south, you are going uphill. It follows also that during this time of the year, if you are running northwards, you are meeting the northwind breeze which refreshes your body and you could feel the breeze as the runner’s lane is mostly covered with tall trees. So, you would experience a different challenge as you rack-up those loops and at the same time feel the breeze of the cold air once you are running under those tall trees along the path. Very refreshing and at the same very challenging!

For my remaining time in the 12-hour event, I continuously ran and walked for 13 loops. On the 12^th loop, I completely walked the whole loop and incorporated backward walking for about 800 meters. And on the last loop, I brisk walked and jogged on “barefoot” on mix grass and paved road for 2.2 kilometers. I ended my run even if I still have 30 minutes remaining in my time.

On the first half of my last 13 loops, I could still meet my goal of running at least 3 loops in one hour but later I became slower as it would take from 1:05 hours to 1:15 hours to complete one loop. But the cooler temperatute in the late afternoon would simply encourage and helped me to maintain my pace once again.

NIKE Calf Support Made My Day During This Event

My injury last month is no longer bothering me but on the later part of my last 13 loops, there was a pain on the muscle behind my left knee which continuously appeared and felt whenever I would take my walking breaks after completing a loop. The pain is more pronounced when the course is going northward or “downhill”. Other runners who would pass me when I was walking noticed my “limp” and they would ask me if I was injured. I had to explain to them that there is pain in my leg muscle but once I get into my running mode, it simply disappears! So, on the remaining loops, I would maintain my jogging mode to complete the loop and then took shorter duration of walking breaks. Luckily, I brought my NIKE Calf Support (no longer sold in the market) which I bought two years ago and decided to use it on my left calf where I am always having a muscle tear. It helped me to control and manage anything that would happen again to my left calf and I am positive that it helped me a lot to run the distance.

Officially, I was able to complete 23 loops for the duration of the 12-hour event which could easily pass for an ultramarathon distance. However, based from my GF 305, I was able to cover a distance of 53.7 kilometers with a registered time with my feet on the ground for 8:10:++ hours. The data from the GF 305 shows that I was able to maintain an average pace of 6.6 kilometers per hour for the whole duration of my actual run & walking.

Running for almost 54 kilometers in distance & with accumulated time of 8:10:++ hours after a rest/recovery and rehabilitation for an injury for one month is a feat I’ve done which I am still trying to figure it out. By maintaining my food and hydration; race strategy for the achievable average pace; and the almost perfect ideal running environment (it was too hot near mid-day time!), I did not experience any muscle cramps, nausea, disorientation, dehydration, or any “issues” during the event.

With this personal running experience, I can conclude that an average competitive runner could finish the first BDM 160K Ultramarathon Race within the cut-off time of 28 hours and be able to receive the “first” Finisher’s Belt Buckle Award in the “first” 100-Mile Solo Road Race in the country!

Bald Runner Will Always Aim For the "First"

Running Shoes/Apparel Used:

The North Face Sentinel—used it for 6 loops

ASICS Gel-Tarther—used it for 17 loops

Socks: One Pair of DryMax Socks

Running Shorts & Singlet: ASICS 2010 Air Gear

NIKE Runner’s Cap (Black)

Fort Ilocandia Golf Cap (White)

Oakley Glasses (Asian Fit)

Others:

2 Capsules of Saltstick

1 Capsule of Tylenol 500 mg.

Body Glide (Courtesy of Tin Ferrera)

Congratulations to Atty Jon, Don Ubaldo, and the members of the Team Clark for hosting this wonderful and memorable running event. This is what I like in a running event that is too simple and without any funfare. It is running in its best form and atmosphere with lots of fun and camaraderie with the other runners. And it’s FREE!

Atty Jon Lacanlale & BR (Photo Courtesy of Yasmin Dizon)

Congratulations to all the runners and finishers! I hope you have attained your respective goals in this running event.

See you in next year’s FAT ASS Run!

(Note: Photos Courtesy of Jeffrey Abenina, David Buban and Others)

Bataan Death March Logo

The 1st Lecture for the 2011 BDM 102 was conducted last October 1, 2010 in one of the Function Rooms of the Philippine Army’s Officers’ Clubhouse. It started on time at 6:00 PM in the presence of 15 runner-participants & applicants.

