Race Report: Bataan 102 Ultramarathon/Part 1

On April 6, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Running, Ultramarathon19 Comments

04-05 April 2009 @ Km 00 Bataan Death March Heroes Park, Mariveles, Bataan

The race started with administrative processing to all the participants to include the signing of Waivers and accounting to find out the presence of the runners. I wanted everything to be simple during the starting ceremony. I finally started the starting ritual by asking all the participants to get inside the Bataan Death March Heroes Park for the simple program and final briefing.

Ronnie, the Birthday Boy, Delivered The Prayers

I requested Ronnie De Lara aka Running For Christ to deliver the prayers before the race as he is celebrating his Birthday on the day of the race. It was followed by my final briefing to all the participants and later with a group pictorials at the Km 00 marker post.

Final Briefing & Inspirational Talk To All the 81 Brave Warriors

At The Starting Line Inside the Bataan Death March Heroes Park

The race started at 12:33 AM of April 5, 2009 after a slight drizzle of rain and the elite/faster runners left the Park ahead than those most of us who participated to experience what it takes to run a 102K ultra run with a cut-off time of 18 hours.

Running the first 40 kilometers while it was dark and cold was just a warm-up run in preparation for the next 62 kilometers running with the heat of the sun. It’s true, the actual race started after the 50-Km mark at Abucay, Bataan when it was already 7:30 AM with the sun starting to rise up in the horizon. From this point, it was a battle of the mind, body and the environment. PAGASA made a wrong prediction of a cloudy skies for the day. Instead, it was a typical summer-hot day for the race.

Still Smiling After Running 55 Kms After 7 Hours — Still Smiling After Running 46 Kms After 6 Hours

Jerry aka High Altitude with Ellen Tolentino at Km 48

After running for 92 kms, my brother, Samuel met me along the way as I was already walking and trying to switch from one side of the road to the other for the much needed shade. I was glad that I was able to use my power walking practices under the heat of the sun on the last few kilometers of the race. My brother and I took us almost one hour and half to share stories and he informed me of the news story written in the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s. So, at the Finish Line, people there were informed that I was reading the newspaper while I was brisk walking at Km Post 97 towards the finish line. Finally, on the last 2 kilometers, I alternately jogged and walked until I finally reached the Finish Line! I finished the race in less than 15 hours, placing # 30 among the survivors!

Out of the 81 brave warriors who started at the Starting Line, 65 Survivors finished the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race within the cut-off time of 18 hours. More detailed story to follow in my next posts. And more pictures, too!

Once again, my sincerest thanks to all the participants, to the sponsors of this project, my relative and friends who are dependable, and to those unknown runners and non-runners who voluntarily gave their time and resources to make this event a memorable one.

“A Salute To Our Heroes…Run, Endure, and Survive the Bataan Death March”

Baldwin & Lucas From Singapore Together With My Brother General Samuel At The Finish Line

Awarding a Finisher's Trophy To Norio Tanaka From Japan

Every Finisher Received A Medal with Inscribed Ranking; Trophy; and a "Survivor's" T-Shirt

All “Systems Go” For Bataan 102

On April 3, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Running, Ultramarathon10 Comments

I had been receiving and reading a lot of information about the Bataan 102 and most of them are apprehensions from the participants. As much as possible, I just laugh and try to relax myself and stay “cool” as I am supposed to be the one who is apprehensive and nervous about this plan/idea of mine which is becoming a reality. As the Race Organizer/Race Director and a Competitor in the race, the fate, welfare and safety of the 82 runner-competitors are on my shoulders. As everything in place through the support of volunteers, Team Bald Runner members, friends/relatives, and my former subordinates in the AFP/Philippine Army, the Bataan 102K Ultramarathon is set to “GO” on D-Day!!!

