Race Director’s Report: 2010 BDM 102


I presented this report during the “Get Together & Awarding Ceremony” of the 2010 BDM 102K Ultramarathon Race last March 11, 2010 at the Tejeros Hall, AFP Officers Club in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. This post then is for the benefit of my readers who were not part of the 2010 BDM 102 and who in the future would like to experience this ultrarunning event.

Top 10 List: What Is Unique About The BDM 102?

10. It commemorates the infamous Bataan Death March of World War II along the exact route where history happened. This is in honor of the 20,000 to 25,000 soldiers who died during the said March.

9. At present, the BDM 102 is the Longest Solo Road Race in the country.

8. Every Finisher within the cut-off time of 18 hours is awarded with a medal & individual trophy.

7. A Test of One’s Endurance Limit.

6. A Test of Teamwork between the runner & his/her support crew.

5. A Race where every runner helps each other to finish the course.

4. A Running Event where you can have a “fashion show” of your running apparel.

3. A venue where a runner can raise funds for his selected Charitable Institution.

2. A Running Event where a runner can take a shower & massage along the route.

1. The ONLY Road Race with an Awarding Ceremony & Get Together Party days after the event!!!

On Statistics:

1st BDM 102 2nd BDM 102
Date of Race: 4-5 April 2009 Date of Race: 6-7 March 2010
Runner-Applicants: 150 Runner-Applicants: 186
Registered Runners: 82 Registered Runners: 142
Race Starters: 82 Race Starters: 128
Finishers: 63 Finishers: 104
% of Finishers: 77% % of Finishers: 81.25%

On Comparison of the 1st BDM 102 with the 2nd BDM 102:

1st BDM 102:

1. The result that I published was UNOFFICIAL due to the following reasons: (a) there were “cheaters” and I personally observed cheating among the runner-participants; (b) the Actual Route was not followed as the leading runners did not pass “critical” kilometer posts along the way.

2. I was the Race Organizer and Race Director and also one of the Runner-Participants.

3. There were Aid Stations in every 20 kilometers plus a Breakfast Station at Km Post #50.

4. There were four (4) Checkpoints where I placed “secret marshals” who handed color-coded wrist bands.

5. There were Cash Prizes to the Overall Top 3 Male & Female Categories and Trophies to Top 3 in the Age Category for both Men & Women Categories.

6. There were seven (7) Foreign Runners but only five (5) finished. There were five (5 lady runners but only two (2) of them finished.

2nd BDM 102:

1. The result that I published a day after the event was OFFICIAL.

2. The prestige and integrity of the race were maintained as there were no reports of cheating among the runners.

3. The actual route of the BDM was followed.

4. I was the full-time Race Director of the event.

5. I removed all the Aid Stations, instead, each runner must have his/her Support Vehicle & Support Crew in order to compete in this event. The halfway Aid Station at Km Post #50 was maintained and it offered breakfast, foods & drinks to all the runners.

6. Submission of a Medical/Doctor’s Certificate for each runner is a MUST.

7. I have placed seven (7) Time Stations & Checkpoints that gave colored string necklace to every runner.

8. Final Briefing & CarboLoading Party were conducted two days before the Race Day. Administrative matters were done during this event.

9. No Cash Prizes. Awards/Trophies were given to the Top 3 Men’s & Ladies’ Categories.

10. There were eleven (11) Foreign Runners and all of them finished. There were thirteen (13) Lady Runners but only ten (10) finished.

2010 BDM 102 Winners

Men’s Category

Champion: Alvin Canada—10:01:5 hours

1st Runner-Up: Randy Bumahit—10:44:27 hours

2nd Runner-Up: Jonnifer Lacanlale—11:01:47 hours

Women’s Category

Champion: Whreachelle Cordova—16:00:07 hours

1st Runner-Up: Raiza Tulan—16:23:01 hours

2nd Runner-Up: Maria Myrna Emelyne Buenafe—16:38:48 hours

Observations:

1. The Last Day of Registration and Payment of Fees for Invited/Qualified Runners were scheduled six (6) weeks before Race Day.