I personally conducted the lecture with the topics, History & Honesty. The following is the summary of the lecture:

History

Based from my readings in history books and personal accounts of survivors of the Bataan Death March of 1942, I discussed to the attendants about the history of the event that happened from April 9-24, 1942 which resulted to the killing and death of an estimated 20,000 POWs during the March and ultimately, during the POWs stay in their Concentration Camp at Camp O’Donnell, Tarlac. These POWs during the March was a combination of Filipinos, Americans, Chinese-Filipinos, and civilians. Literally, these POWs were made to “march” for a distance of 102 kilometers from Mariveles, Bataan to San Fernando, Pampanga; transported by train from San Fernando, Pampanga to Capas, Tarlac; alighted from the Railway Station; and then marched/walked for another 11 kilometers from Capas Poblacion to Camp O’Donnell.

This unfortunate event during the World War II was considered as the most barbaric act in violation of the treatment of POWs as provided by Geneva Act. The people responsible for this dastardly acts during the Bataan Death March were tried by Military Tribunal/Court after the war and they were executed to their death. However, this event in history will be always remembered and commemorated.

The history of the BDM 102K Ultramarathon Event was also discussed with the emphasis that the commemoration of this important event should be done in the very place where the event happened. Some countries had been using BDM as the title of their running events but they are done in their respective countries. It is for this reason that we should continue commemorating this event in the most practical way which is through running an ultramarathon event. It was initially was a dream but through persistence and patience, this event became a reality with the support of runners who believe that it is worth doing in memory of our dead heroes and living survivors of the infamous Bataan Death March.

Honesty

For the past editions of the BDM 102, I always emphasized the “honor system” in a running event. I told to my audience about my personal observations on the actuations of some of the runners and the reports I received from my marshals and staff with regards to honesty in running this event. My past journals/posts about the 1st BDM 102 would explain more about such incidents of breach of honesty during the event.

The 102K distance is daunting and running under the heat of the sun is very challenging. Such distance and challenge would tempt every runner to be honest or not, just to be able to finish the race within the prescribed cut-off time of 18 hours. Finishing an ultramarathon distance is a “mind game” and each of the runner must be able to prepare and train physically and mentally.

We made some adjustments on our protocol in order to monitor our runners along the route but these are not enough to make sure that runners with bad intentions would be detected by our staff/marshals. It is in this view that our outfit would be able to encourage and prepare all interested runners to run along the actual route through “test runs” before the scheduled race day. 

After a brief open forum, the lecture was terminated after one hour.

The next BDM 102 Lecture will be held on October 22, 2010 at the same time and place. One of the top runners in this year’s BDM 102 will be invited as the resource speaker and another resource speaker will be discussing on her experience and “tips” as a Support Crew to her runner-husband.

To all BDM 102 runners, train well and keep strong!

I told him that I don’t want “e-mail interviews” as I prefer to have a “face-to-face” interview with him and other journalists. I could be the conservative type on matters like this but I know that this is the proper way for a writer to actually feel and get a full knowledge about the topic from his source. I would like again to experience those “eye-to-eye” contact while talking to a journalist as I have experienced when I was still in the active military service.

I asked Mr Eric Caruncho to send me “guide questions” through e-mail so that I could prepare for our meeting/interview. I was glad he sent me a list of questions immediately and we set for a meeting a few days after.

So, the meeting was set and Eric arrived ahead of schedule but I was there already at our meeting place before he arrived. I was happy to see him carrying a tape recorder, writing pad, and a ball pen. Great! I have the impression that I am dealing with a real and professional journalist. Over a cup of coffee and a simple Filipino breakfast in one of the Military Golf Courses in Manila, the following story was the result of our meeting-interview.

Thanks, Eric for the nice story! I hope you will regain your love for running with his story.

Links at http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/sim/sim/view/20100918-292999/Back-to-Bataan

 (Source: Sunday Inquirer Magazine dated September 19, 2010)

One month before the race, I made my final implimentation of my race plan by paying my courtesy calls to the different local government units’ executives from the Governor of Ilocos Norte to the Municipal Mayors of Pasuquin, Burgos, Bangui and Pagudpud. Unfortunately, I was not able to personally meet the Governor and the rest of the Municipal Mayors but I was entertained by their staff/secretary as they received my formal letter of intention/request to conduct an ultramarathon event in the province, passing along their respective municipalities.

