1st Mt Pinatubo 50K Trail Challenge: Rules; Regulations & Reminders


Mt Pinatubo 50K Trail Challenge

October 9, 2010

Rules and Regulations

  1. The race starts at 5:00 AM of October 9, 2010 (Saturday) at the vicinity of the Barangay Hall of Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac.
  2. This race is a solo run and the distance is 50 kilometers. The distance from the Starting Line to the Mt Pinatubo Crater Lake (turn-around) is 25 kilometers. From the turn-around point, the runner has to go back to the Starting Line which will serve also as the Finish Line. Pacers are not allowed.
  3. The cut-off time for the race is ten (10) hours. Runners must be able to reach the turn-around point in 4:30 hours. Runners who will reach the turn-around point in more than 4:30 hours will be advised to ride on the available 4X4 vehicle in going back to the Starting Line. Such runners will be declared as DNF. However, they will receive a special certificate for finishing 25 kilometers.
  4. Each runner must be able to have their respective hydration system/belt. The runner’s hydration system must be able to carry liquid/water needed to cover a distance of at least 7-8 kilometers. There will be Aid Station at Km#7; Km#14; and Km#21 and these same Aid Stations will serve at Km# 29; Km#36; and Km#43 (on the way back). These Aid Stations will be 4X4 vehicles manned by Race Marshals.
  5. The Aid Stations will have water, sports drinks, cola drinks and limited food supply. The foods served will be chocolate bites, salted biscuits, boiled eggs, boiled banana & sweet potatoes.
  6. Runners are encouraged to prepare their own “drop bags” which will be carried/transported by the 4X4 Vehicle-Aid Stations. Drop Bags should be properly marked with the runner’s name, race number, and Aid Station Number/Km Point where it will be available.
  7. Runner has the option to provide his/her own support vehicle from the 4X4 vehicles for rent available through the Barangay Officials at the Barangay Hall of Sta Juliana. The rent/cost of one vehicle is P 2,500.00. The fee for a guide is P 500.00 (optional). However, such individual support vehicle should not “shadow” the runner. It is advisable that support vehicles must “leap-frog” from the runner.
  8. The exact turn-around point is at the edge of the Crater Lake. Each runner must be able to register to the marshal-recorder upon his/her arrival.
  9. Runners are advised not to ride on their respective support vehicle even for a short distance or while crossing the river. Riding on the vehicle is tantamount to “cheating” during the race.
  10. Since most of the route towards the Mt Pinatubo has no established or designated trail or path due to changing landscape as a result water & earth movements, the runner can improvise or have his/her own personal choice in establishing his/her direction towards the crater.
  11. It is advisable to run with somebody or with a group with the same pace. If not, each runner must be able to have a sight on the runner in front and runner at his back.
  12. This is a trail run which is considered as a RACE. However, it is advisable to help each other on matters of emergency and occurrence of accidents along the route. Any casualty or runner who needs medical attention should be brought to the nearest Aid Station.
  13. Each runner must carry with them basic First Aid Kit. This is a MUST and it is a ground for Disqualification if a runner is without this basic requirement. The First Aid Kit should consist enough cotton, sanitary gauze, medical adhesive tape, betadyne/iodine, and anti-biotic ointment.
  14. Runners must be extra careful in stepping those big rocks along the route. Most of the rocks are slippery and some are not stable. It is safer to walk rather than run on these rocks. Always think safety when you encounter rocks along the way.
  15. There will be a lot of river crossing. Find time to be deliberate in crossing such flowing rivers, most especially where there are a lot of rocks. There are some places where the current of the river are strong, take time in establishing a firm and balance footing as you cross such rivers.
  16. Basically, you will have damp/wet running shoes throughout the run. It is advisable for each runner to apply petroleum jelly to their feet before the run to prevent blisters.
  17. Walking sticks are allowed on this run.
  18. At the Crater Lake, if you are not a swimmer, please do not attempt to swim at the lake. We don’t have any Lifeguards for this race.
  19. If in case there will be typhoon or continuous raining on race day, the event will be cancelled and it will be postponed to a later date when weather is favorable for the safety of the participants.
  20. Top 3 Men and Ladies will receive trophies. Every Finisher will receive Individual Trophy/Memento; Finisher’s T-Shirt; and a Certificate of Achievement. This trail run is included in the Ranking of PAU Runners for the year.
  21. Parking Areas will be available on one side of the Road at Barangay Sta Juliana and at the area near the banks of the river (500 meters from the Barangay Hall). Barangay Tanods will serve as the security/”look-out” to your parked vehicles. Be prepared to pay P 50.00 as Parking Fee for each vehicle to the Barangay Tanods.
  22. The RD and Race Marshals will be conducting random checks on each runner’s hydration system and the mandatory First Aid Kit along the route. It is mandatory for each runner to show their First Aid Kit as he/she checks-in at the Starting Area.
  23. Lastly, please maintain the Integrity of this Race. (Do I have to tell and remind you about this every time we have a PAU race?)

Good luck and Have FUN!!!!

7 thoughts on “1st Mt Pinatubo 50K Trail Challenge: Rules; Regulations & Reminders

  1. Please clarify the no. 8 rule: “It is mandatory that each runner must spend 30 minutes at the turn-around point.”

    If this is a race, some of us will just want to check with the marshals at the turn-around point and hit the trail again for the finish line. Last thing we want is to get cold at the crater (TNF100K 2009 experience), get sick and lose the momentum. Also, holding the runners there could create potential problems with time and space. Heat also is a factor at the later stage of the race on this kind of terrain. So the faster a runner finishes, the better for him/her. if they want to spend time at the crater, then let the time continues to run and be added to his/her finishing time. I am not aware of and/or have not seen races, where the timer stops for a runner just because he wants to swim at the crater or to take photos. Timer stops only when a runner breaches the finish line.

    I also take exception to no. 7 rule on support vehicle. I have run Pinatubo twice and these vehicles will only “deepen” the trail path with their weight and could cause potential air pollution when they leap-frog with runners behind them inhaling all the smog. With enough water stations, no need for support vehicles.

    Besides, we rarely see support vehicles in trail races. It is high time ultrarunners here get used to international standards of trail races so that they would be ready and familiar with it once they joined some races abroad, if ever.

    My two cents … again

    Atty. Jon (racing and will use sunblock this time)

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    1. kingofpots

      On Rule #8, to make it simpler and direct to the point, there will NO mandatory 30-minute stay at the crater. however, the last runner must be able to clock in on or before 4 hours have elapsed at the turn-around point (crater-lake).

      On Rule #7, I will not be strict on this as I will allow the members of the family of the runners to have a chance to see and reach Mt Pinatubo. let this be a race and at the same time promote our local tourism in the place. hopefully, in our future editions of this trail run, we will no longer allow support vehicles.

      Thanks for the comment! See you this Saturday!

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  2. Sir.. Paano po papunta sa Capas tarlac Sta. Julianna… if ever we will take The SCTEX route??? What exits and landmarks that will show us the way to the starting line … Salamat po Sir.

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  3. ed328

    If you are coming from Manila, take a bus to Lingayen or Dagupan (places in Pangasinan province) and get off at Capas, Tarlac Then take a jeepney to Patlin, and from there take a tricycle to Barangay Sta. Juliana.

    If you have a private vehicle, you can go yourself. Drive along the North Expressway, exit at Sta. Inez and take the McArthur Highway. After passing Bamban you are on your way to Capas Public Market then turn left going to Sta. Juliana which is where our Mt. Pinatubo trekking will begin

    See you there

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