I went to AAV to bring the Elite Team Bald Runner to participate in the Sun Fest Run 3K/5K/10K and at the same time take some pictures of the runners. I did not run as I forced myself to a much-needed rest and recovery.
Here are some of the pictures. Just grab them…
Do you want to look like a X-Men while you are running in the “jungles” of Metro Manila and trails of Sacobia, Clark and Batangas?
Do you want to look like the ultra trail runner-model of TNF 100’s website?
Do you want to carry a hydration bladder which is lighter than the regular hydration bladder?
Do you need more space/pocket to store your cellphone, keys, Credit Cards, Cash, Camera, sports gels and energy bars that are easily accessible to your hands while running?
Do you need a “no sound” of water slosh in your hydration bladder while you are running?
Do you need a “sleek and snugged-fitted” hydration pack on your back while you are running?
Do you love wearing trail running shoes from The North Face with the BOA Lacing System?
Are you willing to pay P 5,990 for this latest hydration pack from TNF?
If your anwers to each of the question is YES, then go for it! Buy one and look good at the TNF 100 Sacobia!
This is a news article written by Tina Arceo-Dumlao and published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s April 5, 2009 issue. It was posted on Page A4. Hereunder is the exact copy of the said article:
A RUN FROM MARIVELES, BATAAN, TO the 102-kilometer marker in San Fernando, Pampanga, 18 hours.
That is the daunting challenge that 82 hard-core runners, including eight foreigners and five women, will try to meet as they “run, endure and survice” the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race.
The “few, proud, and brave” runners would have taken off from the Bataan Death March Park at KM 00 at 1:00 a.m. today to retrace the route of the infamous “Death March” of April 9, 1942.
The runners are expected to cross the San Fernando finish line at around 7 p.m.
According to World War II accounts, over 90,000 Filipino and American soldiers captured when Bataan finally fell to Japanese invaders were marched out of Bataan. Around 5,000-10,000 Filipinos and 650 American soldiers collapsed and died from exhaustion or untreated wounds during the three-day ordeal in the scorching summer heat. Those who culd not keep up were beaten or shot. Some managed to escape; some died trying. The 54,000 who managed to reach Pampanga alive were then placed on board on a cargo train to Camp O’ Donnell in Capas, Tarlac.
Retired Maj. General Jovenal D Narcise, the brains behind the ultramarathon, told the INQUIRER that he organized the country’s first competitive ultramarathon to commemorate the dead and surviving heroes of the Bataan Death March.
“We would also like to raise some funds to support the needs of World War II veterans who are now under the care of the Veterans Medical Center,” he said.
Narcise said a similar ultramarathon is held every year in New Mexico in the United States in support of the American survivors of the Death March. He felt that it was just right to organize a counterpart event in the Philippines.
“By the number of fatalities on the side of our Filipino heroes of Bataan and Corregidor, we should be the one who should be doing this memorial service by way of retracing the route they had taken,” said Narcise.
He said the race would help imbue in Filipinos the memory of “the sacrifices that our forefathers offered in the name of defense of the country and freedom from foreign invaders.”
Man known as Bald Runner
Narcise, called Bald Runner in the running circuit, said that with the race, he hoped to put the Philippines on the world map of ultramarathons and make it part of the schedule of adventure tourists.
He said the Bataan 102K race had the potential to be as popular as the Comrades Ultramarathon in South Africa, Badwater Ultramarathon in the United States, Marathon Des Sables in Morocco, Libyan Challenge in Libya, Jungle Marathon in Brazil and Gobi March in the Gobi Desert, China, because of its historical significance.
Narcise said ultramarathons are gaining popularity around the world. A 100-km ultramarathon will be featured as a demonstration sport in the 2012 London Olympics.
Qualifying race for Olympics
“In envision this Bataan 102K as a qualifying race for our future Olympic athletes,” he said.
