Nobody can deny the fact that the Bataan Death March (BDM) Ultramarathon Races started the rise of ultramarathon runners and races; to include Ultra Race Directors and Organizers, in the Philippines way back in 2009-2010. This is the story of its creation from me as the Race Organizer and Race Director. If there is a tagline that best describes about me, I guess, it could be that “I am the Father of the BDM Ultramarathon Races”, a running event that commemorates the Original Bataan Death March in the Philippines!
This is my story…….
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This study was made by RunRepeat.com and the International Association of Ultrarunner (IAU). This is an excerpts from the said study. You can read the whole article here.
In this study, we explore the trends in ultra running over the last 23 years. We have analyzed 5,010,730 results from 15,451 ultra running events, making this the largest study ever done on the sport.
Key results
Female ultra runners are faster than male ultra runners at distances over 195 miles. The longer the distance the shorter the gender pace gap. In 5Ks men run 17.9% faster than women, at marathon distance the difference is just 11.1%, 100-mile races see the difference shrink to just .25%, and above 195 miles, women are actually 0.6% faster than men.
Participation has increased by 1676% in the last 23 years from 34,401 to 611,098 yearly participations and 345% in the last 10 years from 137,234 to 611,098. There have never been more ultra runners.
More ultra runners are competing in multiple events per year. In 1996, only 14% of runners participated in multiple races a year, now 41% of participants run more than one event per year. There is also a significant increase in the % of people who run 2 races a year, 17.2% (from 7.7% to 24.9%) and 3 races, 6.7% (from 2.8% to 9.5%).
There have never been more women in ultrarunning. 23% of participants are female, compared to just 14% 23 years ago.
Ultra runners have never been slower across distance, gender and age group. The average pace in 1996 was 11:35 min/mile, currently, it is 13:16 min/mile. The average runner has added 1:41 min/mile to their average pace, which is a slowdown of 15% since 1996. We don’t believe that individual runners have become slower, but that these distances are attracting less prepared runners now because the sport is more mainstream.
Runners improve their pace in their first 20 races, and then their pace stabilizes. From their first to their second race runners improve by 0:17 min/mile (2%) on average. But by their 20th they improve by 1:45 min/mile (12.3%).
The fastest ultra running nations are South Africa (average pace 10:36 min/mile), Sweden (11:56 min/mile), and Germany (12:01 min/mile).
A record amount of people travel abroad for ultra running events. 10.3% of people travel abroad to run an ultra, for 5Ks this percentage is just 0.2%.
Runners in the longer distances have a better pace than the runners in the shorter distances for each age group.
All age groups have a similar pace, around 14:40 min/mile. Which is unusual compared to the past and to other distances.
The average age of ultra runners has decreased by 1 year in the last 10 years. It has changed from 43.3 years to 42.3 years.
Ultra runners are getting more engaged – the average number of ultras per year has increased from 1.3 to 1.7 over the last 23 years.
Based from the “Key Results” of this study, I would like state my opinion and observations on the following:
Participation has increased by 1,676% in the last 23 years from 34,401 to 611,098 yearly participation and 345%in the last 10 years from 137,234 to 611,098: Within this period in 2009, the Philippines had its contribution of an event in the ultramarathon community with the introduction of the First Edition of the Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race. I can safely say that this was the first Ultramarathon Race in the country in the 21st century (from the year 2000 and beyond). It is also the First “Point-to-Point” Ultramarathon Event in Asia. Through the Philippine Association of Ultrarunners (PAU) and endorsement of PATAFA in 2010, the Philippines was the 6th ASIAN country to be accepted and sanctioned with the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU). PAU is also considered as the FIRST ASEAN Ultramarathon Federation to be a member of the IAU. The BDM 102 Ultra had “sparked” the popularity trend of ultramarathon events in the country as more events were organized by individual persons in almost all regions in the country in the coming years. Trail Ultras had also expanded in the country with runners trying to get ITRA points for possible entry to the UTMB Races. However, in this report/study, I can only see Malaysia as the only South East Asian country that is included among the Top 20 countries that has the most number of ultra marathon runners. I wonder why? With Malaysia’s population of 32.7 Million against the Philippines’ population of 109 Million? With more Ultra Races here in the Philippines than Malaysia? Maybe, this is a good start for somebody in the country to document and collate all the ultramarathon events and number of participants in every event in the country. I am not saying that we should be included in the Top 20 countries of Ultra Marathoners but we have the potential to be a future contender in the said list if we just cooperate and be united among ourselves.