Ooopps…I did not realize that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (PGMA) will be celebrating her 62nd Birthday in her hometown on the day of the Bataan 102K. Her hometown, Lubao, Pampanga is one of the towns along the route of the race. I happened to know her activities in the area last week when I coordinated with the security support along the route during the race. I was assured that lots of security forces will be deployed on Sunday & Monday along the route for the PGMA’s Birthday and her attendance of the “Araw ng Kagitingan” Day at Mt. Samat, Balanga City as the Guest of Honor & Speaker the following day. Let us leave politics behind us for the meantime. Anyway, I did not get any support from the government’s sports and tourism offices for this event.

The Weather Forecast from PAGASA for the next days up to Holy Week will be cloudy with overcast sky with rains and thunderstorms. This is a good news for the runners as it will bring a lower temperature during the day. But it does not mean that each runner would relax in its hydration strategy during the race. I would like to emphasize again to encourage runners without support vehicles to bring with them their hydration system for contingency purposes even with the presence of the roving/mobile aid stations and stationary Aid Stations. Find time to drink water. sports drinks, and eat the foods available on each Aid Station. Remember to eat something sweet and salty as we prepared boiled sweet potatoes, boiled bananas, fresh fruits, boiled eggs with salt, salty biscuits & crackers, Mami Soup, Arroz Caldo, and chocolate bars!

On whether this event will land and will be printed on the daily newspapers. I really don’t care if news reporters or sports writers would write about this event. Basically, ultramarathon races spread by “word of mouth”, not unless I want to get profit out of it in terms of popularity and monetary considerations. I am doing this event because it “pains me” to know that other countries are using the name of Bataan Death March in races where it is becoming a worldwide event. There should only one Bataan Death March and that is supposed to be in our country. I encourage all the participants to come up with their own Race Report on this event and e-mail them to the publishers of ultra running magazines and to ultra running websites in the USA or other countries.

On the discipline of some of us. Some of the runners who would like to participate in this event thought that there is an extension for the registration deadline. These runners could not believe what they heard from me that the registration was closed last 16 March except for the foreign runners who made reserved slots. Yes, even if you double the registration fee for you to register after the deadline, you are firmly denied and wait for next year’s race. Many runners had been calling me as late registrants but I declined them. I think this is one way to discipline our runners.

My race strategy? Finish the race within the cut-off time of 18 hours and have fun and explore the limit of my body’s endurance as this will be my first 102Km Ultra Race.

Thanks for those who supported me to make this plan/dream a reality. You know who you are!

To The Bataan 102 Warriors, see you at the Starting Line and Think Positive to reach the Finish Line…Good Luck!

What’s my next ultra race?…Blue Canyon 100K Ultra Trail Run in Santa Barbara, California this June 2009.

Bataan 102 Warriors By Age Category

On April 1, 2009April 11, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Running, Ultramarathon9 Comments

MEN’S 20-29 YEARS OLD

1) Baldwin

2) Lucas

3) Regie Boljoran

4) John Nickko Nolasco

5) Christian David Alacar

6) Ralph Jerome Salvador

7) Randy Bumahit

8) Bowen Montecillo

9) Andrico Mahilum

10) Vincent Tongson

11) Hermogines Olvis

12) Ronald Rei Declarador

13) Jo-Ar Calvadores

14) Don Ubaldo

15) Dennis Enriquez

16) Jonathan Babsa-ay

17) Alvin Canada

18) Andy Ho

MEN’S 30-39

1) Adons Lubaton

2) Jerry Karundeng

3) Enrico Tocol

4) Michael Sudario

5) Mamerto Copuz

6) Jayson Fabricante

7) Ezekiel Mangune

8) George Dolores

9) Isidro Vildosola

10) Roel Ano

11) Jessie Ano

12) Jonnifer Lacanlale

13) Albert Salazar

14) Romeo Marquez

15) Mario Salumbides

16) Arman Abalos

17) Mark Bata

18) Richard Poquiz

19) Noel Hernandez

20) Francisco Lapira Jr.