The 56-year-old Narcise, who boasts of having the same 29-inch waist that he had as a cadet of the Philippine Military Academy, added that he was also inspired to organize the event to get more people to embrace a healthy lifestyle through running—an inexpensive yet effective way to keep fit.
Narcise, who retired last year as commander of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, has been running since he was a cadet and his passion pushed him to put up the race even without government support.
No support from promoters
“Sad to say, I was not supported by those government offices which are promoting sports development. I was also not supported by those who are promoting tourism in the country. Moreso, I got negative response for help and assistance from people and politicians whom you always see telling the public that they are going to support our quest for sports excellence in the Olympics,” he said.
But far from being discouraged by the lack of support, he went into the project with even greater enthusiasm. Those who encouraged him were fellow running enthusiasts and former subordinates in the AFP who believed in his mission to celebrate heroism by running in the heroes’ foosteps.
My sincerest thanks to Ms Tina Arceo-Dumlao for writing this news article and have it published on the day the race event happened. I really appreciate those countless telephone calls, SMS, and e-mails between us. How I wished this news report would have been published with www.inquirer.net. My appreciation goes also to Kim O’ Connell who took the initiative of making sure that this event would be known to everybody through her “contacts” and friends.
I had the chance to read this news article when my brother, General Samuel, met and paced me on my last 9-10 kilometers of the ultramarathon race. I was then brisk-walking while I was reading this article and it gave me the energy-boost to finish the race.
On my way back to Manila after the race, I found out that the Chief of Staff of the Office of the President called me twice on my cellphone during the time while I was running along the stretch of SanFernando-Dinalupihan Highway, within the vicinity of Lubao, Pampanga. I tried to return the call but it was not answered. Maybe, he was too busy attending the Birthday Celebration of the President and/or preparation for the President’s attendance to the Araw Ng Kagitingan to be held at Mt Samat the following day.
On the day after the activities at Mt Samat, the Chief of Staff called me while I was in my hometown celebrating the 85th Birthday celebration of my late mother. He informed me that the President saw the runners and myself during the ultramarathon event. However, the main reason why he called me was because of the abovementioned news article. The President read the news article and she was touched by the objectives of the race event even without positive support from the government and personalities who advocate sports development and sports excellence. But, the Chief of Staff tried to help and appease my concern about the lack of support as more time must be neded to process such requests. I told him that I received formal letters from sports & tourism authorities and “personalities” outrightly denying my request. My friend became silent at the other end of the line after telling him that I still have those letters. So, we just talked about other things and the things I am doing to help others.
Ok. Let us move on. On the 1st weekend of March next year, it will be 2nd edition of the BDM 102 and it will be within the Election Campaign Period. I predict that these “jokers & comedians” and wannabe “actors, singers & dancers” will be looking for events where they will be known by the people. The BDM 102 event will never be used for politics and commercialism. Let this be a running event to honor our heroes and a venue for us who are “crazy” and hardcore runners to test the limit of our body’s endurance.
So, train now and have fun!
(Note: I will post the letters from Philippine Sports Commission, Department of Tourism, and some of the “presidentiables” in response for some support to the BDM 102 in due time)
The following is the Race Report of Ben Gaetos on his participation to the Leona Divide 50-Mile Run:
LEONA DIVIDE 50 MILE RUN
Lake Hughes, CA
April 18, 2009
Is it me, or are the races these days just get tougher and tougher? This thought came to my mind as I climbed the infamous hill at Mile 28 of Leona Divide 50 Miler. Changes were made to the course this year to comply with United States Forest Service safety issues. As if the course was not hard enough, the revision turned out to be a survival race.
In previous years, weather has always been favorably cool. Happy days were over, my friend. Mother Nature has a surprise in store for us. Co-race director Dennis Trafecanty started the race exactly at 6am in low 30’s temperature. A slightest delay would have resulted damage control procedure as temps rose to high 80’s at mid day.