2. The responsibility of logistics/support was given to the individual runner.

3. Some of the runners are still fond of last day submission of race requirements.

4. Administrative matters were done during the Final Briefing & CarboLoading Party which resulted to a shorter processing at the Starting/Assembly Area during Race Day.

5. For this year, the Race started earlier (11:30 PM of Saturday) and it was finished earlier, too!

6. Published Rules & Regulations were followed but some minor violations were observed.

7. Our Time Stations/Checkpoints were effective to pinpoint/deter cheaters. We deployed more checkpoints this time.

8. Support Vehicles were more responsive to the needs of the runners than placing stationary Aid Stations.

9. There was a tie in 4th Place. This thing will never happen again or else both runners will be disqualified for pacing with each other.

10. There were some runners who registered to have Support Vehicle but in reality, they were not supported by such vehicle. A stricter measure will be implemented in the next edition in order to monitor runners without any support vehicle.

11. Some runners lack “heat training” and the necessary training to finish an ultramarathon distance race. They understimated their supply of water & drinks needed for the road race.

12. There were cases of “bandit” runners. I had to warn Norio Tanaka from Runnex, a finisher in the 1st BDM 102, to stop running during the race as he was a “bandit” in the race. Another unidentified runner was also warned to stop “brisk walking” at Km Post #14.  Guys, if you want to “bandit” in my race, please don’t do it! If you want to experience running the BDM route, please don’t do it during my race day. You have the remaining days of the year to do it by yourself.

13. Some runners have two or more vehicles tagging along with their authorized support vehicle. I know that this race is a family affair among the participants but please limit the vehicles tagging along with the support vehicles.

14. We did not commit a mistake in our Finisher’s Medal. What you see in your Finisher’s Medal is the Official Seal of BDM 102 with the year 2009 as its founding year. I requested the finishers to have the date of the 2010 Bdm 102 engraved at the back. In next year’s edition, we will correct and place the engraved date at the back of the medal.

2010 BDM 102 Trivia:

1st Husband & Wife Finishers—Ria Go Tian & Emerson Go Tian

1st US/American Finisher—Charles Fletcher

1st Grandson-Finisher of a BDM 1942 Survivor—Jose Maria Galauran

Youngest Finisher—Mark Peralta, 19 years old

Oldest Finisher—Artemio Ladia, 54 years old.

1st Active General of the AFP To Finish The Race—Major General Samuel D Narcise AFP

1st Active PNP Officer Finisher—P/Supt Gregorio Torres

1st Father & Son Finishers—Major General Samuel D Narcise & Lemuel Narcise

Assessment:

1. 2010 BDM 102 was a successful event. Although we did not earn any profit or proceeds from this year’s edition, the support of the “Friends of the Bald Runner & Team BR-Professionals” covered the expenses/support for the additional logistics and activities to make this event a successful one. The BDM 102K Ultramarathon Race will remain to be a simple race devoid of unnecessary “distractions” and funfare.

2. Planning and Execution were almost perfect this time due to the experience from the 1st BDM 102. Our staff, volunteers, and marshals were fully briefed, rehearsed, focused and coordinated for the event.

3. The weather conditions were extreme but runners were able to adapt to the situation.

4. Teamwork & Unity were displayed among competing runners and support crew were responsive to the needs of the runners.

5. Lastly, this event would not be successful without the support & cooperation of the runners/support crew; sponsors & supporters; volunteers; and the Elite Team Bald Runner & Staff. Thank you very much!!!

See you on the 3rd BDM 102 & 1st BDM 151!!!

