I am starting to love (again!) the lighted roads of MOA since I am trying my best to build-up my mileage for my next marathon race (MILO Marathon Elimination on July 4). I started my run at 7:30 PM along the 5.5-Km loop which I expanded to 6.5-Km loop on my second lap around the MOA Complex. However, after running for 12 kilometers, I ended my workout to greet my elite runners who were registered to run in a road race which was scheduled to start at 9:00 PM. After talking to my elite athletes, I had the time to observe what was going on at the Start/Finish & Assembly Areas of this Fun Run.
The “fun run” which is sponsored by all the Call Centers has all the “works”—loud music from a sound system; lots of booths with free products for the runners; booths for pictorials; powerful lighting systems; a rock band; photograhers; big tarpaulins of sponsors; lots of race officials & marshals; start & finish arc; video camera team that goes from one group to another group of runners to conduct interviews; cash prizes for the top winners and above all, the presence of “newbie” runners and the Kenyans!
The fun started when the registration was conducted “on site” few hours before the scheduled start of the race. The second “funny” thing is that a runner has to pay Five Hundred Pesos for a 10K race; Three Hundred Pesos for the 3K Race; and Four Hundred For the 5K Race. The participants who are employees of Call Centers had lower rates, a difference of One Hundred Pesos from the Non-Call Center participants. Since I’ve finished my 12K run before the race started, I opted to save my money and instead be at the sidelines to cheer for my elite runners and at the same time observe the conduct of the event.
It was no longer funny when the start of the race was delayed from 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The reason was that more runners are still registering at the booths and the race organizer had to wait until everybody had registered. Finally, the 10K race started first at 10:15 PM and after 15 minutes, the 5K runners were released. After another 10 minutes, the 3K runners which consisted of the biggest bulk of runners were off on the road. In my estimate, there were less than a 100 runners in the 10K distance; 150+ in the 5K; and almost 300 for the 3K run.
After 10 minutes that the 3K runners were released, the fastest among the 3K runners started to approach the Finish Line. I was surprised to hear from the RACE Officials asking the approaching runner “what is the race distance is he competing with?” What? I said to myself, this Race Official does not know how to distinguish the color-coded bibs given by them to their runners? WTF??? Personally, I also could hardly distinguish the color dark-green from the dark-blue color during nighttime even if the streets are lighted. (Blue bibs were for the 10K runners while the green bibs were for the 3K runners)
Well, one thing leads to another. This is a fun run where the route was not fully explained. The runners were told by the Race Organizer just to follow the directional signs and get directions from the road marshals along the route. I am sorry to say that many of the leading runners of the 10K race were lost! In the end, I even acted as a “volunteer” in reminding the 10K finishers to enter their respective “chute” so that their time will be registered.
Due to some of the technical problems encountered during the race, the awarding of winners was delayed. It was already 12 midnight when the Race Organizers finally awarded the winners. My elite Team Bald Runner members were able to place #4 in the 10K race; 1st, 3rd & 4th in the 5K race; and 4th in the 3K distance. This was their second race for the day and 3rd race for the weekend!!!
For sure, I will be going back to MOA Complex for more of my endurance runs in the evenings!
Yesterday, I received an e-mail from Mr Andrew Neri of MILO/Nestle Phils with the following message:
“Due to the recent change in the political environment, we’d like to inform everyone that we will be transferring the 34th National MILO® MarathonLaoag Elimination race toDagupan slated on July 11, 2010.”
Being a native of Laoag City, I was surprised to receive such information. Although, I don’t have plans to join this MILO Elimination Race in Laoag City, I am “intrigued” with the reason stated why MILO had to transfer the race from Laoag City to Dagupan City.
As a result of the May 10 elections, former Senator Imee Marcos won over the incumbent Governor Michael Keon for the Governor of Ilocos Norte. I could only surmise that the change in the leadership of the provincial government of Ilocos Norte has made some changes in the “organizational” preparations for the said race. With the limited time between the assumption of the new provincial administration and the date of the event, the organizers of the race do not want to compromise the preparation and conduct of the race with another coordination with the new administration.
However, in my own experience in attending this Laoag Elimination Race two years ago, I found out that there was a dismal turnout on the number of runners for the 21K elimination race. Despite the fact that you have a Governor who was a former Director of the Project Gintong Alay, POC Chairman, and PATAFA President, I could only see few runners (less than 30) who competed for the half-marathon distance. I guess, this could be the actual reason why MILO has to transfer the venue to Dagupan City.
This is a good chance for the people of Pangasinan to shine in long distance running.
How I wish I could be a part among the “volunteers” in The Bull Runner’s Dream Marathon this coming weekend. Due to my scheduled meeting with people outside Metro Manila which is connected with my recon activities for my next “adventure run” and incoming PAU road races, I could not be a part of the said event. However, I am coming up with the following suggestions and tips for the runners who will be experiencing their first Full Marathon:
1. Ice Cold Coke—It does not matter if it is Coca-Cola, Pepsi, RC Cola, or Sarsi, you need to drink at least one can, one bottle up to one liter of Coke if you feel exhausted or before you think you are at the verge of hitting your “wall”. You will be surprised that this sweet ice cold drink will give you the much needed “kick” on your last few kilometers. In all my road races that I’ve organized, there is always a Coke in every Aid Station, to include the usual water and Gatorade drinks!