I was happy and satisfied about the preparation on the security aspect as I was able to personally talk and coordinate with the PNP Provincial Director of Ilocos Norte. Being a PMA Cavalier and underclass, he immediately approved my request with additional support. Local friends involved in local sports with the likes of Dr Chester Puno, one of the participants & finishers of the race, Faivo Bartolome (a Race Organizer/triathlete & Finisher), and the Luis Family of the 5 Sisters Emporium were available during my visits in Laoag City and that they greatly helped in the realization and provision of the much-needed logistics and medical services for the run.

I actually made three trips by bus from Manila to Laoag to bring our logistics requirements and to recon the whole route. Those were tiring trips but I was satisfied with my personal coordination with the local friends who were there on the background to help and make the event a success. On hindsight, my planning and coordination were all worth plus the fact thatI was able to bring the whole staff and elite athletes of Team Bald Runner on those tourist attractions/spots for the first time!

A Briefing and CLP was done to inform and warn the runners that the course will be passing along tourist spots in Ilocos Norted with the exact points and distance along the route. But the main message for the participants was to expect some surprises and challenges during the run. However, I always emphasized the runners of their personal safety and observation of their surroundings while they are on the run. I even informed the group that my staff will wait for the last finisher even beyond the announced cut-off time for the race. 

The Elite Team Bald Runner and my staff left Manila for Laoag City on the evening of Wednesday in order to have ample time to orient my staff and thresh out final coordination for the race. Final Briefing among my staff was done on Thursday on site and each of the members of the team was given their respective job desription for the race.

With proper timing and scheduling, we were abe to start the race before the scheduled time (my signature in all my races!). In conclusion, I think the conduct of the race went successfully well and there had been no major problems with the runners. However, I admit that there are still “kinks” and “lapses” to be solved and attented to in order for me to improve in my next PAU races.

Let me share you my thoughts about running in marathon and ultramarathon races.

I’ve been running for almost 40 years and I had also been running competitively with the same number of years. I’ve started finishing Marathon Races here and abroad since in the early 80s and I could not count anymore the exact number of Marathon Races I’ve finished since then. And two years ago, I got hooked to ultramarathon running and this is the reason why I came up with the Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race, simply dubbed as “BDM 102″. Later, I created and organized a distinct Sports Federation for Ultrarunning which is now called as “PAU” (Philippine Association of Ultrarunners) with the main objective of promoting the sports and be able to represent the country in international ultrarunning competitions under the auspices of the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU).

With my experience, I would know the “suffering and pain” that each runner would feel and encounter during a race. I would also know the anxiety of each runner within days or few minutes before the start of each race. And I would also know the feeling of joy and jubilation when a runner crosses the Finish Line in every race. Physically, I would know how a runner would look like when he/she finishes a road race because I could identify with them—the sweat/perspiration, the breathing, sunburned & shiny skin, body aches, chafings, blisters, severe pain on the running legs, limping while walking after crossing the finish, and sometimes “disorientation”. 

There are two (2) important things that are common in all my participation to running events: (1) I always finish my race and never had any record of DNF (Did Not Finish) and (2) I never “cheated” or made a “shortcut” of the race route. In all the races that I have organized and directed, I always tell the runner-participants to FINISH the race and maintain the INTEGRITY of the race. Each of the runner should be able to finish the race with their own effort and don’t think that they could “cheat” because nobody would ever see them. Running is supposed to be a noble sports! And if a runner cheats in a race, he/she is cheating himself/herself!

After a thorough investigation, I admit (as the Race Director/Organizer) that some runners “cheated” during the P2P 70K Run last August 29, 2010. We have already identified them and they are no longer allowed to run in our future Bald Runner’s Events and PAU Races. These “cheaters” have destroyed the integrity of the race and they showed disrespect to a race where we invested so much time, money and effort. Without this incident, P2P PAU 70K Run would have been a “perfect” race.

Never cheat in running events, sooner or later, the truth will naturally come out!

I was so excited about this information as this will serve as a venue for the ultrarunners in the United States and other countries to be aware of the presence of an ultrarunning event at the very same place where history happened in the last World War II.

My reply to Ben Gaetos was to request him to buy one copy for me as I thought that the said magazine is available in the newsstands, magazine stores and bookstores in the United States. I found out later that the said magazine is only available to subscribers.