Pictures @ Jeju Ultramarathon Race


@ The Lobby of the Athletes Village (Jeju Oriental Hotel)
@The Starting Area
Hon. Jun Sang Yu, Chairman & Financier of the Event
Korean Runners In The 200K Race
Frank Indapan Pacing With A South Korean Ultrarunner
Alquin Bolivar Approaching 50K Mark in 3:26+hours
That's Me Running Along The Coast of Jeju Island
Awarded With 50K Finisher's Medal by the Race Director
100K Finish Line @ Jeju World Cup Stadium
Alquin Bolivar Crossing The Finish Line in 9:03:06 Hours (Ranking: #6 IAU Member)
Frank Indapan Crossing The Finish Line In 12:48:40 Hours

“thanks for your support” (Jeju’s Trip)


Last October 2009, I received a formal letter from the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) informing me that the Philippines had been officially accepted as a member of IAU through the Philippine Association of Ultrarunners (PAU) which I created and organized. IAU officials informed me that the Philippines is the 6th ASIAN member and the 45th member worldwide. 

After two weeks, I received an invitation from the IAU for our country to be represented in the 1st Asian IAU 100K Championship Race to be held in Jeju Island, South Korea on March 27, 2010. Attached with the invitation are the protocol and requirements for participating in the said race. The Event Organizer, South Korea’s Ultrarunning Federation, invited 3 men & 3 women whose accommodation and food will be provided free for the duration of only two days. The participating runners are supposed to be the best and most qualified ultra runners that the country could offer.  

The desire to join in this competition was so strong on my part but the big problem was the logistics/financial support needed for the plane tickets of the athletes. As of November 2009, I met all the members of the Elite Team Bald Runner and asked them who would “volunteer” to train for the 1st Asian IAU 100K Championship Race. Alquin Bolivar & Frank Indapan came forward to accept the challenge and started to train from then on. 

Last year, I also thought of sending the top Male & Female Champions of this year’s BDM 102 to Jeju’s 100K Ultramarathon Race but the timing/schedule was not conducive for the best performance of our athletes as they are on their “recovery” mode barely weeks before the event after the BDM 102. 

Being a relatively new running sports, ultramarathon is “alien” to our government sports officials, moreso, to our friends in the government and corporate world. So, I did not want to be frustrated again to be begging to these “personalities” for some financial support for me to send our country’s representatives to this IAU-sanctioned international event. My experience with the government & corporate world in the 1st BDM 102 will never happen again. 

The only way to make this invitation to materialize and succeed was to ask help from the “Friends” of the Bald Runner and they came in full force to donate the needed amount for the visas, plane tickets, travel tax, and training/competition support to Alquin Bolivar & Frank Indapan. The following are  the “running angels” and their respective donation/s to the members of the Elite Team Bald Runner for Jeju Island: 

July Oconer 6,868.00
Kim 5,000.00
Bard’s Bathan 5,000.00
Armando Fernando 5,000.00
Mark Hernandez 5,000.00
Lester Chuayap 4,000.00
Ria & Emerson Go Tian 2,500.00
Oscar Sañez 2,000.00
Jael Wenceslao 2,000.00
Junrox Roque 2,000.00
Tin Ferrera 1,000.00
Mari Javier 1,000 + CWX
Jeremiah Isip 1,000.00 + CWX + Long Sleeve
Jerry Adriatico 1,000.00
Randy San Miguel 1,000.00
Macky Coronel 1,000.00
Carlo Coronel 1,000.00
Melvin Pangan 1,000.00
Mitchie Nafarete 1,000.00
Juanne Molina 1,000.00
Gin Estacio 1,000.00
Tere Gangan 1,000.00
Mark Salazar 500.00
Benette Jimenez 500.00
Bitmap

Randy San Miguel
5,000.00
Jerry Adriatico
Nickko Nolasco
2,600.00
Ralph Salvador
George Dolores
Jay Lee Cu Unjieng $100
Mesh Villanueva $100
Ben Gaetos $100
Jan 1box Hammer Gel + 1 box Gatorade Powder + Roll on Linement
   
Joshua Suarez  
Jerome Cartailler  

(Note: The names without any donation had made their pledge already) 

Jeju International Airport
Frank & Alquin Inside the Shuttle Van

As of this morning, the Elite Team Bald Runner and PAU’s representatives to the 1st Asian IAU 100K Championship Race had arrived in Jeju Isalnd, South Korea. The place is nice, clean, orderly, cold and windy.  We were met at the airport by the representative of the Race Organizer and we were brought to our Hotel which is at the very center of Jeju City. 

