I would like to share the following insights, observations, and assessment of the Bataan 102 as the Race Organizer/Race Director:
1) On Simplicity—I would like to have this ultramarathon event as simple as possible. No marketing, no PR, no “frills”, no major sponsors, no advertisements, no requests to other bloggers to promote this event, and nothing commercial about the event. I wanted this event for the “hardcore” runners who would like to test their body’s limits of endurance and promote running to another level. I will maintain such simplicity in the conduct of the race in the succeeding editions.
2) On Sponsorship—I tried to ask support and sponsorship from sports and tourism authorities but my requests were denied. Even politicians whom we see joining weekend road races and triathlon events were asked for help, unfortunately, I got negative reply from them. I went bolder by sending letter of requests to all the “Presidentiables” for 2010 whom most of them I’ve known personally but I got the same response that they don’t have any budget to support such event. Guys, I am recommending that you don’t vote for them in the Presidential Elections! These people are only good in “lip service” and media exposure. Kiss our quest for the Olympic Gold Medal goodbye! I am glad there are unknown people, close friends and runners who believed in my cause/advocacy and gladly offered support when I least expected. Guys, thank you very much. You made this dream a reality. I hope you will continue supporting this event in order to promote our passion in running and ultramarathon.
3) On Rules and Regulations—I’ve been strict and firm on the deadline of registration except for the foreigners who had some problem sending their registration fees through the banks and money transfers. However, I was flexible on the qualifications and requirements needed for each participant as there are runners who never ran a marathon distance but I encouraged them to join our “marathon runabouts”, albert’s “midnight to sunrise” runs, and the Bataan 52K “test run” for the purpose of knowing them personally and observing their attitude during the runs. As for the support vehicles, crews and pacers, I was not strict on these matters but I learned some lessons on these aspects during the race. There will be adjustments made in order to promote orderliness and safety during the race.
4) On “Honor System” and Cheating—Aside from the Race Marshals who were recording the order of arrrival and time of every runner in every Aid Station, I also deployed “secret marshals” on strategic locations along the route to distribute different colored bands which indicates that each runner must had passed every location of these “secret marshal”. After the race, we checked every finisher if they possessed the required number of colored bands on their wrists. Based from my personal observation and reports from my marshals, there were finishers with incomplete number of colored bands. My staff took note of these runners and we collated the data we got from every Aid Station. We got alarming discrepancies and we were able to identify those runners who “leap frog” by riding in their support vehicle. Aside from these bases and evidence, we got reports from our “secret marshals” that there were runners stepping out of their support vehicles within the vicinity of our Aid Stations (2nd half of the route) and approach our volunteers without any sign of sweat, of being tired, of breathing heavily. Other support vehicles of runners would stop by our Aid Stations and allow their crews to get food and drinks for them while they are inside their vehicle. I could not believe what I saw on the 1st half of the race of runners cheating, moreso, on the second half of the race when the heat of the sun was unbearable to most of us. As I said, these “cheaters” and suspected ones will no longer be allowed to join in this race in the future. I would be happy to have only 10 runners for this race who are men of integrity rather than have 100 runners who are “cheaters”. Guys, I don’t need your money you paid for your registration fee. Your money will not make me rich! We run because we want to have fun and develop some kind of relationship among ultra runners. I promise that in the future edition of this race, I will see to it that “cheaters” will be exposed and removed from the site of the race.
Every Finisher Must Have These Four (4) Bands
5) On Runners’ Sponsors and Advertisements—I was happy to see the participation of members from an exclusive running club for ultra runners in the country. These runners are really good ultra runners and I really respect them for their passion in ultra running. However, I was frustrated to see, while I was running with them, that their support vehicles were displaying logos of companies which sponsored them without even asking permission from me as the Race Organizer/Race Director. What was more frustrating was when I saw the logo of the company whom I requested for sponsorship that denied my request. I am still waiting for these runners to personally explain and apologize to me of such observation if they think they committed some infraction. We should show some respect to one another if we want our a good relationship to flourish in the sports we really love.
