The 1st Lecture for the 2011 BDM 102 was conducted last October 1, 2010 in one of the Function Rooms of the Philippine Army’s Officers’ Clubhouse. It started on time at 6:00 PM in the presence of 15 runner-participants & applicants.
I personally conducted the lecture with the topics, History & Honesty. The following is the summary of the lecture:
History
Based from my readings in history books and personal accounts of survivors of the Bataan Death March of 1942, I discussed to the attendants about the history of the event that happened from April 9-24, 1942 which resulted to the killing and death of an estimated 20,000 POWs during the March and ultimately, during the POWs stay in their Concentration Camp at Camp O’Donnell, Tarlac. These POWs during the March was a combination of Filipinos, Americans, Chinese-Filipinos, and civilians. Literally, these POWs were made to “march” for a distance of 102 kilometers from Mariveles, Bataan to San Fernando, Pampanga; transported by train from San Fernando, Pampanga to Capas, Tarlac; alighted from the Railway Station; and then marched/walked for another 11 kilometers from Capas Poblacion to Camp O’Donnell.
This unfortunate event during the World War II was considered as the most barbaric act in violation of the treatment of POWs as provided by Geneva Act. The people responsible for this dastardly acts during the Bataan Death March were tried by Military Tribunal/Court after the war and they were executed to their death. However, this event in history will be always remembered and commemorated.
The history of the BDM 102K Ultramarathon Event was also discussed with the emphasis that the commemoration of this important event should be done in the very place where the event happened. Some countries had been using BDM as the title of their running events but they are done in their respective countries. It is for this reason that we should continue commemorating this event in the most practical way which is through running an ultramarathon event. It was initially was a dream but through persistence and patience, this event became a reality with the support of runners who believe that it is worth doing in memory of our dead heroes and living survivors of the infamous Bataan Death March.
Honesty
For the past editions of the BDM 102, I always emphasized the “honor system” in a running event. I told to my audience about my personal observations on the actuations of some of the runners and the reports I received from my marshals and staff with regards to honesty in running this event. My past journals/posts about the 1st BDM 102 would explain more about such incidents of breach of honesty during the event.
The 102K distance is daunting and running under the heat of the sun is very challenging. Such distance and challenge would tempt every runner to be honest or not, just to be able to finish the race within the prescribed cut-off time of 18 hours. Finishing an ultramarathon distance is a “mind game” and each of the runner must be able to prepare and train physically and mentally.
We made some adjustments on our protocol in order to monitor our runners along the route but these are not enough to make sure that runners with bad intentions would be detected by our staff/marshals. It is in this view that our outfit would be able to encourage and prepare all interested runners to run along the actual route through “test runs” before the scheduled race day.
After a brief open forum, the lecture was terminated after one hour.
The next BDM 102 Lecture will be held on October 22, 2010 at the same time and place. One of the top runners in this year’s BDM 102 will be invited as the resource speaker and another resource speaker will be discussing on her experience and “tips” as a Support Crew to her runner-husband.
To all BDM 102 runners, train well and keep strong!
Bataan Death March (BDM) means heroism, sacrifice, love of country, determination, courage, and survival. BDM 102 means proper training, preparation, “heat” training, correct race strategy & hydration, “craziness”, endurance, cooperation & coordination among runners & support crew, discipline. and focus to finish the race within the cut-off time of 18 hours.
Original Picture of the BDM in 1942
On my part as the Race Organizer and Race Director, BDM means the fulfillment of a dream to commemorate this event into an ultramarathon race in order to create awareness on the history of this event that brought the death of almost 25,000 soldiers and militia where most of the victims were our countrymen. Let this awareness on this infamous event in the history of warfare and mankind be carried down from one generation to generation so that wars amongst nations will never happen again.
The BDM 102 in the eyes of the Race Director also means appreciation to the determination of some of the runners who braved to reach the Finish Line even if they knew that they could not make it before the cut-off time of 18 hours. I have to be generous to these runners who overcame the heat, dust, pollution, pains, and the challenge in order to finish the 102K distance.