2. Salt—It could be the ordinary table salt, rock salt or iodized salt or if there are available commercial salt tablets, you have to bring some in your packet or in one of the zippered pockets of your hydration belt. If you are going to finish the full marathon in 4 hours or more, you have to take some salt or salt tablets to maintain the sodium level of your blood. For the ultrarunners, they mix salt and ice cold coke for their hydration intake in the last 10-20K of their ultra races.
3. Ice Water with Sponge—If the heat of the sun is too much to bear on your skin or body, you need a sponge soaked in an ice-cooled water to use in rubbing the parts of your body being exposed to sunlight. You can also douse some of the absorbed ice water on the sponge to your head. Ice cold water poured on your head and back gives refreshing sensation to your body.
4. Immodium—Don’t forget to take immodium capsule or diatab tablets at least one hour before the start of the race. This will give you the confidence to run without any GI issues even if you eat some foods or drink a lot of water/drinks during the race. However, it is advised that you should have your pre-race “bowel movement” before taking this medication.
5. Massage—Be sure to have your last body massage at least two days before the race/event. Don’t have your massage a day before the race as your body muscles will not have enough time to rest & recover before the race.
6. Alaxan FR, Pain-Killer Medications, & others—I know of some “hardcore and competitive” runners who take Alaxan FR with Immodium before the start of the Full Marathon for obvious reasons. The Alaxan FR will anticipate the “arrival” of pain to your leg muscles and joints during the race. Other runners would say that Viagra make them stronger, faster, and can extend their endurance limit in long distance running events but there is a need for advise from your physician. My elite athletes will always remind me to take Pharmaton tablets at least 3 days before the marathon run.
7. Candies—Most of the ultra runners crave for candies during the second-half of the race as they are sweet. It is worth trying with a candy in your mouth while you are running. Be careful not to experience being “choked” when you swallow your saliva with the sweet extracted from the candy while you are breathing with your mouth! In my road races which I organize, runners are always served with Cloud 9 bite size chocolate candies in every Aid Station.
8. Kinesio Tapes—I have a lot of Kinesio Gold Tapes (Black in Color) For Sale and I only used them once when I had an injury on my lower left leg and it gave me some comfort in my recovery runs. When I participated in the Jeju International Ultramarathon Race last March, I’ve seen a lot of the Korean, Japanese, Taiwanese and US runners using this kind of tape on their legs. Michelle Estuar, the Lady Champion in the 1st PAU 50K Race, was sporting a lot of Kinesio tapes during the race. The way I looked at her during the run, she looked like a running “Robocop”!
1. Yes, there are too many road races on a Saturday and Sunday up to 4-5 running events for each day for this month of May. It is surprising that we have the most number of road races in a month which is considered as the hottest month of the year for us. On the other hand, this could be a sign that it is about time to declare the Month of May as the “Month For Running” or “Month For Runners” in the country. If any of the newly-elected Senators and/or Members of the House of the Representative would read this blog, at least, they have a proposal for a Bill that could be enacted into a Law. This will encourage more of our countrymen to be involved in an active healthy lifestyle through running. I hope the member of Congress who will propose this bill is also a runner!
2. Is it good or bad to have a lot of Running Events in one day or during the weekend? If there are Cash Prizes for the top runners, it will be good for the “visiting” Kenyans and to the local Elite Runners, to include my Elite Team Bald Runner! If there is none, it will be good for the competitive/average runners (to improve their PRs) and receive their “loot bags” and a “winner” to the corporate sponsors for their marketing exposures.
3. Too many road races means that there are also too many race directors & race event organizers around. It also means that almost all the corporate products are dipping their money to promote their products through the road races. I just wish that the Race Organizers will get a profit out of their running events even if they are competing with other road races being conducted on the same day. It is good to “spread” the economy, too.
4. If there are two or more road races in a weekend, what would be the most important factor to consider in selecting one? Is it the registration fee (lower or higher), the route, the reputation of the Race Organizer/Race Director, the singlet & the “loot bag” at the Finish Line, the brand or product being endorsed, or the popular personality who is endorsing the race and the product? Whatever your choice is, you are the one making the decision and above all, it’s your money!
5. There are more road races being conducted outside Metro Manila and I hope that there are more runners being developed and/or discovered as a result of these races. Aside from the MILO Elimination Runs in the Regions and key cities in the country, I hope more of the established companies/corporations would be able to sponsor local road races and fun runs. In addition, it is about time that the local government units should be in the forefront in encouraging their consituents to be involved in sports. Running would be the least expensive sports that they could plan & implement.
6. Last Sunday morning, I was at The Fort and I observed the Start & Finish of the Neutragena 15K/10K/5K/3K Road Races. I was an spectator of the event and I was surprised that there are only “few” runners (as compared with the previous races with 5-8 thousand runners!) It appears that there were less than 2,000 runners in the event based from the published results. This could be the effect of too many road races in one weekend where runners have a choice depending on the factors to be considered in a road race. On the other hand, this was the first time that I also observed the presence of “tall & muscular” security guys dressed in all black. “Bouncers” in a Road Race? What is their job description at the Start & Finish Line? If I may suggest, these “security guys” should be posted in key intersections along the route of the runners where they could “bully or intimidate” those undisciplined jeepney drivers/motorcycle riders and “angry-shouting & honking” taxi drivers! I wonder if they are “volunteers” or get paid by the Race Organizers/Sponsors?