6) On Volunteers During the Race—I was too shy to ask the members of the Team Bald Runner-Professional Group for an extra help during the race as I don’t have the means and resources to support their accommodation, food, and other needs to be able to be with us on the site of the race. However, one by one, these members approached me and offered their vehicles, provided themselves to help as roving Aid Stations practically not sleeping for the whole night, provided pictorials and documentation for the race, and even catch up for the race after joining an early morning race in Metro Manila and acted as additional roving aid stations for the other runners. To all the volunteers, thanks for your support and you made this race a success!
7) On Food, Drinks, Water and Support in Aid Stations—Bringing a staff consisting of 40 people (drivers, support personnel, marshals, cooks, and security personnel) at the vicinity of the race area one day before the D-day to buy and cook for the foods to be served in the Aid Stations was a logistics “nightmare” for me. We practically brought our “kitchen” and sleeping bags to a place provided by a friend who owns a tract of hilly land in the vicinity of Balanga, Bataan. But due to proper planning and coordination, my staff had their respective jobs to do and we worked as “one” to make this event as a memorable event for the runners. We learned a lot of lessons on these Aid Stations. We prepared foods and drinks for the runners only, but it was okey also that we were able to serve the needs of their crews and pacers as we prepared foods more than the required for every runner. What surprised me to know is for a single runner to have a group of 51 pacers and crews, alternately providing the runner the much needed support from Km 00 to Km 102. I knew these support personnel brought with them their provisions but I got reports that others would get their support from the Aid Stations. We’ll improve on this aspect on the next edition of the race.
8) On the “Worst Scenario“—I prepared for the “worst scenario” for this race in case we have runners who are victims or suffering from “heat stroke” symptoms during the race. I made a briefing with the Medical Teams and review them on what to expect for the runners and the procedures they had to do in case of emergency. I was glad that these teams were well-prepared for any contingencies for the race. My sincerest thanks to my brother, General Samuel of the Light Armor Division of the Philippine Army who provided me with his two ambulances and medical teams and the support provided by the Northern Luzon Command of the AFP and 7th Infantry Division, PA based in Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City.
9) On the Runner-Participants—The runner-competitors are the real actors in this race and without them this dream would never been a reality. You made this event a very successful one and we were able to prove to the whole world that we can do a world-class ultramarathon competition in our country. Anything about the Bataan Death March should be held on the very place where history happened 67 years ago. Let us honor and commemorate the sacrifes of our heroes who died for us in the name of freedom and independence. Now that we have started this event, let us nurture and sustain it so that the younger generation would be able to remember the history of our nation. Thanks to all the runners!
“A SALUTE TO OUR HEROES…..RUN, ENDURE, AND SURVIVE THE BATAAN DEATH MARCH”
Lawrence and his team from Inquirer.net took their time to cover the Ultramarathon Event. It was timely that their team were in Subic Freeport for the weekend’s Bike Fest Competition. Jinoe Gavan aka Manokan Express/takbo.ph requested Lawrence to cover the race and after some exhanges of telephone calls and SMS with me, they arrived at the Starting Area just in time before the race started. My warmest thanks to Jinoe for his support and initiative and to Lawrence and his team for covering the event and posting the following video at Internet.net.
This is my race report as a competitor in this event. Later, I will publish my race report as the Race Organizer and as the Race Director.
After simple ceremony before the start, the excited and nervous participants had a group picture at the very first kilometer post/obelisk (Km 00) of the Bataan Death March as a symbol and evidence of our start for a new experience and challenge in running. I knew that many passionate runners had ran the course before but this is the very first time that an ultramarathon race is being done with a cut-off time of 18 hours to finish the race. It is started as a dream..an idea..and now a reality after nine months of planning, preparation and training.
I officially started the race with a simple shout of Ready..Set..Go! and the front runners immediately ran towards to the entrance/exit of the Batan Death March Park. I immediately checked on my digital watch to register the official start of the race. The race started at 12:33 AM of 05 April 2009 after a brief drizzle of rain which I concluded as a good sign of a successful event and a blessing from the overall orchestrator of things in this world. After handing over the megaphone to Coach Salazar, I started my slow jog out of the Park and ran towards the main road going to Mariveles EPZA (Export Processing Zone Authority).