Last week, I was surprised when I received a copy of the said magazine from Ben Gaetos which he sent through First Class on the US Postal Service. Thanks, Ben for sending to me your subscription copy of the Ultrarunning Magazine. I hope you will send also your personal Race Report for the 2010 BDM 102 to Tia Bodington this time. We’ll expect that to be published on the April 2011 issue of the said magazine. 

Cover Page of April 2010 Issue of Ultrarunning Magazine

The following article can be seen on page 44, under the Adventure Run Section of the Ultrarunning Magazine:

REMEMBERING OUR HEROES: BATAAN DEATH MARCH 102K ULTRAMARATHON RACE

By Jovenal Narcise, RD 

It started as a dream and it became a reality.

Having been a retired Two-Star General from the Armed Forces of the Philippines last year and a passionate runner, I thought of conducting an ultramarathon road race by adopting the actual route of the infamous Bataan Death March that happened on April 6-15, 1942 after the US and Philippine Forces surrendered to the invading Japanese Imperial Military Forces. This March resulted in the deaths of almost 700 US soldiers and 20,000 Philippine troops and Auxiliary members due to the atrocities of the Japanese soldiers, lack of water & food, weak bodies due to diseases, and the scorching heat of the sun during the day being April as the peak of summer hot weather in the country.

In memory of our heroes, this ultramarathon race was dedicated to them in celebration of the country’s National Heroes Day. The other purpose was to promote ultra running events in the country and develop future ultra runners for international exposure. Lastly, I would like to make this celebration as an annual running event to raise funds for the living survivors of the Bataan Death March in the country who are few and proud to have served to defend the country in the name of freedom and democracy.

A total of 82 runners, consisting of 8 runners from other countries (US, Japan, France, Indonesia, and Singapore) and 5 lady runners, became part of history of this ultra road running event as they started the race at 30 minutes passed midnight of April 4, 2009.

The event followed the actual route where our heroes had to walk from the coastal town of Mariveles, Bataan up to the Old Train Station in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga covering a distance of 102 kilometers. Runners started their uphill climb after 3 kilometers from the Starting Line, traversing the first mountain along the route. The next 35 kilometers would be a roller-coaster run with uphill and downhill as more towns would be reached and passed by the runners. The next 60 kilometers and down to the final stretch of the race are all plain but the heat of the sun would be the most important concern among runners in order to have the strength and endurance to reach the Finish Line.

Each runner was encouraged to bring with them their hydration belt, at least, one container for water and another one for their sports drinks for mineral replacements. The Aid Stations were located every 20 kilometers while 3 Roving Aid Stations aboard vehicles were constantly in touched with the runners, giving bottled water and sports/energy drinks and food along the way. At the Halfway mark (Km Post 50), an Aid Station was available to serve breakfast to all the runners and it became a recovery point for Drop Bags of the runners. Three (3) Ambulance Vehicles were available moving with the runners and One Ambulance was dedicated to follow the last runner of the event up to the Finish Line.

The first half of the race was a test of patience for all the runners. But the second half was a test of endurance as the heat of the sun would reach up to 100-110 degrees Fahrenheit and this condition would slow down most of the runners. Due to proper information and previous “test run” along the second half of the route two months before the race and long runs along the main streets in Metro Manila during daytime, runners knew how to deal with the early signs of “heatstroke” and the finishers were proud to have overcome such condition and challenge along the way by applying those preventive measures they have learned from their past long runs and training.

Out of the 82 starters, 63 runners were declared Finishers beating the cut-off time of 18 hours. Out of the 5 lady runners, 2 of them finished the race within the prescribed time. Each finisher was immediately awarded with a Finisher’s Medal, Finisher’s Trophy, and Certificate of Finish immediately after passing the Finish Line. To top it all, a separate Awarding Ceremony Dinner Party was held at the Philippine Army’s Officers Club with all the participants and sponsors celebrating as a community of ultra runners, a week after the running event.

The race was a successful one and more runners had already signified their intentions to join in the next year’s edition of this ultra road race. The 2^nd edition of the race will be held on the midnight of March 6, 2010.

The 3rd edition of the BDM 102 is now listed among the Ultra Running Events in the Calendar Link of Ultrarunning Magazine. However, an additional calendar entry will be requested for the 1st BDM 151 soon. Please check at www.ultrarunning.com.