So, during the Get Together and Awarding Ceremony for the 2010 BDM 102 last March 11, 2010, as a surprise to everybody, I presented “special awards” for these runners who were determined to finish the race with their remaining strength and will power. Each of these runners were awarded with the BDM Individual Trophy, Finisher’s Medal (without any ranking), and a Finisher’s T-Shirt. Their names were not included in the Official List of Finishers.
The following runners were able to finish the 102K distance in less than 20 hours. They persisted and they were rewarded well.
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!!!
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 ShrineA Pose With Hon. Carolina (left) & VeteransAn 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 FinishersDelivery of My SpeechA 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.
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.
All runner-participants (finishers & DNFers), sponsors/supporters, and volunteers are cordially invited to attend the Awarding Ceremony and Get Together Party for the 2010 BDM 102. The activity will be held at the Tejeros Hall, AFP Officers Clubhouse, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on March 11, 2010, Thursday. The party starts at 6:00 PM.
See you at the Party!
(Note: Application for PAU Membership will be accepted during the BDM Party. Bring one (1) Passport-size and one (1) 1 X 1 pictures). PAU Application Forms will be available at the BDM Party.
The following is the final list of the “new warriors” of the 2010 Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race (BDM 102):
2nd BDM 102 Qualifiers/Participants
1 Carlo Nobleza
2 Ben Gaetos
3 Luis Archangel
4 Graciano Santos
5 Melvin Pangan
6 Mel Severino
7 Armand Fernando
8 Francis Randy Hortelano
9 Francis Andrew Santiago
10 Rhoderick Guieb
11 Jose Mari Javier
12 Alvin Adriano
13 Glendel Tañag
14 Paolo Osmeña
15 John Jeffrey Avellanosa
16 Francis Jay Nacino
17 Maria Cristina Narvaez
18 Christopher Montaos
19 Edilberto Yonzon
20 Julius Oliver Giron
21 Sherwin Tommy Botabara
22 Jael Wenceslao
23 Wilnar Iglesia
24 Joseph Adrien Soria
25 Denniz Enriquez
26 Haide Acuña
27 Jonnifer Lacanlale
28 Oscar Sañez
29 Ramon Gillego
30 Ellery Ho
31 Jonathan Gener
32 Erich Cuaresma
33 Rosgar Apolinario
34 Ronaldo Sulapas
35 Rogelio Reli
36 Dennis Ravanzo
37 Christopher Ibalan
38 Gregorio Torres
39 Albert Salazar
40 Ronald Rei Declarador
41 Kim Oconel
42 Roel Año
43 Manuel Macrohon
44 Wilfredo Suarez
45 Sammy Deleña
46 Jose Ma. Galauran
47 John Frederick Abenina
48 Vener Roldan
49 Francis Joseph Acop
50 Frederick Chaneco Gabriel
51 Alfred delos Reyes
52 Carlo Bacalla
53 Ramoncito Carreon
54 Albert Sama
55 Gregorio Ocampo
56 Niño James Ramos
57 Anicito Grimaldo
58 Ernesto Balolong, Jr
59 Blas Ople Tiangco
60 Muhammad Sallehan Zainuddin
61 Kelly Lim
62 Rayman delos Angeles
63 Mark Adrian Hernandez
64 Rodel Cuaton
65 Jose Arturo Virata
66 Patrick Winceth Alcomedas
67 Hermogines Olvis
68 Jonel Mendoza
69 Francis Martin Esteban
70 Kenneth Liwanag
71 Ambrocio Ramos
72 Artemio Ladia
73 Delmo Sullano
74 Glenn Romaldo
75 Rodrigo Conrado
76 Jeremy Go
77 Alfred Paul Paiso
78 Bonifacio Dalisay
79 Jag Irasga
80 Marlin Marilag
81 Maria Myrna Emelyne Buenafe
82 Ricardo Cabusao, Jr
83 Odessa Coral
84 Enrico Tocol
85 Michelle Estuar
86 Siosan Baysa
87 Red Samar
89 Audax Cantero
90 Emerson Go Tian
91 Charles Fletcher
92 Ivy Macainan
93 Nicomedes Jaranilla
94 Kelvin Viola
95 Caesar Callangan
96 Francisco Lapira
97 Mark Peralta
98 Felipe Nama