Km 1-10
While running along the straight road towards the Bataan/Mariveles EPZA covering the 1st kilometer, I was reviewing my race strategy…finish the race with a consistent pace and prove that I can finish the race within the cut-off time. It was some sort of “Setting The Example” as one of the time-tested Principles in Leadership and applying it to this particular ultramarathon race. If the Race Organizer/Race Director Can Do It, A Runner-Participant Can Do It, Too! This was the “attitude” I wanted to impart to all the first-time participants of this race. While running on the first 3 kilometers, I was with the group of Christian Alacar who requested to congratulate me and offered his hand for a handshake. Christian congratulated me for organizing this very first ultra race to commemorate the Bataan Death March. He said that it is seldom to see a Race Organizer/Race Director joining his own race as one of the competitors, and at an ultramarathon race at that! We shared some stories for the next 2 kilometers and I was joined by Edilberto “Nonong” Severino, Jr of the Globe Runners Club whom I’ve been seeing a lot at the ULTRA Oval Track weeks before this race as he was running continouosly for 3 hours every late afternoon to evening. However, Christian would later slow down and Nonong and I left him after passing Km Post # 3. At this point, the road is starting to go uphill and we are about to start a 4-Km winding road on a mountain that separates Mariveles from Cabcaben, the next town from Mariveles. The plan was to start walking on the steep portions of the road and jog on the level part of the road/mountain and I did what I planned to do. Nonong was also running beside me imitating what I was doing. Once I started walking, he walked and once I resumed running, he ran with me. It was too dark along the road that I had to use my handheld pin flashlight from MagLite to see where my feet were about to land. More stories were shared between me and Nonong. Gene Olvis, one of the hardcore runners, later joined us during our ascent to the mountain and we started sharing stories. Our discussion later went to the participation of Tess Geddes, the first and only Philippine representative to compete in the 24th edition of the Marathon Des Sables in the Sahara Desert (Morocco), a woman at that! Gene told me that he sent some messages to Tess Geddes during the race and he actually monitored the race everyday. Later, Gene had to pick-up his pace and slowly went ahead of us. I was not thinking who were following us on our backs but the first aim was to get out of those steep uphill curves and inclines from Km 3 to Km 7. After alternately brisk walking and slow jogging, we finally reached Km Post # 7 and the last inclined road towards the highest point of the mountain was already infront of us. After walking, we finally reached the peak and we started to run again going downhill. Another downhill and slight uphill..and then repeated again until we reached the Km 10 marker. It was a very slooow 10K and allowed the CAMANAVA Runners (Atty Jeffrey Abenina, Albert Henson & Francisco Lapira, Jr) going ahead of us in a synchronated pace. My race plan was followed and I knew I was able to conserve a lot of energy by alternately walking and jogging on the said mountain.
Km 10-20
Most of the runners tried to speed up their pace after the hardest uphill climb was on our backs. I depended on the availability of the “roving/mobile” Aid Stations by asking bottled water for my hydration needs. I did not use any of my hydration belts and bladders during the race. Instead, I tucked in one bottle of water on my back and held one bottle alternately with my two hands. I had to drink one Gatorade bottle every 5 kilometers just to be sure that my body electrolytes were not depleted. I have to take a sip of water from my bottled water every kilometer and didn’t wait for me to be thirsty. Nonong Severino was still with me during the run. I knew that the Km # 20 Post is at the vicinity of the entrance from the Roman Highway going to the DND Government Arsenal and the terrain of the road is a rolling one. I always tell Nonong not to worry about the uphill climbs and try to brisk walk on them because there are more downhill portions of the first half of the race. We were at the higher level and wait till we reach Pilar, Bataan where the terrain of the road will start to be relatively all flat. It would be better to gain more speed on the downhill portions in order to regain the loss of time we encountered in brisk walking in uphill climbs. And that was the thing we did. Jerome Cartailler, the French runner, was the one infront of us and his running style was so unique that he sways sideways but we could hardly reached him. He was fast, too in going downhill. The last two kilometers seemed to be very far but I knew the 1st Aid Station was getting nearer. I told Nonong to eat whatever food he can eat as we reached the Aid Station. I told him also that I will eat some hard boiled eggs and boiled bananas as my fuel for the next kilometers to come. Finally, we reached the 1st Aid Station at Km Post # 20 and the marshals/checkers/ and the volunteers were there cheering us and offering us food and drinks. I was happy that the volunteers got my instructions to copy what I’ve experienced while I ran the Bulldog 50K Ultra Trail Run last August 2008 in Calabasas, California. In this Aid Station, Lester and Margaret were there also to serve the runners. It was him who informed me that Jonel aka Bugobugo was still at the back aprroaching the Aid Station. Robert, the PhotoVendo Guy was also there to take pictures to every runner passing or stopping at the said Station.