21) Martin Lorenzo

22) Rodolfo Tacadino

23) Rey De Los Reyes

24) John Frederick Abenina

25) Filomeno Duterte IV

26) Jose Mari Javier

27) Regidor Samar

28) July Oconer

29) Charlie Chua

30) Pepito Deapera

31) Melchor De Lara

32) Armand Fernando

33) Bonifacio Dalisay

34) Hiroshi Takei

MEN’S 40-49

1) Esmeraldo Ondoy

2) Fernando De Lara

3) Ricardo Cabusao, Jr.

4) Carlos Nobleza

5) Albert Henson

6) Edilberto Severino, Jr.

7) Jerome Cartailler

8) Roselito Bernardo

9) Constante Mendoza

10) Albert Sama

11) Eric Socrates

12) Edwin Bien

13) Cesar Abarientos

14) Jay Lee Cu-Unjieng

15) Aniceto Grimaldo

16) Nonilo Onoya

MEN’S 50-59

1) Nicomedes Jaranilla

2) Felipe Nama

3) Rey Antoque

4) Alipio Narciso

5) Bald Runner

6) Eduardo Villanueva

MEN’S 60-69

1) Wilfredo Suarez

2) Norio Tanaka

3) Victor Ting

4) Dionisio Potonia

WOMEN’S 20-29

1) Ellen Tolentino

2) Raiza Tulan

3) Odessa Coral

WOMEN’S 40-49

1) Ivy Macainan

WOMEN’S 60-69

1) Kim O’Connel

Final Instructions: Bataan 102

On March 25, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Running, Ultramarathon11 Comments

1^ST BATAAN DEATH MARCH 102K ULTRAMARATHON RACE

FINAL INSTRUCTIONS

1. The Assembly Area will be at the Bataan Death March Park at KM 00 in Mariveles, Bataan.

2. The Assembly Time will be at 11:30 PM of 04 April 2005 especially to those who will pick-up their Race Packets at the Assembly Area. Accounting of participants will be done immediately and other final instructions will be announced at this time. Once the runners are complete, a simple program will be held.

3. The race will start immediately after a simple program and the Race Director will not wait up to 1:00 AM for the start of the race. Expect that the race will start immediately after midnight or immediately after the simple program.

4. There will be five (5) Aid Stations along the route where each Aid Station will be stationed every 20 kilometers. The 5^th Aid Station will be positioned at Km # 50.

5. For those participants without support vehicle, there will be at least three (3) Mobile Support Vehicles as “Mobile Aid Stations” for all the runners. These mobile aid stations will alternately “leap frog” every two (2) kilometers.

6. As the distance in between runners would stretch along the route, runners without support vehicles are encouraged to bring hydration system with them in order to anticipate their hydration and cooling needs. Ideally, one bottle for water and another bottle for “electrolyte” drinks carried by the runner through his/her hydration system would be appreciated.

7. Runners are encouraged to wear their issued race shirts during the race. However, if a runner intends to wear another shirt, make sure that the issued Race Bib shall be worn in front of the shirt or shorts. Runners are encouraged to wear white and light-colored shirts to lessen heat absorption from the sun.

8. There will be “checkers” along the route who will be writing the name/race number of the runner as he/she passes a certain point. Color-coded bands will be given along the route to each runner as a “proof” that the runner passed the point.

9. There will be a designated Mobile “Drop Bag” Vehicle which will be the repository of all the bags of the runners. The vehicle will be “shuttling” along the course.

10. If a runner decides to discontinue the race, he/she should inform the race marshal at the Mobile Aid Station or at the nearest stationary Aid Station and he/she will be picked-up by the Ambulance or any vehicle of the Race Organizer.

11. Runners are encouraged to wear headlights or bring with them handy flashlight during the early part of the race due to poor visibility along the route. Runners are also encouraged to wear “reflectorized” accessories.

12. Due to poor visibility during the early part of the race, the runners are encouraged to run at least in pair or in group for safety purposes. The runners will be guided by road marshals on major intersections and sensitive areas. The Mobile Aid Stations will also be there to guide the runners along the route.