It is very hard to find somebody here who could speak English! But by walking and jogging on the main streets of the city, we were able to find familiar fastfood establishments and shopping malls where to eat and buy much needed water, food and fruits. 

Korean Version of McDo ( We Did Not Eat There Yet!)

I found out later that this running event will also be the 9th Jeju International Ultramarathon Race and the Jeju International Cycling Race which will be held on the same day. The circumferential road of this island will definitely be dedicated to the ultra runners and cyclists on Saturday. 

Infront of a Car Repair's Shop!!!
All International Runners Are Staying In This Hotel

Note: We are wearing the Official Jacket of the Philippine Association of Ultrarunners (PAU) 

Tomorrow will be another day to run and acclimatize with the weather ( rainy, cloudy & windy) of the island. A formal program, briefing, and carboloading party will be held tomorrow afternoon. It would be a nice time to meet other international elite runners and ultra running sports federations leaders/officials. 

Hopefully, the following goals/objectives will be attained in this race: 

1) The IAU 100K Championship Race (no cash prize for the winners, only medals will be awarded to the top 3 runners) will set the Philippine Record in 100K Ultramarathon Race in an IAU-sanctioned event. Winning this event is our ultimate goal but with Japan’s attendance/presence in this event, simply finishing and setting a National Record Time for the distance from our runners will be a great accomplishment already. 

2) The Philippines, through the Philippine Association of Ultrarunners (PAU), will be represented to an IAU-sanctioned ultra race for the first time. This will expose our country to other ultrarunning countries. 

3) The Elite Team Bald Runner goes International as we will be using our official uniform-singlet, courtesy of MILO/Nestle, Philippines. 

Once again, for those who supported and continued praying for us, thank you very much. God bless to everybody!

“Alay-Sikad Sa Kagitingan” (BDM Bikeathon)


1. The Head of the Multi Agency Task Force (MATF) for the Observance of the 2010 Araw ng Kagitingan and Philippine Veterans Week and Administrator of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), Honorable Ernesto G Carolina, sent an official invitation to me as the Special Guest during the Culminating Ceremony of the 2010 “Alay-Sikad Sa Kagitingan”: Retracing the Bataan Death March Route Bike-A-Thon held last Saturday, March 20, 2010, at the Capas National Shrine in Camp O’Donnell, Capas Tarlac. The Bike-A-Thon event is a part of the activities that commemorates and provides awareness to the infamous Bataan Death March. 

Program of Activity

2. I was chosen as the Special Guest for the said event because the MATF have been informed that I’ve been conducting the BDM 102K Ultramarathon Race for the past two years without their support. In the said program, I was introduced as the Founder of the BDM Ultramarathon Race. I am glad that my invitation to this event have finally recognized the efforts I’ve spent to create awareness on the heroism of our forefathers during World War II.

Cyclists At The Capas National Shrine
A Pose With Hon. Carolina (left) & Veterans
An Interview With The Media

3. A group of almost 100 cyclists from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other Bike Clubs in Metro Manila and other nearby provinces started the Bikeathon at the BDM Km 00 in Mariveles, Bataan at 6:30 AM last Saturday. A Ceremonial Send-Off Program was led by Hon. Jesse Concepcion, Mayor of Mariveles, Bataan; Hon. Espiridion Calara, Provincial DILG Director; and Ms Samsia Bonoan, Head of the MATF Sub-Committee on Bikeathon. The number of cyclists increased in numbers up to 200 as they passed along the towns of Bataan, Pampanga, and Tarlac. More cyclists have joined the group as it got nearer to the Finish Line at the Capas National Shrine. The cyclists arrived at the Finish Line at 4:00 PM. Aid Stations/Checkpoints had been pre-positioned every 50 kilometers where cyclists were provided with water and food.

