The plan to run a 200K adventure run was conceptualized when I had my final coordination with the Office of the Governor of Pangasinan on the conduct of the COCOS To SUAL 65K Ultra Run on the 3rd week of July this year. After I’ve finished with the final coordination in Bolinao, Pangasinan, I decided to take the Olongapo-Bugallon Highway on my way back to Manila.
From Bolinao, Pangasinan, I took the road from Alaminos going South to the towns of Mabini, Burgos, Dasol, and Infanta. The next towns would be inside the province of Zambales from Sta. Cruz to Olongapo City.
It was an easy drive on the said Highway as there was no congested traffic and the scenery was refreshing. On your right is the west coast of Luzon and on your left is a combination of the scenery of the Zambales-Pangasinan Mountain range and the rice fields.
Except for the usual congestion in the center or poblacion in every town, the road is very wide and smooth. It is only in Iba, Zambales, the capital town of the province where there are more structures/homes/buildings and commercial establishments lined up along the highway.
What is very common along the route is the fact that there are so many beach resorts lined up that would cater to visitors as well as
tourists. Although I did not have any chance to enter in one of these resorts during my drive back to Manila, I am sure that these resorts are being visited by tourists during the summer season.
This easy drive along the said Highway last July was my second time to pass along the route. I had my first occasion to pass along this route sometime in 1995 when I was a Battalion Commander within the Luzon Area and it did not give me a nice impression about it because I slept the whole time from Burgos, Pangasinan to Olongapo City.
Driving through this route last July gave me a better appreciation of the place because I was aware of the surroundings/landscape and the scenery being the driver of my own car. I was impressed about the road and the place.
After a 3 ½-hour easy drive from Alaminos, Pangasinan, I reached the Kalaklan Gate at Subic Freeport and the seed for a future adventure run was planted in my mind.
I decided to name it as the “West Coast 200K Endurance Run”.
Bald Runner 
this is going to be a good one. like you sir, whenever i drive along a route, i become excited about the prospects of doing a run or race in the area. will wait for this.
LikeLike