This year, long out and back climbs on exposed fire roads were laid in the early stage. I looked at the faces of runners. I didn’t have to be a mind reader. They were all telling me that we’re here for a long day. After a couple of weeks of cold and windy weather, this blazing heat was a surprise. Immediately, I backed off even on tempting downhill sections. I had to save something for the big climb at M28.
At M28 AS, I was treated with wet wipes in my face, hot noodle soup, Coke, potato and salt, pretzel, ice on my hat, etc. I took a couple of salt pills too. This is it, time to get down to business in these seven miles of straight uphill. Light headedness struck me a few minutes later. I checked my GF305 and it was only M30. No leg cramps but what did I do wrong? I let a couple of runners pass. Slowly, my power walk put me back in the race again. Luau signs on the trail meant M32 AS was just around the corner. That was stimulus energy for me as they had popsicles. Volunteers were even dressed up in Hawaiian outfits. That was a much needed relief to finish up 3 more miles of rolling hills before the turnaround.
Coming back, I waited until M38 to make my usual downhill sprint at the single trail. There was no question my previous 10 hr finishes was already in the clouds. Give it my best shot anyway. At the bottom of the hill M42 AS, it was festive moments again as my buddy volunteers tended to my needs. They gave me lots of energy and encouraging words for the final 3.5 miles of climbing. It was steep without the luxury of slightest wind breeze. My legs were tired but I was also closing in to the runners up ahead leading to the last aid station. It kept me going. And guess what, they had ice cold Corona beer. That was all I needed to shift to higher gear.
Finally, the finish was in sight. There was no mind reading this time as happy faces and cheers greeted me in 11:52:–.
Congratulations and Thanks, Ben for sharing us your experience on ultra trail running in California. More of our runners here are now interested to try the ultra runs after the BDM102. We hope to see you again next year. Good luck!
(Note: The LD50 has a cut-off time of 13 hours)
The following were the winners of the Slimmerun 16K held last Saturday:
Overall Men’s Category
1. Alley Quisay—Team Bald Runner—-49:36 minutes
2. Mendel Lopez—Cebu Runner—49:43 minutes
3. Elmer Sabal—Team Bald Runner—50:00 minutes
Overall Women’s Category
1. Marecil Maquilan—Team Bald Runner
2. Ailene Tolentino—Team Bald Runner
3. Janet Lumidao—Fairview Running Club
The following were the winners of the Greenfield City 21K Run held yesterday:
Overall Men’s Category
1. Alley Quisay—Team Bald Runner—1:14:34 hours
2. Bernanrdo Desamito, Jr—Team Bald Runner—1:14:35 hours
3. Cresenciano Sabal—Team Bald Runner—1:14:39 hours
Overall Women’s Category
1. Marecil Maquilan—Team Bald Runner—1:29:56 hours
2. Ellen Tolentino—Team Bald Runner—1:40:11 hours
3. Belle Grandinetti—None—1:46:57 hours
The following were the winners of the Greenfield City 10K run held yesterday:
Overall Men’s Category
1. Elmer Sabal—Team Bald Runner—33:00 minutes
2. Gerald Sabal—Team Bald Runner—33:01 minutes
3. Alquin Bolivar—Philippine Army—33:58 minutes
Two weeks ago, I received a Balikbayan Box (BB) full of slightly used running shoes from Joe Matias aka A Running Shoe Guru, the owner of the A Runners Circle Sports Store in Los Angeles, California. The BB contained twenty-six (26) pairs of running shoes. These shoes were received by Joe from the runner-customers of his store located near Griffith Park, Los Angeles.
Last week, Mark Robinson from Nottinghamshire, England arrived in Manila and he brought with him sixteen (16) pairs of running shoes for the Project Donate A Shoe donated by his running mates at the Southwell Running Club of the same city where he resides. These shoes were handed to me when he had his running workout at the Mall of Asia last 12 April 2009.
To Joe and Mark, thank you very much! These slightly used running shoes will be handed over to our runners in the neighboring provinces of Metro Manila.