7. With the new administration of government preparing to take over the reign of leadership for the whole nation, I’ve been reading a lot of news about the same personalities who brought our athletes in our past international sports competitions (2008 Beijing Olympics & 2009 Laos Southeast Asian Games) with dismal performance as the ones reportedly recommended to be leading again our government’s sports institutions. Politics & Sports will never mix in order to get the best from our athletes and win medals in International Sports Competitions.
8. Lastly, I am planning to tender my resignation as the PATAFA’s Chairman of the Road Race Committee. Nothing had been done to my recommendations on the conduct & protocol of road races to include the conduct of seminar among road race directors and organizers. I would rather concentrate my effort in promoting ultramarathon races through the Philippine Association of Ultrarunners (PAU) as the President & Founder by bringing more of the ultra races outside Metro Manila.
1. I would like to share the 2010 Miwok 100K Trail Race Report of Anton Krupicka which he posted here. You can view also his race pictures here.
2. The 2010 IAU 24-Hour Endurance World Championship Race in Brive, France had started yesterday and the runners are in their 20th Hour of the race. You can check the Live Update here.
There is a story behind in every road race that the Bald Runner’s Events had been organizing and implimenting for the past years. The BDM 102 was a “dream” ultramarathon event to honor our heroes which is ultimately becoming the “Holy Grail” of running in the country. The MASTERS 15K was a “test run” being conducted inside a secured environment and in preparation for the RIZAL DAY’s 32K Run last December 2009 at Camp Aguinaldo. Now, we have prepared a series of ultramarathon events which will be held in the different parts of the country.
The story behind the 1st PAU (Philippine Association of Ultrarunners) 50K Run was a combination of the following factors:
1. Jeju Ultramarathon Experience—My exposure/attendance in a Regional (Asian) IAU Ultramarathon Race provided me with more information and techniques on how our neighbors do their ultramarathon events. Our neigbor countries almost have ultramarthon races in their different regions every month which is being sponsored by their Ultramarathon Sports Federation and the Local Government where the event is being conducted. If there are corporate sponsors, these are companies where the ultrarunners are working or personally managed.
2. Tanay Route—The Tanay-Sampaloc-Sierra Madre Route had been the training ground of the Elite Team Bald Runner in preparation for the January 10’s Cebu Marathon. They trained in the said route for almost 4 months. I had also the chance to run on the said route last year and it gave me the idea to hold the first series of ultra distant road races on the said route.
3. Mountain Trail Route—Through my instructions, the Elite Team Bald Runner was able to locate a 20K-loop in Tanay’s Sierra Madre Mountain’s Trails with a plan to conduct a 100-miler ultra trail run within this year but I had to put it on hold status due to security and logistics reasons.
4. BDM 102/151 Training—A year before the BDM 102/151 would be an ample time/period to expose and train runners who would like to participate in the said ultramarathon event. The PAU races are scheduled every 3 months which will serve as “test runs” for heat training, hydration & nutrition strategy, and pacing strategy. The Tanay 50K Run is considered has the “hardest” route in this year’s PAU’s road races
5. Get Out From The Runner’s “Comfort Zone” & See Other Places—Running along the “usual & familiar” routes in Metro Manila is becoming “boring” to the “crazy, purist & hardcore” runners. Yes, I am bored, too! These kind of “warriors” need a different kind of challenging & “pain-inducing” route that would be a “never-ending” source of topics/stories in one’s running experience. Just look at the “status” and pictures of the Finishers at Facebook and stories in their Blogs and you will know what I mean. Seeing other places and running along “pollution-free” areas outside Metro Manila is also something worth experiencing.
6. Reason To Bring Friends & Family—When I set the date of the Tanay’s Race, I really did not know that it was “Mother’s Day”. I thought it would be a nice day to schedule a race because of the 3-day weekend due to the Election Day on the following day. Monday would serve as a rest day for all the runners. But I was surprised that most of the runners brought their respective family with them as their support crew and cheerers! It was an appropriate time to bond and share the day with the whole family.
7. A Test of our Race Operations’ Efficiency—All of our marshals and Aid Stations’ Personnel are competitive and elite runners but we need to make some adjustments due to the distance in-between Aid Stations in ultramarathon races. We have to mobilize and transfer our first two Aid Stations which had been passed by all the runners to the turn-around point at Km 35 and at Km 45. We are glad that making the distance in every 5 kilometers for the Aid/Water Station on the last half of the race had greatly contributed to the safety of the runners from the intense heat of the sun. Our mobile marshals with water supply to the runners had contributed also to the success of the race.
8. Keep It Simple, Sir Jovie! (KISS)—The START & FINISH tarpaulins on the ground were “copied” from ultratrail race events held in the US. It is something different but nice for “photo-ops”. No Emcees, No Corporate Sponsors (who control the Race Director), No Lights, No Fireworks, No Loud Music, No VIP’s (The runners are the VIPs!), No Formal Program, No Digital Timer/Clocks, No Timing Chips, and No “circus” atmosphere. PAU races are simply races where one would test his/her endurance limits through running. These are races where the experience, scenery, and friendship among ultrarunners are priceless!!!