13. As the heat of the sun plays its toll to the runners, participants are encouraged to hydrate themselves, take salt, drink sweet beverages—Coke/Mountain Dew to maintain their blood’s sugar level, drink “electrolytes” (Gatorade & Propel) and eat available food at the Mobile & Stationary Aid Stations. Remember, our main opponent in this race is the heat of the sun and the pavement. Runners are encouraged to pour water over their heads, carry & wipe their bodies with cold water-soaked sponges, and “listen to their body” for early signs of “heat stroke” and heat-related problems. Additionally, apply “sunblock” lotion to parts of the body exposed to the sun.

14. In case of contingency and concerns during the race, the Race Director could be contacted at Cellphone # 0927-616-2978. This number will be activated on 12 Noon of April 3, 2009.

15. An arrangement was made with PETRON on the availability of their Gas Station’s Comfort Rooms along the route to all the participants of this race. Due to the proximity of Jollibee and the City Hall of Mariveles at the Starting Line, their Comfort Rooms will be available to the runners.

16. A Finisher’s Medal, Finisher’s Trophy, and Finisher’s T-Shirt will be awarded to the runner once he/she crosses the Finish Line. An Individual Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to the finishers on a later date.

17. At least, two (2) ambulance units with a medical team in each vehicle will be available during the race. One ambulance will be positioned at the middle and at the rear of the running group.

18. Definitely, the race registration is closed, except for the runners from Singapore.

19. Let us observe “honor system” in this race. “Cheaters” will be banned permanently in future races organized by our outfit.

20. Let us help one another to make this event a success and something to be proud of in the world of ultramarathon races.

“A Salute To Our Heroes…Run, Endure, and Survive the Bataan Death March”

Picture: Tess Geddes

On March 24, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Running, Ultramarathon3 Comments

After browsing the Internet, I found the picture of Tess Geddes in the website of Lisa Smith-Batchen.

In four days, she will be at the Starting Line of the “Marathon Des Sables” as one of the 850 participants coming from 39 countries. She is the only representative from the Philippines!

The “Few, Proud, & Brave Warriors” Of Bataan 102 Ultramarathon

On March 18, 2009March 19, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Running, Ultramarathon10 Comments

Finally, this is the list of participants in the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race to be held on 05 April 2009 along the exact route where history happened where each runner must be able to finish the race within the cut-off time of 18 hours.