Km 20-30
After a roller-coaster terrain along the main highway, we turned right to a narrow cemented road which was part of the original route of the Bataan Death March. Suddenly, Nonong Severino slowed down and asked me if there is a gasoline station near ahead. He seemed to be doing Number 2 after eating some food at the 1st Aid Station. I did not notice him as he slowed down along the way. I was already running alone on the dark road of Limay. However, I noticed that a biker from my brother’s Light Armor Division was all the time on my back following me and one of the three (3) Ambulance Vehicles was posted on the middle of the race purposely under orders from my brother to assist/support me. At that time, my support vehicle was busy checking the preparations in every Aid Station and checking the road marshals on the critical crossroads along the way. My support vehicle became the overall supervising administrative vehicle for the whole race. It was again an undulating and rolling dark road passing along the Poblacion of Limay and then at Orion where the people were starting to get out from their houses for the Palm Sunday celebration in the towns’ churches. I was already running alone and from time to time the roving Aid Station would offer water and Gatorade. The Ambulance and the biker gave me company on those dark roads of Limay and Orion. Ralph Salvador would be my next companion along the road but he would overtake me and then stop to walk and stretch. Later, I would overtake him but he would be strongly running again. He always went ahead of me but he was always on my sight at least 50 meters ahead. It was a see-saw running with Ralph for the next few kilometer.
Km 30-40
I knew my average pace would fluctuate from 6:45 minutes per kilometer to 7:30 minutes per kilometer and my GF 305 was about to register a running time of four hours. During my training for this ultra race, I conditoned my running legs to be within this range of pace and at least have an average pace of brisk walking from 8:45 minutes per kilometer to 10:00 minutes per kilometer. At this point, I did not have any urge to speed up my pace and tried to consistently maintain my planned average pace. There was nothing wrong with my legs..no pains..no aches..my legs were on their “automatic cruise” control and I maintained my shuffling style of running, making sure to remember what Coach Titus would always remind us in our training…”be light, be quick, with the feet as they touched the ground & swing arms in a relax way”. I was using my ASICS Gel-Kinsei 2, which is almost one-year old and the heaviest among my running shoes. It is also the most expensive one but the cushioning and comfort/stability of the shoes were uncomparable with other shoes. I was confident that these running shoes will bring me to the finish line without changing to any other shoes even if I brought along my new ASICS Gel-Kayano 14 for the last stretch of the race. I was using a new pair of socks from Eddie Bauer’s CoolMax which is the same brand of socks that I used in the Bulldog 50K Ultra Trail Run and my feet were completely covered with petroleum jelly before wearing my socks. As for my racing apparel, I decided to use the Bataan 102K Shirt and my light-gray Patagonia Trail Shorts which has 3 zippered pockets. I had 2 bars of Cloud 9 Chocolates on my left front pocket; my MagLite Pin Flashlight was secured on my right pocket; and I had 3 packs of GU Roctane in my rear pocket. One bottled water tucked on my back and one on my hand. Of course, my pink bandana was tied loosely on my neck to absorb the perpiration coming from head and neck and the damped bandana acted as my coolant for my nape while running without the heat of the sun. At this point, my support vehicle was back to assist me but they got an emergency call that the volunteers at the Km # 40 Aid Station were being harassed by a drunken guy. So, I sent Maj Ed Tubiera, one of my trusted officers to find out the real situation on the said Aid Station. As I approached the town of Pilar, I knew I was nearing Km Post # 40, the 2nd Aid Station. From a distance, I saw the M-35 truck (6 X 6) properly parked at the Aid Station with the uniformed Philippine Army soldiers securing the volunteers. I knew that the emergency situation had been settled. I reached the 2nd Aid Station and started to eat the available foods on the table and drink some more of the electrolyte drinks.