Now, another story is about to unfold as we are starting to open the registration for the next PAU’s Road Race dubbed as the “P2P 65K” (Pasuquin to Pagudpud) Run which will be held on August 29, 2010. The Registration will start on May 17, 2010 (Monday). Last Day of Registration will be on August 1, 2010. The race will be limited to only 200 slots. The registration fee is P 850.00. There will be no distribution of Race Packets on Race Day.
The 1st PAU 50K Run (Tanay) would not be a successful event without the support of the runners & their support crew, BR’s friends & donors/sponsors, BR’s Events’ Staff, Elite Team Bald Runner, 2nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, and our “friends” from the Philippine Army & Armed Forces of the Philipines. Thanks to everybody!
The following is the Official Result of the 1st PAU 50K Run held in Tanay, Rizal on May 9, 2010. A total of 116 “crazy & hardcore” runners challenged the paved roads of Sierra Madre Mountains from 5:00 AM up to 2:00 PM under the heat of the summer sun. One Hundred Four (104) runners reached the Finish Line.
Congratulations to all the Runners & their Support Crew! We will see you again for the 2nd PAU 65K Run from Pasuquin to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte on August 29, 2010.
1st PAU 50K Run
9-May-10
NAME
TIME
1
Raul Lamprea
4:30:07
Champion (Male)
2
Alfredo Ocampo
4:48:55
1st Runner-up (Male)
3
Hermogines Olvis
4:56:20
2nd Runner-up (Male)
4
Ralph Salvador
5:10:57
5
Moses Moreno
5:16:20
6
Jonnifer Lacanlale
5:28:20
7
Alipio Narciso
5:32:40
8
Junrox Roque
5:34:20
9
Bonifacio Dalisay
5:43:20
10
Arnold Dimasuhid
5:44:40
11
Graciano Santos
5:51:45
12
Simon Pavel Miranda
5:53:07
13
Alfred Delos Reyes
5:57:53
14
Wilnar Iglesia
6:00:32
15
Allan Bandiola
6:03:20
16
Gregorio Ocampo
6:04:32
17
Michelle Estuar
6:06:30
Champion (Female)
18
Nolan Llanora
6:07:34
19
Carlos Delos Santos
6:10:40
20
Patrick Winceth Alcomendas
6:16:05
21
Raul Tapia
6:20:58
22
Louie Cochanco
6:22:05
23
Tina Narvaez
6:27:00
1st Runner-up (Female)
24
Christopher Iblan
6:28:20
25
Gil Brazil
6:29:05
26
Saturnino Camangonan
6:29:10
27
Victor Ting
6:29:25
28
Sandy Alentajan
6:29:41
29
Jose Dueñas
6:32:10
30
Vergelio Leona
6:33:42
31
Edwin Gajol
6:34:00
32
Samson Ocampo
6:36:28
33
Jereven Adriano
6:37:25
34
Albert Henson
6:41:25
35
Rodel Cuaton
6:47:09
36
Chito Vegim
6:49:46
37
Jael Wenceslao
6:50:30
38
Jeremiah Isip
6:50:36
39
Christine Ferrera
6:51:22
2nd Runner-up (Female)
40
Dionam Basco
6:51:24
41
Paolo Osmeña
6:54:10
42
Jose Wacangan
6:55:18
43
Ronnel Go
6:56:11
44
Teresa Ybanez
6:57:30
45
Allen Gaspar
7:02:17
46
Jayvee Loyd Layug
7:11:20
47
Jonel Mendoza
7:21:56
48
Ric Cabusao
7:21:57
49
Eric Michael Socrates
7:21:59
50
Lester Chuayap
7:23:59
51
Reynaldo Jimenez
7:24:04
52
George Dolores
7:24:07
53
Earl Quero, Jr
7:24:57
54
Gil Ocampo
7:25:55
55
Conrado Teodoro
7:26:00
56
Elma Gabriana
7:26:49
57
Jayreus Jimenez
7:27:07
58
Shiela Compendio
7:27:28
59
Gian Saquilon
7:28:10
60
John Jeffrey Avellanosa
7:28:46
61
Carina Manansala
7:31:50
62
Chinky Tan
7:33:32
63
Jerome Cartailler
7:34:00
64
Crisanto Ubungen
7:34:28
65
Benji Cortaga
7:34:29
66
Emma Alvarez
7:35:45
67
Mel Severino
7:36:23
68
Francis Hortelano
7:39:50
69
Odessa Coral
7:41:48
70
Vic Viola
7:43:04
71
Mark Adrian Hernandez
7:43:38
72
Gabriel Tuason
7:43:42
73
Macky Coronel
7:44:02
74
John Castro
7:44:35
75
Marlin Marilag
7:47:50
76
Allan Roy Martos
7:47:58
77
Mark Junopeer Salazar
7:48:25
78
Rosgar Apolinario
7:48:48
79
Ronnie Gabriana
7:49:10
80
Emil Ancheta
7:49:49
81
Wilfredo Parcon
7:50:00
82
Jonas Compendio
7:50:37
83
Joseph Baltazar
7:51:41
84
Junar Layug
7:52:26
85
Joseph Daudsen Choi
7:53:35
86
Nicomedes Jaranilla
7:53:42
87
Benedict Meneses
7:56:34
88
Carlos Nobleza
7:56:52
89
Jomerson Macutay
7:59:10
90
Roselle May Dadal
7:59:14
91
Frederick Gabriel
7:59:19
92
Edgar De Jesus
7:59:27
93
Manuel Macrohon
8:00:08
94
Alfred Paul Paiso
8:00:25
95
Kessel Que
8:01:39
96
John Nickko Nolasco
8:02:17
97
Yul Antonio Almayda
8:02:46
98
Emiliano Burgos
8:04:43
99
Philippe Arenillo
8:05:31
100
Bryan Magali
8:07:48
101
Rolando Ubungen
8:13:03
102
David Buban
8:39:25
103
Jose Lorenzo Mina, Jr
8:39:26
104
Ayette Padua
9:08:03
Note: We would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to our friends & “usual” supporters/donors for our ice cold canned & bottled beers (at the Finish Line!) and lots of additional tubular ice in our Aid Stations. In addition, our thanks also goes to the 2nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army based at Camp Capinpin, Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal for the security assistance and the availability of an Ambulance + Medical Team during the conduct of the event.