Local Ultra Marathon Runners Have The Tendency To Run More Ultra Races Every Year: With more Ultra Race Organizers “sprouting” all over the country, runners are enticed to join these races and taste what it is like to finish an ultramarathon race. But what I’ve have observed is the loose consideration and “comfort-oriented” prescribed cut-off times of these races. In Japan, the average cut-off time for their 100K Road Ultra is 14 hours and 8 hours for the 50K. For the BDM 102K, due to the heat and prevailing weather, the cut-off time is 18 hours and for my 50K PAU Events is 9 hours. For the PAU 100-Mile Road Races, it is pegged at 32 Hours. For longer distances, a PAU runner must be able to cover an average distance of 5 kilometers every hour. All these Cut-Off Times for my races are way below and slower than the cut-off times of Japan’s Road Race’s COTs. I can not speak well about the other Road Races in the country and their respective COTs. (Note: In almost all my Races at PAU and BR’s Events, I use myself as the “gauge” to determine a decent COT for the distance as I run my events first before making it as an Ultra Marathon Event for the Public)
More of our Local Ultra Marathon Runners Are Satisfied With Just Finishing: This is the reason why our Average and Competitive Ultra Marathon Runners could barely finish the Races in International Events. This is a question of having so many Ultra Races but not having Quality Finishers with the goal to level-up or be at par in International Standards in Ultra Marathon. I consider myself as one of the “back-packers” and one of the last runners to finish within the COT in International Races but considering my age of almost 68 years old, I still consider myself as a good quality Ultra Marathon Runner. I have yet to see a Filipino Ultra Marathon Runner who will land as Podium Finisher in the Badwater 145-Mile Endurance Race (with due respect to those Pinoys who have finished this tough race); a Silver Buckle Awardee in the WSER 100-Mile; a Podium Finisher in the Spartathlon; Podium Finisher in the Leadville 100 & Hardrock 100, and a Top 10 in the UTMB.
Fastest Countries In Average Pace: South Africa in 10:36 minutes per mile is the fastest; Sweden is second in 11:56 minutes per mile; Germany is third in 12:01 minutes per mile; and Malaysia in 20th rank in 15:55 minutes per mile. Based from the yearly results of the BDM 102K Ultra, I can safely say that the Average Finish Time is between 16-17 hours (with a COT of 18 hours). Using this as a baseline, an Average Local Runner who finished the BDM 102 is just a few seconds slower than the Malaysians. Positively speaking, we could be in the 21st or 22nd rank! (I can only speak for my PAU Races as I know that most of the other races have slower COTs).
For the meantime, these are the only observations and conclusions/opinions that I can think of as related to this study. I hope that in the next period of study (within 5 or 10 years), the Philippines will be in the List of Top 20 Countries in the Ultra Marathon Community. Let us strive more to be positive. And let us unite our efforts in this sports.
Letter Of Invitation For The 2018 (10th Edition) BDM 102 Ultra Race
Dear Runner,
This letter confirms your acceptance and invitation to join and compete in the 10th Edition of the BDM 102 Ultra Marathon Race to be held on January 27-28, 2018. The Bald Runner Events Management would like to thank you for your interest and support in joining the 2018 Bataan Death March 102K Ultra Marathon Race (BDM 102).
The registration fee isFour Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (P 4,500.00) each for the Local Runners and One Hundred Fifty US Dollars ($ 150.00) each for the Overseas/International runners.
Local runners must be able to pay their Registration Fee through the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) in behalf of Jovenal D Narcise @ Savings Acct # 0296-0673-22. International runners may remit their Payment through Western Union. Last Day & Deadline for the payment of registration fee is June 15, 2017.
Registration fees are non-refundable, non-transferable, and no “roll-overs” for any BR’s Events.
You are lucky to be the one of the 220+ runners qualified to join out of the 350+ runner-applicants who sent their Letter Of Intent to join this race. Inability to pay the registration fee on the said period/deadline will give a chance for the other runners to fill your slot.
For this year, Late Registration Fee will be Five Thousand Pesos (P 5,000.00) for the Local Runners. Late Registration Period is from June 16, 2017 to November 1, 2017.
Photocopy of the Deposit Slip should be sent immediately to this e-mail address: jovie75@hotmail.com to be included in the list of participants. Please bring the Deposit Slip at the Final Briefing or at the Starting Line on Race Day.
A Medical Certificate or Doctor’s Certificate will be sent also to the stated e-mail address not later than December 31, 2016. Nobody will be allowed to run without their Medical Certificate. The original copy of the Medical Certificate should be submitted at the Race Packet Pick-Up/Final Briefing.
Please review the published Rules and Regulations of this race at http://www.baldrunner.com. If you have any concerns and need for more clarifications, please feel free to send me an e-mail at jovie75@hotmail.com.
Further announcements and updates will be posted in my blog @ http://www.baldrunner.com and at Facebook’s BDM 102/160 Page
Good luck and train hard.
Cheers!