99 Jerome Cartailler
100 Joshua Suarez
101 Ria Go Tian
102 Junrox Roque
103 Ma. Felsie Briones
104 Cesar Abarientos
105 Junar Layug
106 Edward Penales
107 Whreachelle Cordova
108 Samuel Narcise
109 Lemuel Narcise
110 Armando Queza
111 Eugene Pornilas
112 Ariel Cortez
113 Peregrino Antoque
114 Rodolfo Tacadino
115 Romeo Marquez
116 Eric Bullena
117 Alvin Canada
118 Charlie Chua
119 Randy Bumahid
120 Dionam Basco
121 Allen Mendoza
122 George Dolores
123 Leomar Mirasol
124 Alley Quisay
125 Crisenciano Sabal
126 Dominic Canada
127 Adonis Lubaton
128 Jhon Higger Quiñones
129 Jusell Laya
130 Crifrankreadel Indapan
131 Albert Henson
132 Wilfredo Parcon, Jr
133 Jerry Guiao
134 Joseph Cu Unjieng
135 Benedict Meneses
136 Abiegayle Jocson
137 Ralp Jerome Salvador
138 July Oconer
139 Ronnie De Lara
140 Romy Irevera
141 John Nickko Nolasco
142 Don Ubaldo
Note: If your name is not listed above, it means that you did not fill up the registration form; send a copy of your deposit slip for your registration fee; or send a copy of your medical/doctor’s certificate.
Bataan 102K Ultramarathon Race is a unique and special race and I deemed it proper to hold a Get Together and Awarding Ceremony Party to all the 82 “Brave New Warriors” of Bataan Death March after 10 days of rest & recovery. I also invited the sponsors who helped us made this dream into a reality. I will let the runner-bloggers describe what really happened during the party. Let me post the following pictures taken during the said dinner party.
Buffet Dinner Party For EverybodyKim & Other RunnersTop 3 Winners (Jessie Ano, Ed Villanueva, & Mamerto Corpuz) With Their Trophies & Cash PrizesShort Closing RemarksOne of the Group PicturesStart Training Now & See You On the Next Edition
The following is a comment posted in our PMA Alumni E-Forum by one of its Members re-1st Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race:
“This is just to extend my personal appreciation and probably to create awareness among fellow cavaliers about this feat of a fellow cavalier, MGEN Jovenal NARCISE AFP (Ret), of organizing the first ever ultramarathon race in the country and timed to commemorate the infamous Death March in 1942. As it traces the route forced upon to the USAFFE forces by the invading Japanese Army, the distance covered 102 km.
I do not know who participated and if there are cavaliers other than MGEN Narcise himself. I guess that’s how it worked for Cav NARCISE, he just spearheaded the event without much fanfare or rethorics, uncharacteristic of some present day Filipinos who try to advocate some good or not-so-good things, especially our politicians, with all the media interviews, artistas, and even libreng pakain para lang may pumunta at masabing successful, hehehe! I believe ganon naman talaga dapat, if it is something good for mankind, you just have to do it and awareness will follow. For that my snappy salute to him!!!
I believe joining this bandwagon is good for all of us in terms of appreciating history and at the same time having a good lifestyle… running 102 kms could be very tough and gruelling indeed and it needs a lot of preparations.
So to all interested cavaliers, let’s try to be there next year and support this advocacy, kung hindi man makatakbo, probably we could lend support in some other ways!!! Sa mga nasa field, probably magandang talent ito para makapagpaalam umuwi sa Luzon and have a gruelling break from combat duties, hehehe!!!”
This was posted by a certain coblanks91 of the PnC Forum@yahoo.com.
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