5:00 AM 19 April 2009 @ Greenfield City, Santa Rosa, Laguna
I have the following impressions when I was running the Greenfield City 21K Run this morning:
1) I thought I was transported to Venice Beach or Costa Mesa, California when I saw the business establishments at the Paseo, Greenfield City
2) A 21K Run seems to be a “speed run” if you consider yourself as an ultramarathon runner. Thus, making a Marathon Race as your “Tempo Run” workout.
3) Runners would congratulate you for organizing and finishing the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race and they “idolize” you as a “hardcore” runner. Others who could not believe what we have done two weeks ago think that we are “crazy”. That’s the reason why our favorite song is “CRAZY” by Patsy Cline (a Willie Nelson song in 1961).
4) Runners would think that this run was a LSD workout and part of our recovery from the BDM ultramarathon race.
5) Running “Back-to-Back” (Saturday & Sunday) road races is really a “Hardcore” Runners’ Event ( 10-miler & 21K races).
After running a 16K race yesterday morning, I had to rest the whole day in preparation in today’s 21K race at Greenfield City in Santa Rosa, Laguna. I slept early last night and was already preparing and doing my pre-race ritual at 3:00 AM. At 3:45 AM, I was already on the road to Sta. Rosa and reached the Starting Area at 4:20 AM.
While I was doing my warm-up run around the parking area, I saw the members of the Hardcore Group of Team Bald Runner (those who finished the BDM 102K Ultra Race) who were also doing their stretching exercises. After few minutes of stretching exercises while sharing stories about the race yesterday, we finally proceeded to the Starting Area.
There were lots of runners already at the Starting Area and the program started with some Group Exercises and Calisthenics. I did join the exercises and there was a festive mood in the air. The exercises were brief and I immediately positioned myself a few meters from the elite runners and I was in the company of Jonel aka Bugobugo, Lester, Mari, and Michelle. In the true tradition of Coach Rio’s races, the 21K race started very early. It started at 5:00 AM and it was still dark. The 10K and 5K runners would start 30 minutes later.
As the place was still dark, I tried to be conservative on my average pace on the first 5 kilometers of the route but the slight downhill terrain would push me to run faster. Nevertheless, I really controlled my pace and I knew that this race is a long one with no uphills on the first half of the race. After running for about 30-40 minutes along a combination of cemented and asphalted roads and entering to other newly-developed subdivisions, the sun started to rise on the horizon and the whole place became clearer…and hotter!
There were lots of water stations along the route but I was pissed off on the first water station when I picked up a water cup without any water in it. I had to pick up another one with water in it while I was still trying to maintain my forward momentum. Sometimes, Murphy’s Law comes into play when the personnel in the water stations thought he/she filled all the water cups with water placed on top of the table but he/she could have missed some. Well, I could not blame them and could not blame myself because it was still too dark when I reached the first water station. There was no way for me to see if the cup was filled with water or not.
Anyway, let me talk about “tips” on how to get a cup of water from the water stations if they are taken/picked up from the table. Due to the positive reponses of Race Organizers about the observations of runner-bloggers on the lack and location/presence of water stations during the races, I could say that the races have improved a lot with regards to water stations up to the point that water cups are already handed by the water station personnel to the runners. This is the reason why I don’t have to bring and wear my Nathan Hydration Belt in road races up to the Marathon Race. The following “tips” are just suggestions if you want to improve your finish time—(1) If you are intending to get water in a water station, try to move to the edge of the road, 10-15 meters before reaching the water station. (2) While maintaining your pace, at a distance of 3-5 meters from the table, fix your eyes to the particular cup of water you intend to pick up, it could be at the near, middle or far edge of the table. (3) Focus your sight to the water cup you intend to pick-up as you get nearer to the table. (4) Extend your arms and pick-up the water cup withour stopping and drink the water, one gulp at a time, as you move away from the table. (5) Never stop infront of the table as the incoming runners would be prevented from getting their cups while they are in motion. (6) If water cups are being handed by water station personnel, keep on moving forward as you receive your water cup. Don’t stop infront of the water personnel once you receive your cup of water. (7) Before throwing a cup with water in it, be sure that there is no runner on the side where you want to throw it. It would be better to drink all the water in the cup before throwing the cup. (8) Learn & Practice to drink water from the cup while running.