1. John Frederick Abenina

2. Albert Henson

3. Francisco Lapira, Jr.

4. Constante Mendoza

5. Jonathan Babsa-ay

6. Kim O’ Connell (F)

7. Jo-Ar Calvadores

8. Regie Buljoran

9. Dionisio Potonia

10. Roel Ano

11. Ricardo Cabusao, Jr

12. Norio Tanaka

13. Jerome Cartailler

14. Arman Fernando

15. Aniceto Grimaldo

16. Jessie Ano

17. Martin Lorenzo

18. Jonnifer Lacanlale

19. Don Ubaldo

20. Charlie Chua

21. Ralph Salvador

22. Eric Socrates

23. Noel Hernandez

24. Albert Sama

25. Bonifacio Dalisay

26. July Oconer

27. George Dolores

28. Jose Marie Javier

29. Willy Suarez

30. Vincent Tongson

31. Albert Salazar

32. Victor Ting

33. Alipio Narciso

34. Enrico Tocol

35. Michael Sudario

36. Ivy Macainan (F)

37. Jerry Karundeng

38. Fernando De Lara

39. Regidor Samar

40. Jay Lee Cu-Unjieng

41. Ronald Declarador

42. Nicomedes Jaranilla

43. Odessa Coral (F)

44. Ezekiel Mangune

45. Edwin Bien

46. Hermogines Olvis

47. John Nickko Nolasco

48. Carlos Nobleza

49. Raiza Tulan (F)

50. Dennis Enriquez

51. Felipe Nama

52. Pepito Deapera

53. Melchor De Lara

54. Arman Abalos

55. Nonilo Onoya

56. Richard Poquiz

57. Edilberto Severino

58. Filomeno Duterte IV

59. Cesar Abarientos

60. Christian David Alacar

61. Mark Bata

62. Roselito Bernardo

63. Eduardo Vilanueva

64. Rodolfo Tacadino

65. Romeo Marquez

66. Alvin Canada

67. Esmeraldo Ondoy

68. Mamerto Corpuz

69. Adons Lubaton

70. Andrico Mahilum

71. Randy Bumahit

72. Rey Antoque

73. Bowen Montecillo

74. Isidro Vildosola

75. Bald Runner

76. Rey De Los Reyes

77. Ellen Tolentino (F)

78. Lucas

79. Baldwin

80. Andy Ho

81. Mario Salumbides

82. Jayson Fabricante

Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you very much for your support and Good Luck!!!

“A SALUTE TO OUR HEROES…RUN, ENDURE, AND SURVIVE THE BATAAN DEATH MARCH”

Bataan 102 Registration Is Closed!

On March 17, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Running, Ultramarathon10 Comments

The last day of registration for the 1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race was yesterday, 16 March 2009. And the registration is defnitely closed and there will be no extension!

As expected, Filipinos are fond of “last minute” payments as most of the runners have already their respective reserved slot for the race. Yesterday, a record payment of fourteen (14) runners in a single day was accepted by Allied Bank and the BR’s office. I exempted the three (3) runners from Singapore for the last day of payment due to some problems with the bank transmittal. I informed them that I will accept their payments on race day.

Last September 2008, I planned this race to be limited to only 100 participants with the hope that only a handful would be interested to finally join the race. I was thinking that an attendance of at least 10-20 runners on race day would already be a sign of “success” and fufillment for me to introduce an ultramarathon event to honor and commemorate the historic WWII Bataan Death March with a challenging cut-off time of 18 hours.

To my surprise, the final number of participants for this race is already seventy-eight (78), including the foreign runners. There are five (5) female runners. The complete list of runners will be posted later today.

To all the participants and sponsors, thank you very much for your support.

Q & A: TNF100 @ Sacobia, Clark

On March 16, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Running, Trail Running, Ultramarathon5 Comments

The 2008 TNF 100 in Batangas was a significant running event as this was the first race where the newly-formed Elite Team Bald Runner had participated and since then Team Bald Runner started to be known in road races as well as in trail running events in the country. Last month, I started to see and read posts of runner-bloggers about the TNF 100 @ Sacobia, Clark with the proper display of their teaser-ad poster. I really wanted to ask questions from these bloggers in their comments portion but I knew that they are unaware of the details of the event. After waiting for sometime, I was happy to see that there is a dedicated website for this event and I immediately posted some questions with the Administrator of the site.

So, these were the questions I posted in their website’s “Contact Us” page which were immediately answered by the Administrator.

I have the following questions for the solo 100K:

1) What are the prizes for the top winners? Are there age category top runners’ prizes?

TNF: We plan to give out prizes worth as follows: 1st – 30K ; 2nd – 20K ; 3rd – 10K plus freebies from sponsors. Top finisher gets a trophy while runners up get a medal. Both 100K solo and 100K relay are OPEN categories.

2) What do I get from the P 1,650.00 registration fee?

TNF: As of now reg fee entitles you to a race kit with a singlet/jersey, race bib, drop bag, stub for energy drink, photo vendo, insurance and 20% discount on all TNF products (all registrants get this). 100K finishers will receive a special token. We are working on possible free or discounted accommodations within Clark prior to the race. Reg fees will be collected upon claiming of race kits, 2-weeks before race day.

3) How many Aid Stations will be available along the route? Aside from water, what other drinks and foods will be available in your Aid Stations?