Distribution of Awards To The Finishers
Delivery of My Speech
A Pose with Mayor Catacutan, BGen Ojeda, & Hon. Carolina

4. During the Culminating Ceremony, the Finishers were awarded with “loot bags” courtesy of MATF and PVAO. The activity was graced with the presence of Hon. Reynaldo Catacutan, Mayor of Capas and some of the veterans of World War II. I was able to deliver my message/speech with emphasis on the sustained awareness of the BDM through activities on sports, arts, tourism, and written publications/researches.

Finishers Getting In Line For Their "Loot Bag"

5. Hopefully, the MATF & PVAO will be able to support the conduct of future BDM Ultramarathon Races.

Podium Finishers: 2010 BDM 102


March 11, 2010: Awarding Ceremony & Get Together Party @ Tejeros Hall, AFP Officers Clubhouse, Camp Aguinaldo

Podium Finishers of 2010 BDM 102

(From Left to Right: BR, Alvin Canada, Whreachelle Cordova, Raiza Tulan, Maria Myrna Emelyne Buenafe, Randy Bumahit, Jonnifer Lacanlale, Coach Rey Antoque)

Men’s Overall Category

Champion—Alvin Canada—10:01:05 Hrs

1st Runner-Up—Randy Bumahit—10:44:27 Hrs

2nd Runner-Up—Jonnifer Lacanlale—11:01:47 Hrs

Women’s Overall

Champion—Whreachelle Cordova—16:00:07 Hrs

1st Runner-Up—Raiza Tulan—16:23:01 Hrs

2nd Runner-Up—Maria Myrna Emelyne Buenafe—16:38:48 Hrs

Champion: 2010 BDM 102/PDI News


Corporal Alvin Canada of the Philippine Army won as the Overall Champion in the latest edition of the Bataan Death March (BDM) 102K Ultramarathon Race which was held last March 6-7, 2010 from Km oo in Mariveles, Bataan to Km 102 in San Fernando, Pampanga.

The following is a news clipping from the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Sportwatch section on page A17 dated March 11, 2010. Thanks, Carrey for the publication.

Philippine Daily Inquirer's News dtd March 11, 2010

 A total of 143 runners were invited after they have registered and properly screened. On race day, 128 runners showed at the Starting Line. Out of the 128 runners, 104 runners were able to reach the Finish Line within the cut-off time of 18 hours.

Congratulations to all the runners, sponsors/donors, friends of Bald Runner, Elite Team Bald Runner, Volunteers & Team Bald Runner-Professional Group, and the staff of Bald Runner’s Events. Your cooperation, unity & teamwork have made this event a successful one. My heartfelt thanks to everybody.

See you on the next year’s edition of BDM 102/145.

BDM 102 CLP & Final Briefing


An addition & improvement from last year’s edition of BDM 102 was conducted at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. A Carbo Loading Party and Final Briefing was held to meet the runners and support crews of the 2010 BDM 102. This activity was intended to distribute the race packet (race bib, instructions, & banner/tarpaulin) to the runners in order to lessen the administrative activities before the start of the race at Km 00 in Mariveles, Bataan. This activity started at 5:55PM, 5 minutes earlier than the scheduled time of 6:00PM.

@The Patio, AFP Officers Clubhouse, Camp Aguinaldo, QC

 The event was held at The Patio, AFP Officers Clubhouse in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. It started with an invocation from Ronnie De Lara aka RunnerFor Christ; Singing of the National Anthem; Carbo Loading Activity; and the presentation of the Final Briefing. There were some adjustments made on the Rules & Regulations and Critical Points along the route were explained and presented. However, these points along the route will be manned by Race Marshals.

All Carbo + Protein + Fats Party For Everybody

 It was not an All Pasta Carbo Loading Party as my brother, MajGen Samuel of the Light Armor Division of the Philippine Army who is also one of the runners, together with his son, Lemuel, donated two (2) big lechon for the party. I just hope all the participants were able to eat their share of the foods served last night.