Major General Jovenal D Narcise AFP (Ret)
Founder & Race Director, BDM 102 & 160 http://www.baldrunner.com
The following is the list of invited runners for the 2018 (10th Edition) of the Bataan Death March 102K Ultra Marathon Race:
Aris De Leon
Chua Yong Huat (Singapore)
Mel Severino
Noel Bautista
Ralph Singzon
Arland Macasieb
Jose Marie Mercado
Mark Saricol
Albert Joseph Carreon
Jerickson Sta. Isabel
Erick Tria
Madison Trinidad, Jr
Gimel Pajalla
Jhona Reyes
Fernando Torres
Paulo Margelino
Peter Lloyd Molera
Florante Santiago
Jeffrey Furigay
Homer Paras
Jhon Ronald Rodriguez
Carlos Napoleon Ocampo
Juan Crisanto Cunanan
Gladysma Jane Giron
Margaret Mae Arceo
Anna Odessa Albarracin
Aileen Tucio
Greggy Galicia
Abegaile Par
Christine De Guzman
Daisy Visperas
Rina Gilos
Gabriella Yna Villanueva
Jack Wilson Villanueva
Jennifer Eufemia Domingo
Earl Louis Saez
Larry Wayne Olaguir
Jamil Escober
Leandro Gigantoca
George Cabillo
Melchor Nicolas
Jesus Arevalo III
William Robert Hain, Jr
Robertson Paredes
Keit Bernice Yee
David Simon Kobey (USA)
Marck Chico
Marlene Doneza
Jeshryl Dela Cruz Aranzaso
Manuel Johnson Balancio
Michelle Rae Salvatierra
Jewel Feliciano
Arbee Jan Serafin
Robby Ray Catipon
David Aquino
Raffy Ramos
Rogelio Puzon
Voltron Visda
Maria Raegina Galera
Ruel Peñaloza
Rubelia Nazareno
Jenneth Soriano
Joselito San Diego
Marjohn Presbiterio
Peterson Ong
Alvin Alcantara
Dexter Cruz
Ann Sweat (USA)
Kim Travella (USA)
Yniguez Ysmael Uy
Vic Viola
Richard Antonio
Reynaldo Santiago, Jr
Mike Famaranglas
Desrei Balla
Zan Cagulangan
Angelica Isabel Paz-Isnani
Manuel Jayson Balancio IV
Marc Paolo Peñafiel
Anthony Noriel Ortega Fodra
Julius Danas
Alnie Amoro
Phil Jannsen Cruz Santiago
Juancho Padua
Jovencio Luspian
Jose Mari Mercado
Amiel Joseph Lucero
Dennis Racho
Rod Apolinario
Meds Abellera-Baraquel
Bryant Bennet Atencia
Romeo Canda
Eduardo Lim
Enrico Paguirigan, Jr
Ramon Quiocho
Jefferson Jay Sensano
Fritz Erwin Fernandez
Mark Loresto
Jennlee Malijan Pascua
Henry Yang Yee Meng (Singapore)
Joy Eder
Arlene Oting
Beverly Benaid-Cruz
Francis Norvie Quiestas
Joemel Rojas
Jayson Vallero
Dan Gilbert Co
Garry Garcia
Mar Marilag
Marquiz Albert Minlay
Rhett Del Rosario
Miles Evangelista
Jez Ramos
Richard Ryan Rentillo
Ricardo Gregorio
Ronaldo Robles
Peter Christopher Illanza
Junrox Roque
Ian Pabatao
Caloy Nobleza
Rudy Paghubasan
Jess Laxamana
Alex Cruz
Angelino Nicolas
Antonio Jimenez
Rolando Mercado
Eugenio Saluta
John Earl Susano
Gary Mosqueda
Jonathan Iloso
Donald Ausa
Beverly Andal
Rhaffy Borbe
Emmanuel Quiñones
Jofel Otor
Jessa Bordiago
Ferdinand Manzano
Edgar Formento, Jr
Sean Andan
Leo Reyes
Elmer Caballes
Jake Villareal
Florydette Cuales
Miguelito Domingo
Broderic Yandoc
Johnson Lontok
Jason Basa
Francis Gilvert Navarro
Rochelle Ann Silverio
Mannix Manapat
Francis Oliver Trinidad
Cedrick Oares
Prancer Autor
Virgilio Diaz
Cindy Sevilla
Loben Macairan
Pia Raquedan
Ryan Geli
Marlon Gangan
Raymond Verdis
Rodillo Tecson Florendo
Michael Sacluti
Erwin Dumlao
Ghenny Bueno
Richard Antonio
Nino Adrian Lantican
Maila Bernasor-Bautista
John Arman Perez
Quennie Villanueva
Benedick Bautista
Jowell Jandoyan
Edjeson Comendador
Hendricks Gonzales
Mielniño De Los Santos
James Theodore Salonga
Michelle Manila
Paolo Tiong
Benjarde Cuales
Michael Angelo Maleriado
Jonas Nacario
Kevin Luna