TNF: We intend to have at least 7 aid stations , aside from marshal points and roving support vehicles. We plan to have some energy drinks and fruits, although we encourage runners to be self-sustained.

4) Is there any cut-off time for the 100K solo race? Or do you have cut-off times in your checkpoints/Aid Stations?

TNF: 30 hrs will be the cut-off time for the 100K race, although we will also implement cut-off times in Marshall points/LPs. These will be announced as soon as details are finalized.

5) Are the runners allowed with a support crew and pacers?

TNF: This is yet to be decided on.

6) Is there a possibility that the RO/RD (Race Organizer/Race Director) would arrange for a “test run” for the participants at least one month before race day in order to orient the runners?

TNF: Yes, we intend to have a series of running aid clinics to better cascade information and help participants prepare for the race.

If the Administrator of TNF 100 is reading this post right now, I would like to make some comments about their website. The website is very nice and attractive but putting those pictures of US & International Ultra Trail Runners whom we don’t even know and met in person is giving us the impression that these runners will be joining the said event and/or TNF is using these runners as their models. May I suggest that TNF Philippines should use the pictures of the male/female top runners of the 2008 TNF 100, 2008 Mt Mayon Trail Run, latest TNF 20K Trail Run and Neville Manaois’ Pinoy Ultra Runners in order to promote our very own ultra trail runners. How about featuring the “running legs” of Isidro Vildosola or Elmer Sabal of Team Bald Runner in your Website’s Main Page? Filipino runner’s legs in TNF trail shoes & socks would be great!

If you want to know more about the 2009 TNF 100 @ Sacobia, Clark, please visit their site at www.thenorthface100.ph

Bataan 102K: Latest Updates & Reminders

On March 11, 2009March 13, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Races, Running, Ultramarathon3 Comments

1. Last Day of Registration and Acceptance of Registration Fees is next Monday, 16 March 2009. Effective March 17, registration and payments for registration fees will not be accepted except for the special accommodation given to the “foreign runners” from Singapore and other countries for them to register at the starting area on D-Day.

2. Final List of Participants will be posted in this site and at www.bataan102.com; www.baldrunner.blogspot.com; and www.baldrunnerevents.blogspot.com. Only those who have paid their registration fee up to March 16, 2009 will be included in the list.

3. Race packets will be available for pick-up effective 17 March 2009 at the ULTRA Oval Track on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday from 5:30 to 9:00 PM or at our office at 115 2nd Floor M.H. Del Pilar corner E. Angeles Streets, Santo Tomas, Pasig City or call telephone number–497-6442.

4. Race packet will include a “soft backpack”, white long-sleeved race shirt, a running cap with cover on the nape, race bib, GU Sports Gels, PowerBars, Salt, tissue paper (just in case) and Pain Reliever tablets. The “soft backpack” with the printed Race Number of the participant will serve as a “Drop Bag” of the runners where they can put in their extra shoes and clothes. These “drop bags” will be in the care of a dedicated Mobile Aid Station during the race.

5. There will be Aid Station in every twenty (20) kilometers where food, water and sports drinks will be available. In addition, three (3) Mobile Aid Stations will serve as a General Support Vehicle for everybody which will alternately “leap frog” as the race will progress. These Mobile Aid Stations will provide water and sports drinks for everybody and one Mobile Aid Station will serve as the repository of the “Drop Bags”. Gatorade, Propel, RC Cola & Zesto Tetra Pack Drinks are the brands available during the race. Foods available in the Aid Stations will include boiled bananas, boiled sweet potatoes, boiled eggs, fresh ripe bananas and other fresh fruits, Fita Biscuits, Sky Flakes Crackers, Peanut Butter Sandwich, raisins, chocolates, and “hot” cup noodles at Km Post # 50.

6. Finishers (within the cut-off time of 18 hours) will receive a Finisher’s Medal, Finisher’s Trophy, and Finisher’s T-Shirt. A Certificate of Achievement will be given on a later date where the name & time of finish will be printed. We plan to give the Certificate with an appropriate Finish Picture of each runner-finisher.