I was glad the succeeding water stations did not give me any problems. The first 10 kilometers was a breeze as I was able to overtake some of the runners and later picked up my pace from Km #11 up to Km #13.5, the last turn-around point. From that point, I was already on the “speed mode” and wanted to finish hard on this race. But the uphill climb on the last 2 kilometers slowed me down as I joined more runners from the 5K and 10K distance races.
I finished the 21K race in 1:48:03 hours with an average pace of 5:08 minutes per kilometer. My GF 305 registered an accurate distance of 21.01K. It is not a PR time for 21K but I consider it as a “speed workout” for the TNF 100 or for the 2nd BDM 102K Ultramarathon Race! Ha! Ha! Ha! I enjoyed the race as it was a change of road racing/road environment away from the usual race routes in Metro Manila. I also shared nice stories with the Hardcore-Team Bald Runner after the race and I was able to meet new “fans” and friends while waiting for the Awarding Ceremony.
Lastly, I am happy that the members of the Elite Team Bald Runner won almost all the top awards in the 21K (Men’s & Ladies) and 10K (Men’s) Races.
Guys, keep on running and see you soon in the future road races!
6:02 AM 18 April 2009 @ The Fort, Global City
Almost two weeks after finishing the Bataan 102 Ultramarathon Race, I did not have any plans of running shorter distance (10K to Half-Marathon) races for the next weeks. I had my recovery runs last Sunday at the MOA which lasted for one hour and another one hour run at the ULTRA Oval Track last Wednesday. During these two runs, I felt that my legs had become stronger but my heart monitor had registered a higher beats per minute which is a sign that I have not yet recovered from the heat exhaustion I’ve experienced during the BDM (Bataan Death March) 102K Race. All my runs were within the 85% effort and I have adapted a certain comfort zone running under the heat of the sun.
Knowing that the members of the Elite Team Bald Runner will be running in the Slimmerun, I decided to join them for the registration last Wednesday morning. I opted to run the longer distance which is 16K or 10-Mile Run.
I was already at The Fort at 5:00 AM this morning with enough time to do my warm-up and stretching exercises. Marecil Maquilan of TEam Bald Runner-Elite joined me in a warm-up run jus to be able to perspire and then had my sretching exercises. I walked towards the starting area for the scheduled 5:30 AM start of the race but it was announced that the race start will be delayed and for the other races (6K & 3K) to start at the same time with the 16K race. During this lull time, I was able to meet the usual “faces” of runners, runner-bloggers and some of them are members of the Team Bald Runner-Professional Group. I was in the company of Jan Imperio, one of the Team BR-Professional Group, who had improved with his PR time in the Half-marathon and 10K races with only 2 1/2 months of training with our Coaches at Team BR.
Finally, the race started at 6:02 AM, a delay of 32 minutes, and I expected a hot morning for everybody. The first 2-3 kilometers were within the Global City streets and Jan Imperio told me that he will just tag along with me during the race. I thought I was running conservatively, as what I’ve planned for the whole race, but after I got the data from my GF 305 I was surprised to see that I was running at an average pace of 4:50 minutes per kilometer. Jan Imperio and I just maintained the said pace until we reached the ATU Concessionaire area along Lawton Avenue, after coming from the first turn-around at the vicinity of the Headquarters Philipine Marines, when suddenly Jan told me that he is going to “DNF” the race of blisters bothering his feet. I tried to encourage him to finish the race. However, as we reached Bayani Road, he finally “threw the towel” and opted to go directly to the Finish Line without going to the C-5 turn-around.