Tanay, Rizal (Intersection East Road in Tanay & Road going to Sampaloc, Tanay. Look for the Shell Station)
5:00 AM May 9, 2010
Rules & Regulations:
This is a 50K Road Race. Every runner must be able to maintain the Integrity of this Race. “Cheaters” are automatically disqualified and removed from the race.
Support Vehicle is NOT a MUST for every runner. If a runner has the capability to have his/her support vehicle, he/she can bring a support vehicle. However, the support vehicle should “leap-frog” the runner. Support vehicle “shadowing” the runner is not allowed. Only four-wheeled support vehicles will be allowed. Motorcycles and Bicycles will not be allowed as support vehicles for the runners.
Pacer is not allowed in this race. If a runner wants to have a pacer, he/she must register his/her pacer as one of the runner-competitors in the race.
All runners are required to have their hydration belt or system with them while on the run. A participant can use the usual Hydration Belt, Camelbak Hydration System, or Hand-held water bottles. The month of May is a part of the Summer Season of the country and the running weather will be hot and humid. Every runner is advised to hydrate themselves based from their training/preparation for this race.
Runners are allowed to run on any side of the road provided they are vigilant of their surroundings. Registered/Competing Runners can pace with each other.
Runners are highly encouraged not to wear headsets/earphones and MP3s & Ipods during the race. If runners think that such gadget would motivate them to run, it will be permitted, however, they should be aware and vigilant of their surroundings.
Runners will be given the option to use “drop bags” for their special hydration fluids, food and running apparel during the race. Five (5) plastics bags will be given to runners who will opt to use this system of fluid & food replenishment. Each of these bags shall be marked properly as to what Kilometer Mark they will be pre-positioned. Drop Bags will be positioned at the 10K, 20K, 30K, 40K, and Finish Line points.
Race Bibs shall be displayed or pinned in front of the singlet or running shorts. Race bibs should always be visible to the Race Officials.
There will be limited Road Marshals along the route. Please take note of the “directional signs” on the road/ground with the inscriptions “PAU 50K” with an arrow pointed at the direction of the route.
There will be no tie in the ranking of finishers in this race. Every runner must exert his effort and perform as a competitor. This event is a race to the finish line.
Dispose your waste or litter properly. A runner will be disqualified for throwing along the road with their litter or waste.
The race will start at 5:00 AM or earlier. Runners are highly encouraged to be at the Starting Line at least one hour before the Start Time. There will be no Formal Program prior to the start of the race as this will be a “fun run” and at the same time a competitive race.
Runners should meet the following requirements/qualifications:
Should have finished a registered Marathon Race.
Must be physically healthy and don’t have any heart-related ailments
Must be at least 18 years old.
There will be no Cash Prizes for the winners. Instead, Top Three (3) runners in the Men’s and Ladies Categories will receive Trophies.
Duly registered members of the Philippine Association of Ultrarunners (PAU) will be ranked based from their finish times in this race. Their ranking will be published at www.baldrunner.com and/or www.philippineassociationofultrarunner.blogspot.com
Runners who will finish within the cut-off time of eight (8) hours will receive Individual Trophy, Certificate of Achievement, and a Finisher’s T-Shirt.
Always “Listen To Your Body” during the race. If you experience some pain in your body, observe and slow down with your pace or better, start walking. If the pain persists and if you think that you are injured and could not finish the race, please approach the nearest Aid Station and wait for the Ambulance, if you need one. Contact the Race Director at Cell Phone# 0918-910-0825 if you declare yourself as Did Not Finish.
The use of “pain killer” medication is not prohibited during the race. Bring your own salt tablets and glucolytes.
“Bandits” are not allowed to run or walk along the route during the conduct of the race.
Aid Stations will have Water, Sports Drinks (Gatorade), and Food for the runners. The Water Aid Stations will be located every 10 kilometers. The Aid Stations will serve as the hydration replenishment point to every runner.