7. Each runner is advised and encouraged to carry with them Hand-held Hydration Bottles, Hydration Belt, or Hydration Bladder during the race. Remember, the Number Enemy or Opponent during the the race is not the other runners but the “Heat of the Sun and the Pavement”. Good luck to everybody!

8. Donors and Sponsors are highly appreciated to give anything (services, money, and material things) to make this ultramarathon race a success and memorable event. A part of your donation will support the “needs” of the surviving veterans of World War II who are presently under the care of the Veterans Medical Center. For those who supported this historical event and those who made “commitments” to support this endeavor (you know already who you are), my deepest appreciation and thanks to all of you.

Note: Payments for the Registration Fee must be deposited at Allied Bank Account # 0251-07156-8 in the name of Bald Runner’s Events or Jovenal Narcise. Please send an e-mail to jovie75@hotmail.com to inform me of your payment as my basis for confirmation with the bank. Thanks!

5th “Runabout”: 51K For The Pasig River

On March 9, 2009 By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Practice Runs, Runners' Training, Running, Ultramarathon21 Comments

5:23 AM to 1:45 PM 08 March 2009 in Metro Manila

After posting the details of the 42K “runabout” last Saturday, I expected that at least 30+ participants will be joining the said event. This is the 5^th edition of the Hardcore & Power Runner’s adventure in Metro Manila and the last practice long run for the participants of the 1^st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race which will be held on 05 April 2009 from Km 00 in Mariveles, Bataan to Km 102 in SanFernando, Pampanga.

Having announced that the assembly time was 4:30AM at the Oblation in UP Diliman Campus, I arrived at the place at 4:10AM and it was followed with the arrival of Sid Vildosola, one of the elite members of Team Bald Runner, who ran all the way from ULTRA, Pasig City to UP. He told me about a car with drunk teen-agers trying to follow him while running along the road fronting the Corinthian Gardens which he didn’t bother to notice or get attention to it.

The number of runners increased as we neared the time of jump-off from our assembly area. Once the ABS-CBN TV crew arrived led by Ms Amor Reyes of the ABS-CBN Foundation, the camera started rolling towards the group of runners as we started to give a briefing to them. I started with the background and purpose of the “runabout” and gave a welcome greeting to those who are new in the said adventure. Jonel’s & Rico’s briefing followed with the description and details of the route and the pre-designated “pit stops” and “assembly areas” for the faster runners to wait for the slower runners. Accounting was done before we finally started the run and we had twenty-nine (29) runners. From 23 runners in our last run adventure, we increased to 29 runners. I was happy to note that the participant on the Bataan 52K “Test Run” were there to join the event. Guys, you are really hardcores and strong “warriors”! There is no doubt that you are ultra runners!

Group Picture Of the 29 Brave "Warriors"

We started the run at 5:23AM and we proceeded towards the Balara area. It was my first time to run in the said area and passed in this upscale subdivision. The average pace was 6:45 to 7:15 minutes per kilometer. It was a “talking” pace and I enjoyed the company of Jay aka Prometheus on the first 5 kilometers. Later, we left the subdivision and were headed towards the Marikina Riverbanks. I remember this place as the running route in last year’s Champion Run which was organized by Coach Rio. From the Marikina Riverbanks, we proceeded to C-5 Highway running on the left side of the road. We had our first “pit stop” at the Petron Gas Station near Brgy Bagong-Ilog, Pasig City. At this point, we had covered 17 kilometers. It took us 15 minutes After 15 minutes to replenish our water & electrolyte drinks and for us to wait for the slower runners to arrive, we were ready again for the continuation of our run. The ABS-CBN TV crew was with us from the Marikina Riverbanks to the C-5 Highway and in our “pit stops”.