Final Briefing For All The Runners & Support Crews

 All of the runners were excited to meet other participants of the race. Foreign runners mingled with the local runners and the “first-timers” for this race were all attentive to the briefing. I can see “strong determination” and “positive attitude” on the faces of the participants. I hope all the starters will be able to finish the race within the cut-off time of 18 hours considering the arrival of early summer in the country. I wish all the runners will have the best condition for them on the day of the race.

A Pose With The "Warriors" of BDM 102

 For those who were late in coming to the party, please don’t be late during the start of the race and during our Awarding & Get Together Party, few days after the race. As a reminder, the assembly time at the BDM Shrine at Km 00 in Mariveles, Bataan is 10:00 PM of March 6, Saturday. And for those who have not yet received their race packet, they have to be in the assembly area earlier than the scheduled assembly time. As I have announced, the race will start early as soon as we can account for everybody to be present at the starting area.

For those who were not able to get their banner/tarpaulin last night, we will give you whatever is available. It will be given on a “first come, first serve” basis. My staff will be at the Assembly Area at 9:00 PM of March 6, Saturday.

Good luck and have a safe trip to Bataan! See you at the Starting Line!

CLP Group Picture (Courtesy of Mark Fer Castillo)

Race Organizers Meeting @ PATAFA


In a short notice and invitation to all Road Race Organizers, the first official meeting with PATAFA was successfully held yesterday morning at the PATAFA Office from 8:30-10:30 AM.

The objective of the meeting was to discuss “concerns” that were brought to the attention to Mr Go Teng Kok on the conduct of Road Races in the country. The meeting started at exactly 8:30 AM even if only two of the representatives were present. However, in a few minutes and during my presentation/discussion, the meeting was attended by most of the Road Race Organizers. In the absence of the President of PATAFA, I presided the meeting and the following personalities were in attendance during the said meeting:

Vic Pielago III—-Race Organizer from Condura Durables, Inc

Froilan Carnay—Assistant Race Organizer from Condura Durables, Inc.

Jo-Ar Calvadores—Representative of Coach Rio De La Cruz of Finishline

Ben Alacar—-Father & Representative of Ian Alacar

Melvin Bolus—Owner of MLB Road Race Specialist

Tia De Guzman—Pep Squad Events & Marketing Co.

Marj Dayrit—Pep Squad Events & Marketing Co.

Gay Maddela—Argent Network

Joselito “Joey” Santos—PATAFA Staff on Road Race Measurement & Timer

Road Race Organizers' Meeting @ PATAFA

Out of these Road Race Organizers, the following were absent and were not represented during the meeting: Mr Rudy Biscocho of RACE; Mr Imperio of EXTRIBE; The North Face Race Organizer; Thumbie Remigio; Maryanne Ringor; and Mr Adi De Los Reyes of E-ventolists, Inc. However, I hope they will be able to attend the next meeting.

The following concerns of the President, PATAFA were presented to the attendees and each of them were discussed:

1) Increase in the Number of Road/Trail Races and Number of Runners in the past two years.

2) Increase in the Number of Road Race Organizers  

3) Corporate’s & Private Sector’s Involvement in the Conduct of Road Races

4) Foreign Runners in Local Races (Presence of the Kenyans in short distance road races)

5) “Standards” & Protocol In the Conduct of Road Races (Accurate Distance, Aid/Water Stations, Timing & Results of Races, Density & Volume of Runners vs. Width of our Roads; Safety; Traffic of Vehicles; and others)

6) Role of PATAFA in Road Races (Race Sanction and Accreditation of Race Organizers

7) Role of PATAFA in the Schedule of Road Races

8) Increase in the Amount of Registration Fees

Attendees Increased To 9 During The Meeting
As a result of the discussions, the following recommendations to the President of PATAFA were formulated for his approval:

1) PATAFA shall conduct a one-day seminar to all Road Race Organizers at the PATAFA Office with the objective of presenting the Guidelines  For The Conduct of Road Racing based from IAAF standards and protocol.