Although this Race is a competitive event, treat your co-competitors as your friend/partner during the race. Try to assist or ask a runner who stopped along the course about his condition or if he/she needs help/assistance. Who knows, this runner whom you helped in this race will be the one who will help you in case you need assistance in your future races.
Hiking “poles” or “sticks” are not allowed in this race. Runners should finish the race unaided with any equipment.
Running “half-naked” is allowed in this race, provided, the race bib is visible in front of the runner. However, runners are warned that the weather along the race route is unpredictable.
There will be no portalets provided along the race route. Make sure to make the necessary adjustments on this matter. As for the ladies, they could ask the residents of houses situated along the road for them to use their toilet/s. Use you initiative.
The display of corporate logos of runners’ sponsors on tarpaulins is not authorized. Runners can display their sponsor’s logos on their running apparel only.
The decision of the Race Director is FINAL.
Note: For those who reserved their slots and have not paid their registration fees, they are advised to be at the Starting Line at least One Hour before the Start time. This is to include those runners who will be leaving their “drop bags” at the Starting Area for distribution to the different designated “drop-off” points. There will be no registration on-site.
Good Luck To All The Participants & Support Crew!!!
The first thing that I’ve observed during the conduct of the race on its first day is the traffic along the road from the 1st transition area in Barangay Sucat Hall in Sucat, Muntinlupa City to SM Sta Rosa, Laguna. Some runners had been “sideswept” by vehicles which were competing with the narrow streets. The volume of the traffic was exacerbated by the number of “vehicle caravans” and “sorties” of local political condidates going around their respective jurisdiction on this day. The Race Officials were able to count at least eight (8) different “caravans” or groups of vehicles of politicians which we encountered along the way from the Starting Area to Los Banos, Laguna!
The traffic was standstill that one of the teams used motorcycles in bringing its next runners to the next transition areas. This a clear violation of the rules and regulations of the race as one team must have only one Support Vehicle where the rest of the runners would ride and the only means where the runner would be transported from one transition area to another.
The worst problem on the first day was the absence of the promised water aid station in every 3 kilometers. Most of the runners complained about the absence of water being provided to the runners along the race route. The motorcycle escort for each runner were not properly briefed about their function and job description for the race. There were conflicting rules and regulation as to what was the job description of each motorcycle escort for each runner. The lack of water aid station along the route resulted in the collapse of one of the runners before he reached the third transition area. The runner was not able to complete his designated segment as he was brought immediately to the nearest hospital. His team was declared DQ or DNFed.
1st Day Finish Line @ Laguna Provincial Capitol
Sometimes, You Need To Remind People
At the 4th transition area, I was able to talk to Thumbie Remigio, Race Director, about the lack of water stations and some violations incurred by the other teams. Thumbie immediately refered me to the Race Organizer, Emmet Penson about the lack of water stations and he informed me that the violations made by the other teams were noted. I did not know that even my teams incurred some violations! However, Mr Penson was at the rear part of the race and I decided to see him at the Finish Line later during the day.
Being impatient of waiting for the arrival of Mr Penzon at the Finish Line, I immediately approached Chairman Ed Manda of the Laguna Lake Development Authority and introduced myself. I told him about my observations on how the race was being conducted by telling him about the problem on the hydration supply for the athletes and the news about one of the runners being brought to the hospital. Based from his answers to me, I concluded that he is not a “runner”, not even a “jogger”!
When Mr Penzon arrived, I immediately talked to him and told him about the concerns of my runners and some “lapses” in the conduct of the race. He listened and I was talking to a guy whom I believe could not even run and finish a 3K race in 20 minutes! I suggested to Mr Penzon that something has to be done to correct the “lapses” on the 1st day as the next day’s leg will be longer, more challenging because of more uphill climbs and the expected higher temperature of the day.
I really don’t regret “lecturing” these people who think that organizing a road race (and an ultramarathon race!) is a simple event.
Overall Standing After One Day
Team Antipolo is headed by PATAFA National Coach Roy Vince whose runners are members of the Athletics National Pool. They are leading the race by so much minutes but they violated some rules in transporting their transition runners by using their motorcycles. I could not even see if they have really a Support Vehicle with them. I was really impressed on the speed and endurance of these athletes and I was thinking that if they win the 1st Prize of P350,000, it will be a good incentive for these athletes who are training to represent the country as the government lacks the necessary support for this athletes.
Team Philippine Air Force-BROOKS was on 2nd Place but the presence of Ed “Vertek” Buenavista and the PAF Elite Runners would be a challenge to overtake this team.
PAF-BROOKS Team Led By Ed "Vertek" Buenavista
My team, Elite Team Bald Runner #1 was on 3rd Place and the other Elite Team Bald Runner #2 was on 4th Place with 16 minutes in-between them.
Team McDonald’s was on 5th Place consisting of Jun Lozada, Jessie Ano and the rest of the known fast runners you see regularly at the ULTRA Oval Track.
2nd Day: From Sta Cruz, Laguna to Tiendesitas, Pasig City
Rene Desuyo, First Runner: “Small but Terrible”
The race started at 5:30 AM infront of the Provincial Capitol of Laguna in Sta Cruz, Laguna.