As I turned right at Bayani Road from Lawton, I was already running alone and my pace slowed down as I felt the heat of the sun. My pace turned to an average speed of 5:10 minutes per kilometer while running towards the C-5 turn-around. While I was running at the commercial area of Bayani Road, MSgt Illut of the Philippine Army joined me and paced me. I tried to increase my pace but the rolling terrain of the road prevented me from doing so. As I passed the last turn-around near C-5, the hardest part of the route was the last 4 kilometers back to the Finish Line. At this point, the distance in between runners have stretched as far as 80-90 meters and I just maintained my pace and try to save my energy for the next road race tomorrow.
Turning right to Lawton Avenue was already a familiar sight for almost all the runners as it signifies the last 2.5 kilometers of the race. I was smiling when I saw the sun infront of me with its heat being felt by my face and arms. I said to myself, the heat of the sun on the early morning is nothing compared to the heat on mid day during the Bataan 102 Race. I am beginning to like running with the heat of the sun as long as there are enough water stations along the way. The Race Organizers were perfect on this one as the route was covered with enough water stations. I just hope that the water would be colder next time.
I finished the 16K (10-mile) run in 1:16:30 hours with an average pace of 5:00 minutes per kilometer! My GF 305 registered a distance of 15.10 kms. But, who cares? I enjoyed the race and the company of the other runners. I am not sure if I can consider this as a “recovery run” or a “speed run” after finishing the BDM 102K Ultramarathon Race two weeks ago. Breaking a PR time was not my objective in this race. I knew I could have run faster but I knew also that it takes time for the body to recover before forcing the body for a faster pace. There is always another road race in the coming days.
I had fun in this race and I was able to meet new friends. I was able to wait until the awards were given to the top runners. I am glad that most of the top awards in the different distances of this 1st Slimmerun were awarded to my Elite Team Bald Runner members.
See you tomorrow at the Greenfield City Half-Marathon Race!
Bataan 102K Ultramarathon Race is a unique and special race and I deemed it proper to hold a Get Together and Awarding Ceremony Party to all the 82 “Brave New Warriors” of Bataan Death March after 10 days of rest & recovery. I also invited the sponsors who helped us made this dream into a reality. I will let the runner-bloggers describe what really happened during the party. Let me post the following pictures taken during the said dinner party.
The following is a comment posted in our PMA Alumni E-Forum by one of its Members re-1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race:
“This is just to extend my personal appreciation and probably to create awareness among fellow cavaliers about this feat of a fellow cavalier, MGEN Jovenal NARCISE AFP (Ret), of organizing the first ever ultramarathon race in the country and timed to commemorate the infamous Death March in 1942. As it traces the route forced upon to the USAFFE forces by the invading Japanese Army, the distance covered 102 km.
I do not know who participated and if there are cavaliers other than MGEN Narcise himself. I guess that’s how it worked for Cav NARCISE, he just spearheaded the event without much fanfare or rethorics, uncharacteristic of some present day Filipinos who try to advocate some good or not-so-good things, especially our politicians, with all the media interviews, artistas, and even libreng pakain para lang may pumunta at masabing successful, hehehe! I believe ganon naman talaga dapat, if it is something good for mankind, you just have to do it and awareness will follow. For that my snappy salute to him!!!
I believe joining this bandwagon is good for all of us in terms of appreciating history and at the same time having a good lifestyle… running 102 kms could be very tough and gruelling indeed and it needs a lot of preparations.
So to all interested cavaliers, let’s try to be there next year and support this advocacy, kung hindi man makatakbo, probably we could lend support in some other ways!!! Sa mga nasa field, probably magandang talent ito para makapagpaalam umuwi sa Luzon and have a gruelling break from combat duties, hehehe!!!”
This was posted by a certain coblanks91 of the PnC Forum@yahoo.com.
Bald Runner 
You must be logged in to post a comment.