Original Picture of the BDM in 1942

 On my part as the Race Organizer and Race Director, BDM means the fulfillment of a dream to commemorate this event into an ultramarathon race in order to create awareness on the history of this event that brought the death of almost 25,000 soldiers and militia where most of the victims were our countrymen. Let this awareness on this infamous event in the history of warfare and mankind be carried down from one generation to generation so that wars amongst nations will never happen again.

The BDM 102 in the eyes of the Race Director also means appreciation to the determination of some of the runners who braved to reach the Finish Line even if they knew that they could not make it before the cut-off time of 18 hours. I have to be generous to these runners who overcame the heat, dust, pollution, pains, and the challenge in order to finish the 102K distance.

So, during the Get Together and Awarding Ceremony for the 2010 BDM 102 last March 11, 2010, as a surprise to everybody, I presented “special awards” for these runners who were determined to finish the race with their remaining strength and will power. Each of these runners were awarded with the BDM Individual Trophy, Finisher’s Medal (without any ranking), and a Finisher’s T-Shirt. Their names were not included in the Official List of Finishers.

The following runners were able to finish the 102K distance in less than 20 hours. They persisted and they were rewarded well.

1. Jerome Cartailler

2. Ariel Cortez

3. Eugene Porlucas

4. Benedict Meneses

5. Ivy Macainan

6. Kevin Viola

7. Major General Samuel Narcise AFP

8. Jonathan Gener

See you again in the 2011 BDM 102/151!!!

Many runners had been asking me why the Bald Runner is not featured in the TBR Magazine; Men’s Health; or Multi-Sport Magazines and even the annual takbo.ph publication last year after they have published and featured their “stars” in the running community. These runners should ask the publishers of these magazines why they are not featuring me. I am glad my friend & ultra runner, Jonel, published the first running magazine in the country, The Front Runner Magazine!

As I said, this blog is already a good platform for people to know what the Bald Runner is doing to promote running and at the same time sustain its advocacies. I have also projects being the President of the Philippine Association of Ultrarunners (PAU) in promoting the sports of ultramarathon in the country. And the most significant project of this Association is the conduct of the yearly Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race, simply called “BDM 102″.

In my personal point of view, ultramarathon is still an “underground” running sports event in the country. It is better known by “word of mouth” from one runner to another. The lesser the number of runners, the better as most average runners would not dare to challenge themselves to go beyond their endurance limits. In short, ultramarathons are for those who are “crazy, have the “balls” & hardcore” in running.

So, if a media or PR outfit would ask me to be an Official Media/PR partner for the BDM 102, I would say “NO”, most especially if the media outfit would ask me material things in return for their services of advertising and covering the event. I believe that these media outfits should be the one who should be giving material things, like support funds/sponsorship funds/banners, for the event and support for the advocacy of the running event.

The Marketing Staff of RunnerSpeak  approached me on the early part of January 2010 and made a schedule to meet me for two occassions but their staff would not make it and had these meetings re-scheduled until the meeting was put on hold. Instead, the Marketing Staff of RunnerSpeak sent me an e-mail on their proposal/offer to cover the BDM 102. Below is an excerpt of a proposal from RunnerSpeak of Q TV to advertise, promote & cover 2010 BDM 102. 

RunnerSpeak will assure that BDM 102KM will receive the following mileage:

• A full exposure and coverage for BDM 102KM
• Placement of event announcement and updates on the show
• Interview of representatives and organizers
• Extra media values:
  • Inclusion of updates and links in our sites eg: Facebook, Website 
  • Bumper and CBB

In exchange for this, RunnerSpeak is requesting the following:

• Inclusion of the show’s LOGO as Official TV Partner
• Install banners on race day (max. of 3 banners)
• Singlets/ Shirts for the team (at least 10pcs)
• Complimentary registration of at least 2 participants for the race
• RunnerSpeak to be acknowledged as the Television Partner

Okey, they are requesting me for such & such but definitely, my answer is “NO”. I am not a marketing-trained “son of a gun” but just for curiosity sake, I just want to know if this is the “protocol” in advertising/marketing. I have the impression that whatever this media outfit would cover in the BDM 102 event and have it shown in Q TV, they will be paid for every second & minute in their TV program. Am I right or wrong?

Or it would be better if the media outfit would pay the Race Organizer (Director & Producer) and the runners (Actors & Actresses) as we are their “talents”?

To all the BDM 102 runners, good luck!