2) Road Race Organizers who will complete this Road Race Seminar will be automatically accredited by PATAFA and should adhere to its policies. It is therefore advisable that all Road Races shall be supervised by PATAFA from their planning stage to their execution.

3) Organize a formal group or association among Road Race Organizers in order to instill open communication and teamwork among its members. This group will elect their officers and the PATAFA will act as a supervisor/consultant/adviser of the group.

4) Maintain a Regular Monthly Meeting among the Road Race Organizers.

Discussions & Insights Were Fruitful

The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 AM.

On a personal note, I think this first meeting of the Road Race Organizers was a success where the role of PATAFA in the conduct of any form of Athletics (track & field) and road races was emphasized. Let us support PATAFA so that running will sustain its impact in promoting an active lifestyle down to the “grassroots” level.

My sincerest thanks to all those who attended this first and significant meeting among the Road Race Organizers. Let us cooperate with one another and remember always to provide the best quality service to our paying runners in every road race.

FREE Corporate Running Clinic Is Back!


2:00 PM February 19, 2010 @ 2GO Office, Old Domestic Airport, Pasay City

Last May 2009, I was invited by Jerome Sese, HR Executive of Aboitiz, Inc as one of the guest speakers in their corporate’s 3K Fun Run at the La Mesa Dam. I delivered a brief speech and suggested to the employees to conduct a running clinic for all the officers, staff & employees of the company in the near future for them to appreciate and learn the scientific approach to running.

After 6 months, I received an invitation from Jerome Sese to pursue the conduct of a running lecture & clinic to all the officers. staff and employees of Aboitiz, Inc as soon as possible. Jerome explained to me that he was assigned outside the Metro Manila area (Mindanao) after the 3K Fun Run last May 2009 and that was the reason why he was not able to make a follow-up on the conduct of running clinic last year.

The first phase of the running clinic was conducted among the personnel of 2GO whose office is located in one of the hangars-turned offices at the old Domestic Airport. The running lecture & clinic started at 2:00 PM with Jerome introducing me to the 36 participants.

Jerome Sese of Aboitiz Inc During The Introduction

My lecture featured the “basics” and principles in training and running. Phases and Tips of Training for a running distance event were explained. However, what is important in this introductory lecture in running is my emphasis on the development and enhancement of good values to each of every participant if they want to engage in a sports called “running”. In essence, I want everybody to set the example to their family, relatives and friends and a source of inspiration if they decide to be serious in running.

36 Participants Attended The Lecture/Clinic

After 1 1/2 hours of lecture, the practical demonstration on the warm-up, stretching exercises, and technical information about running was led by Coach Saturnino Salazar and the members of the Elite Team Bald Runner. All the participants were requested to stand-up and follow the demonstrations being displayed by the Team. Due to the intense heat/temperature outside the office, the actual drills and running form demonstrations were done inside the lecture room.

Coach Salazar Took Over the Practical/Demonstration Portion
Stretching Exercises
Running Form & Strides

After the practical demonstrations, an open forum was conducted. The Team BR answered questions about running shoes, running apparel, nutrition, and other cross-training sports related to running. After the lecture, the members of the BR Running Clinic Team were given gifts and certificates for the services rendered to the employees of the 2GO Company.

Group Picture After The Running Clinic

Thanks, Jerome and to the 2GO personnel for the wonderful reception and interest in running! Hope to see you on the next road races in the future.

DZMM’s Takbo Para Sa Kalikasan 10K


As far as I can remember, this is my first time to join this yearly road race whose advocacy is to protect the environment. Basically, this is the yearly road race that promotes the improvement and cleaning of the Pasig River which started in 1999. This road race is sponsored by the ABS-CBN Foundation.

I decided to join this race last Wednesday as my “diagnostic test” run to evaluate my speed after finishing my “adventure run” from Caloocan City to Baguio City on the 2nd week of this month. I realized it is my first time to run a 10K road race in Luneta-Roxas Boulevard area since I started this blog. My previous races in Luneta-Roxas area were part of full Marathon races that I’ve joined in the past.