Photo-Ops With Chairman Manda With the Runners Before The Start of 2nd Day
First thing that I’ve observed was the arrival and presence of additional Maynilad & Manila Water Pick-Up trucks to reinforce/augment the roving water stations deployed on the 1st day. All these pick-up vehicles were filled with water containers and personnel/crew. After driving for about 2 kilometers, I observed that there was a Water Aid Station using one of the pick-up trucks and cups filled with water! The crew of the pick-up truck were on the ground ready to hand in these cups filled with water to each of the runners.
I was happy to see a big improvement on the hydration support for the runners! Even the motorcycle escorts for each runner were instructed to bring with them dozens of handy bottled water in their pack properly tucked on their respective back seats! If I am not mistaken, there were at least more than a dozen of roving pick-up vehicles as Water Aid Station that “leap-frog” in every 2-3 kilometers along the race route. Even the motorcycle escorts were seen very responsive to the needs of their runners.
Rene Desuyo of Team Bald Runner Leading The Pace
Rene Desuyo, my team’s first runner, was leading the race with two other runners. After cruising the first uphill climb in Cavinti, Laguna with almost 13 kilometers covered, he immediately sped up and told me later that he was bored with the prevailing pace. He left the two runners on the downhill and was able to gain 4+ minutes ahead of the second runner as he finished in the transition area at the Municipal Hall of Mabitac, Laguna. Rene Desuyo covered the 27K distance in 1:40+ hours!
“Houston, We Have A Problem!”
Jack Espana, our second runner, got the relay “baton” from Rene Desuyo and he started to run from the Mabitac transition area towards the new Jalajala Municipal Hall, a distance of almost 30 kilometers! It was the longest segment of the race! I was hoping that Jack Espana will be able to maintain his pace with the said distance knowing that his longest race so far was a half-marathon race! We waited for him at the 25-Km pont but we decided to proceed to the next transition area. Little did we know that he slowed down on his pace after he reached the 20-Km point.
Jack Espana Was Still Strong & Fast At This Point
The first runner to arrive at the 2nd transition area was the runner from Team Antipolo and the roving water aid station informed us that our runner, Jack Espana was already walking with the remaining 3 kilometers from the transition area. All of us panicked that our runner might collapse along the way and unable to reach the next transition area. This could be the end of my Team Bald Runner #1 where I am the designated “driver” of the Support Vehicle. However, I knew that the Race Officials were able to provide a lot of water along the way and there is no way that my runner will collapse due to “heatstroke”.
I decided to meet him (Jack) by driving our Support Vehicle but after I started the vehicle and moved a few meters, one of the rear tires burst and I have a flat-tire! There was no way we could support our second runner except by sending Rene Desuyo and my staff to meet and cheer him to jog and not to walk towards the transition area. One of the soldiers from the Philippine Air Force and the drivers of the Team BR-Professionals support vehicles helped me in changing my tire with the reserve tire.
Finally, Jack arrived at the transition area and our 3rd runner, Patrick Gongog left as the 5th runner of the race with the objective to stay focused and be able to catch up with the other 4 runners. Our team was lagging behind from the fastest runner by 20-25 minutes and we don’t want to squander the 16 minutes that we accumulated on the 1st day from the 4th place team! The remaining three runners were instructed to run their best pace and finish the race.
2nd Transition Area @ The New Jalajala Municipal Hall
The Chase Begins
While changing my tires, I requested the Philippine Air Force team to transport my two remaining runners to the next transition area just to ensure that my runners will be ready once the arriving runner reached the transition area. After 20 minutes, our support vehicle was ready to go and we tried to catch up with our 3rd runner. From here, we made sure that our runner was within our sight and gave support through the motorcycle marshal. We had to “leap-frog” every 1-2 kilometers. We arrived at the 3rd transition area with enough time to prep-up our lady runner/4th runner.
I was surprised that Patrick was able to slowly gain some time we lost on the second segment of the race. He really tried his best to gain more speed and distance despite his non-exposure to 10K or half-marathon road races! I found out later that he is a 3K & 5K runner in the oval track as he is a part of the FEU Athletics Varsity Team. He tried his best to maintain his pace up to the transition area in the Tanay Town Hall. He was able to gain/reduce our delayed time by 6-8 minutes after he finished the distance of 19.3K.
Nhea-ann steadily reduced the gap on the leading runners as this was a segment for the lady runners. I consider this segment as the “hardest” one with two big uphill climbs at mid day! This is the Tanay-Binangona leg which has a distance of 19 kilometers. Nhea-ann is a very strong runner and she was able to maintain her pace on those two big uphill climbs and I was surprised that she was still sprinting on the last 600 meters towards the 4th transition area! She was able to close the gap from the fastest runner by 10 minutes and we are only 2 minutes away from the 4th runner!
Alquin Bolivar’s Run to The Finish Line
With the fast time delivered by our lady runner, Nhea-ann and Patrick, Alquin was confident that he could overtake the 4th runner and close in the gap with the 3rd runner. We had to “leap-frog” every 1 kilometer to make sure that our runner is fully supported by the motorcycle marshal. After 12 kilometers, Alquin was able to overtake the 4th runner. Alquin was not able to speed up because of the heat of the sun as he regularly douses his head and legs with cold water. Alquin really tried his best and “dig deeper” for his strength on the last 7 kilometers. He was able to close in the gap by almost 7 minutes. He was not able to overtake the 3rd runner (Team Bald Runner #2) as the 3rd runner finished 3 minutes ahead of him. But there was no worry among the members of the team as we had 16 minutes of lead time to spare which the team earned on the 1st day of the race.