Rolando Bucao
Macot Baguistan
Jaime Sanches, Jr
Tomlinson Baniwas
Jerry Yutuc
Mica Nati
William Mariño
Gerry Lita
Juanito Centino
Eric John Galeos
Gerard Gamelong
Harold Ramirez
Christian Rabe
Conrad Ching
Isidro Labrador Prado
Edwin Colina
Zaldy Santillan
Raymund Tuazon
Leo Año
Gerard Reyes
Angelo Rodriguez
Ace Rodriguez
Jeffrey Galicio
Mervin Vargas
Lucio Dimayuga
Vander Ville Vizconde
Aureo Pascua
Jervis Esperrago
Katherine Marasigan
John Paul Lipardo
John Leo Espeña
Rodolfo De Ocampo
Jerry Manubay
Ronald Reyes
Edison Dantes
Ramy Nasara
Jonathan Baysa
Leonora Ealadama
Michael Peralta
Michael Socito
Marilou Ruanes
Kelvin Llamoso
Clarissa Gatdula-Calingasan
Hermogenes Saludes
Rona Saludes
Arlene Oting
Herbert Gutierrez
Elizer Loquere
Joseph Soriao
Elmar Casauay
Raymond Bunda
Rhodel Montemayor
Laudencio Lictao
John Dimaranan
James Kieven Liong
Eric Salazar
Carlos Macasarte
Nino Dimapilis
Elgrace Jazmin
Mark David Elpedes
Diosdado Sullano, Jr
Kenneth Sarabia
Allan De Lima
Rene Asuero
Israel Sigaya
Edgardo Batenga, Jr
Crisanto Avergonzado
Jayrald Salazar
Arnaldo Andan
Joey Aying
IreneTan
Lilibeth Garcia
Hilda Balbuena
Arriane Deocadez
Asael Sison
Arnold Sequito
Rey Langub
Norman Dondoyano
Augustus Fred Mefragata
Eduardo Nanini
Alvin Cloyd Piodos
Roger Patrick Ledesma
Angelito Mallari
Ana Que
Frank Flora
Rosario Mosca, Jr
Edwin Fernandez
Yolly Borja
Alex Bug-os
Monday Klaus Gimeno
Chito Carreon
Dante Dela Torre
Anne Rose Paras
Jeff Suazo
Bal Dela Cuesta
Merl Matangob
Lech John Sarmiento
Ginno Ocena
Ronie Pacatang
Tom Barrientos
Jerry Peralta
Diosdado Sullano, Jr
Porsha Rhia Lai
Abgermel Tayaban
Carl Vincent Manio
Renz Bruno
Pia Bennagen Raquedan
Wilfredo Quarte
Romeo Mandrique, Jr
Jose Napiloy
Jun Galita
Rogelio Espe
Ryan Nieva
Desiderio Engbino
Bayani Alvarez
Edilberto Batiancila
Preciousa Sanchez
David Sanchez, Jr
Elias Rodriguez
Ryannel Sy
Jocelyn Sy
Francis Arnaldo Rivera
Joven Gozum
Ralph Louie Jacinto
Joebert Guiwan
Gamaliel Tayao
Francis Arnaldo Rivera
Andrea Lagman
Jeremy Panaligan
Renz Bruno
Jonel De Ocampo
Sabrina Oliveros
Eleazar Santiago
Ronniel Cuizon
Albert Joseph Carreon
Allan Cruz
Teresa Santos
Meliton Carag
Richard Akol
Katrina Marie Cruz
Leelay Ballesteros
Rene Navarro
Jojo Arellano
Ronie Galero
Jovic Villacortes
Marvin Sicat
Elena Cuario
Mary Joan Lim
Marissa Lim
Noel Ade
Alexer Resurection
Mary Ann Kong
Monique Mondido
Oliver Angeles
Richard Buco
Cristine Joy Alzarte
Christopher Saavedra
Jamasali Usman
Analyn Casumpang
Cristin Alzarte
Roderick Salih
Kathy Kuan
Lucky Gurrea
Katherine Marasigan
Yancy Manaog
Phillip Boeve (USA)
***Acceptance of Letter Of Intent to join this event will be closed at midnight of March 31, 2017. There will be No Extension Period.
***”Repeaters” have the option to pay their Registration Fee (Regular Fee) not later than November 1, 2017.
2017 Bataan Death March 102K Ultra Marathon Race @ Starting Area
The following is a Powerpoint Presentation on the Rules & Regulations of the 2016/8th Edition of the Bataan Death March 102K Ultra Marathon Race. All Runners and their respective Support Crew & Drivers must abide by these instructions. Any infraction of these rules and regulations will jeopardize the success or finish of every runner during the event.
Bald Runner 
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