Having arrived at the Luneta area very early (one hour before the scheduled starting time), I had my warm-up and stretching with a plan to run at my best effort for this race. I was able to brief the members of my elite team and then proceeded to the starting area. I was surprised to see a lot of runners for the 10K, 5K and 3K races. I heard that there were 8,000 runners who registered for this event. I was able to meet also other runners like Sir Amado aka Reinier 6666, members of the takbo.ph, and “newbie” runners who are expecting me to conduct their Corporate Running Lecture and Clinic in the coming days.

Before The Start Of The 10K Run

 A simple program was conducted before the start of the race with no less than the Vice-President Noli De Castro as the highest government official promoting this race. Ms Gina Lopez, President of the ABS-CBN Foundation, was also there to grace the occassion. Well, it was a running event where the “stars” of the said network were also in attendance. Piolo Pascual, Jake Cuenca, Maricar Reyes, Enchong Dee, Nina Corpuz, Ariel Oreta, Cory Quirino, and Winnie Cordero were there to participate in the event. Piolo Pascual ran the 10K race; Jake Cuenca ran the 5K race; and the rest joined the 3K run.

After some short speeches from the VIPs of the ABS-CBN, warm-up/stretching exercises, and briefing from Mr Rudy Biscocho, the race started at least 3 minutes before the scheduled time. You expect an early or a punctual start of the race if Mr Rudy Biscocho is the Race Director of a running event.

As the gun was fired (actually, a sound effect of an explosion), I immediately placed myself infront and tried to find an ample space among the front runners. After one kilometer, I glanced at my GF 305 and it registered an average pace of 4:47 mpk. It was a good start and an early pace before I started to perspire. I tried to maintain my pace and never glanced at my watch until I reached the halfway/turn-around. Few meters away from the turn-around point, my watch registered a time of 24:18 minutes and again tried to increase my pace.

Trying To Keep My Pace Faster

 As soon as I reached the 5K Race turn-around (2.5K from the Finish Line), the road became full of runners & walkers. Moreso, when I reached the 3K Race turn-around point, more runners would fill the road that I had to look for a way or space to overtake these slower runners. The presence of the slower runners and walkers in the lesser distance races made my average pace slower.

I finished the 10K race in 47:37 minutes based from my GF 305 (unofficial time). The following were the kilometer splits for the 10K race: 4:47/4:30/4:39/4:40/4:51/4:50/4:57/4:56/4:53/4:46. The distance was measured accurately at 10K with my GF 305. My average pace was 4:45 mpk with an average heart rate of 168 beats per minute.

A Pose After The 10K Run

 I am satisfied with my performance with this race. I know I could be faster if I put more time with my speed-endurance workouts. From the result time, my average pace per mile is 7:40 minutes. With progressive training and additional time for my supplementary weight training, I will be focused to qualify for this year’s MILO Marathon Eliminations on July 4, 2010. My finish time at the Century Tuna Half-Marathon of 1:47:51 hours and my time in this race are already good references for my training program in my next Marathon Race.

Elite Team BR Won Top Awards

Alley Quisay of the Elite Team Bald Runner won as Champion in the Hall of Fame  Special Award for winning and defending his title as the winner in last year’s 10K  Race with a time of 32:13 minutes in the Men’s Division. Jujet De Asis and Frank Indapan of Elite Team Bald Runner won the 1st & 2nd Place in the 10K Race. They received their awards and prizes from Vice-President Noli De Castro.

The road race was orderly conducted with part of the Roxas Boulevard closed from any vehicle and all the basic amenities/support for the runners were available. Instead of the water being served in cups, bottled water was available and given to all the runners in every Water Station which was located every 2.5 kilometers.

Congratulations to ABS-CBN Foundation, Mr Rudy Biscocho & staff, and to all the Finishers for a nice and orderly running event.