The heat of the sun was becoming a great challenge for every runner as we continued to run along C-5. We ran along the flyovers and the TV crew was waiting on top of the Pasig Bridge along C-5 for more “running shots” with the participants. From C-5, we turned right towards the Heritage Park and went along the Bayani Road and later to Lawton Avenue. The 7-11 Store at the McKinley Hill Commercial Area became our 2^nd “pit stop” for more water and electrolyte drinks. At this point, we were able to run a distance of 28 kilometers. After waiting for the other runners, we had our breakfast at McDonald’s and I was able to meet some “friends” who were also having their breakfast. After eating my breakfast, I tried one of the “tips” given by Ben Gaetos of taking salt with Coke. Most of the runners would also take salt as they drink their water. They also placed some ice on their heads with their running cap just to “cool off” the effects of the sun to their bodies.

Near The British Embassy at McKinley Hill

We resumed our run inside the roads of McKinley Hill and towards the British Embassy and later back to Lawton Avenue. From Lawton, we proceeded to The Fort, passing along Essensa and towards the Serendra area and to the road infront of the International School. I thought we would go directly to Kalayaan Avenue and JP Rizal but the front runners decided to stop in one of the 7-11 Stores for more water and sports drinks. It was already 10:30 AM and the group was starting to run slower.

From the JP Rizal Road, we crossed the Guadalupe Bridge going to Mandaluyong and had another “pit stop” at the Caltex Gas Station for about 5 minutes. From there, we had to compete with the pedestrians on the use of the narrow sidewalks at the crossing Shaw & EDSA and the heat of the sun became hotter as we ran along EDSA fronting the Camp Aguinaldo area. Some of the runners beg off to finish the run since they were able to cover the distance of 42K when we reached the Petron Gas Station at the North Greenhills area. It seems that running along EDSA was the hardest part of the run as we exceeded the 42K distance of our run plus the heat of the sun and pavement was really a big challenge for everybody.

It was a relief when the members of the Elite Team Bald Runner and staff of the ABS-CBN Foundation were waiting for us at the GMA TV area along EDSA and joined us for the last stretch to the office of the ABS-CBN Foundation. After another kilometer or more of running, we finally reached ABS-CBN and we were warmly received by the Deputy Director of ABS-CBN Foundation, Girlie Aragon and her staff together with Amor Reyes and the TV Crew. At this point, my GF 305 registered a distance of 48.4 kilometers. The ABS-CBN Foundation staff prepared cold drinking water, lots of bananas, and cold sliced Valencia Oranges for all the runners. We were able to collect an amount of P 9,047.00 from the participants for our contribution for the Kapit Bisig Para Sa Ilog Pasig Project which was officially received by Ms Girlie Aragon in the presence of all the runners and Elite Team Bald Runner.

Turn-Over Of Contribution To "Kapit-Bisig Para Sa Ilog Pasig"

After an interview about our “runabout”, the advocacy of Team Bald Runner and the projects this blog with the staff of ABS-CBN Foundation, we resumed our run towards EDSA and turned right along Quezon Avenue until we reached where we started our “runabout”. We were able to run a distance of almost 51 kilometers for about 8 hours on the road to include our “pit stops” and activity at the ABS-CBN Foundation Compound.

I would like to express my thanks to all the runners who joined in this “runabout”, to Girlie Aragon, Amor Reyes, Josow, and the rest of the staff and TV crew who warmly received us during our brief “pit stop” at the ABS-CBN Foundation. We hope that the TV network will continuously cover our running events as we promised to support their “Kapit Bisig Para Sa Ilog Pasig” Project as part of the advocacy of this blog.

At the finish line, Maj Espejo and I awarded the Cerificate of Achievement to all the runners who completed the Bataan 52K “Test Run” held last 22 Feb 2009. Congratulations to all of you!

Awarding of Bataan 52K "Test Run" Certificates

I am glad that the participants of the 1^st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race learned their lessons as a result of our “Test Run” and this final practice run validated whatever problems or concerns they have for the final race. I consider this “runabout” as a success as our runs are starting to support a “cause” for the improvement of the environment.