LL200K Ultramarathon Relay Route
“The Race Is Over Until It’s Over”
When Jack Espana reached the 2nd transition area in Jalajala, Rizal where our team lost a considerable time, my runners were all silent and I could see sadness & frustration on their faces. I was sad, too! But, I need to challenge and motivate the remaining runners to give their best for the remaining segments of the race. Well, this is where “leadership” should come in! The flat tire was just a temporary problem which can be solved immediately but trying to “fire-up” the fighting spirit of my remaining runners needs final verbal instructions to each of the runner. I told them, “the race is not yet over, it will be over once you reach the Finish Line. Do your best on the road, we’ll pray & we’ll give you 100% support in every 1-2 kilometers”.
Every time I release a runner to the next transition area, I have to brief them on the task at hand and motivate them some more to do their best. Once a runner finishes his/her segment, I personally meet them and pat them on their shoulders and tell them what they have accomplished—“you were able to close the gap by 7 minutes or 10 minutes or 6 minutes and you are a strong and fast runner. you did an splendid job of closing the gap” and remind them that the team will land on the 3rd place with the other team trailing behind us. I let them take a shower with our ice cold water to lower their body temperature and have them changed to a dry clothes before we move to support our runner on the road. Once the runner is inside the Support Vehicle, it’s time to feed him/her with food and sports drinks!
Awarding Ceremony @ Tiendesita’s
My teams tried their very best but they could have done better. Our Team #1 & #2 placed 3rd and 4th places, respectively. The Team #1 where I was the Manager/Coach & Driver got P 105,000 as Cash Prize with a Trophy, Individual Medals & Certificates. The Team #2 won P 80,000 and Finisher’s Certificates! Rene Desuyo as the fastest runner in the 1st segment for the 2nd day received an individual cash prize of P 5,000. As the Coach/Driver, I was awarded with a CASIO watch (I thought I heard it was announced by the Emcee as SUUNTO watch?)
The following pictures show all the happiness of all the runners during the awarding ceremony:
We Got The Bronze Trophy for the Team BR #1Rene Desuyo Receiving His Cah Prize as Lap WinnerTeam BR#2 Receiving Their Prize as the 4th PlacerTeam BR#1 Receiving Their Cash Prize, Trophy & MedlasBR Receiving a CASIO Watch (not a SUUNTO!)We Share Our Celebration With Team BR-Professionals
I hope the Laguna Lake Development Authority will have the 2nd edition of this race next year and hold it during the cooler months of the year! It would be nice to have the route of the race reversed with a separate category for the average runners. To encourage more runners to participate, it is suggested to incorporate also a 50K, 100K, 200K solo races with the 2-day relay race.
The race was fun and memorable to everybody. Congratulations to Team Antipolo for being the Champion and the Team PAF-Brooks for getting the Second Place. They deserve their awards and they did well in this race. And to all the Teams that competed in this historic ultramarathon relay race.
May 1-2, 2010/From Pasig City to Sta Cruz, Laguna on the 1st day and back, passing through the towns of Pagsanjan-Lumban-Mabitac-Jalajala-Tanay-Binangonan-Taytay, Rizal
The following pictures were taken on the first day of the Relay Race from Tiendesitas, Pasig City to Sucat, Muntinlupa up to Sta Rosa, Laguna-Calamba-Los Banos-Calauan-Santa Cruz, Laguna.
Team BR-Professionals With Ed "Vertek" Buenavista of the PAF-Brooks TeamChairman Ed Manda of LLDA Led The Opening Ceremony Before The start of the RaceThe Most Hardcore Runners at the Starting LineAnd There They Go! 5 Runners; 5 Segments; & A Total of 100K On 1st DayRene Desuyo Finishing 3rd On The 1st Segment2nd Runner Jack EspanaNhea-ann Barcena as our Lady Runner/4th RunnerAlquin Bolivar, our 5th & last runner leaving the last transition area
This particular Elite Team Bald Runner placed 3rd in rank after the race’s 1st day/leg was declared finished and another Elite Team Bald Runner finished 4th Place on the first day, too! My fastest team finished the 1st day leg of 100K distance in 5:45+ hours. The other Elite Team Bald Runner finished the 1st leg in 6:01+ hours.
The two teams of the Team Bald Runner-Professionals were able to finish the 1st leg within the prescribed cut-off time of 10 hours. Out of the 18 teams, 4 teams were DNFed at the end of the ist day of the race.
All the runners were provided with meals, softdrinks and lots of water during their overnight stay at the Laguna Provincial Sports Complex in Sta. Cruz, Laguna. Almost all the runners slept at the said Complex.
At 8:30 PM, all the runners were already on their bed and ready to sleep as they were expected to be served with breakfast as early as 4:00 AM the following day.
It was announced that the race shall start on the second day at 5:30 AM as the race shall cover a distance of 110 kilometers to the Finish Line.
The 2nd day event was full of drama up to the Finish Line.
Bald Runner 
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