Km 40-50
As I was eating, I was informed by my staff that one of the lady runners, Kim O’ Connel was transported out of the race due to emergency situation. I tried to call the source of the information but I could not make any contact with the people who are in the know. I looked at my watch and I wondered what could had been the cause of the emergency call since it was too early in the morning and the sun was still about to rise on the horizon. I immediately finished eating and resumed my running and try to reach the halfway to get more information about Kim. Captain Quilo of the Light Armored Division, Philippine Army who was the Overall Team Captain of the Medicall Team decided to pace me after eating some foods at the 2nd Aid Station. I knew he would pace me up to the halfway point where we pre-positioned one Aid Station, where we served “hot food” for all the participants and volunteers. The road was already flat and after running for 4 kilometers, we reached the city limits of Balanga. We were not able to see Km Post # 44 as it was transferred to the City Park which is one block away from the old road. After crossing some small bridges and long stretch of cemented road, I knew the halfway mark was within our reach. Capt Quilo was trying his best to keep up with my slow pace and he was starting to perspire. I tried to offer water to him but he declined as he has some water support coming from his soldiers. I tried to increase my average pace as it reached 5:50 to 6:00 minutes per kilometer. It was a nice sight to see the 3rd Aid Station where bowls of Arroz Caldo (rice porridge with chicken) were ready to be picked-up once a runner reached the said Station. Another option was for the runners to be served with “hot noodles”. The volunteers were very supportive and responsive to the needs of the runners. While I was eating, I tried to get more information about Kim but nobody could give an accurate information about her incident.
I was able to eat two bowls of Arroz Caldo and drank two bottles of Gatorade. While eating, Jonel and Dr Joe aka The Loony Runner arrived at the Aid Station. After eating, I was requested by one of the local reporters to have an interview and photo-ops for his news report and obliged to his request. In my estimate, it took me at least 15-20 minutes to stay at the halfway point.
Still Smiling at Km # 50 With Capt QuiloLots of Water To Drink at Km #50 & the Smiling Capt QuiloMaj Ed Tubiera, the Acting Race Director while I was running. He just arrived from UN Peacekeeping duties in Liberia
Interview with a News Reporter at the Middle of the Race
Km 50-60
Jonel, Dr Joe, and I started the second half of the race. I was surprised that we left the place at 7:25 AM, almost the exact time when we started our “Bataan 52K Test Run” two months ago. While we were running, I told Jonel that we are running the 2nd half exactly the same time that we had our “test run”. I was sending him the message that the last half would be as easy as the “test run” as we had experienced the heat of the sun and learned our lessons. Jonel acted as the pacer & frontrunner as we ran in line with me following him and Dr Joe on my back. Our steps were synchronated, placing the same foot forward as if we were soldiers running in cadence. Almost all of the time we were running on the dirt side of the road for a softer landing/strike and lesser heat from the ground. We shared stories while maintaining a pace of 6:48 minutes per kilometer. I told Jonel of what happened to Kim and we discussed that it could had not been due to the heat of the sun. Anyway, we discussed some medical requirements and medical protocol to be applied to each runner-applicant in future Bataan 102 editions. Dr Joe suggested that each runner must be able to submit the most current medical certificate to the Race Organizer prior to competing in this race. I immediately approved the suggestion of Dr Joe. I tried also to get feedbacks from Jonel & Dr Joe as to the conduct of the race and so far, they are satisfied with the support system. After lots of discussion, we were surprised that we are approaching the next Aid Station (3rd). We were reminded of Ben Gaetos advice on mixing Coca-Cola or Mountain Dew with Salt for the last leg of the race. So, while drinking cold Mountain Dew, we were licking lots of salt grains poured on our palm and hands. I ate a lot of FITA Biscuits while drinking water and got more cold sponge to pour cold water on my head. The sun was already getting hotter and I knew this was the actual start of the race. I knew that after leaving this Aid Station, the challenge will be on more on mental attitude and fighting the heat of the sun.
Km 60-70
After passing the Municipality of Samal, we were already in Orani, Bataan and Hermosa, Bataan would be next. As we reached Hermosa Poblacion, which is Km Post # 63, I started to lead and become the pacer setter and front runner of the three of us. We agreed to reach the junction of Roman Highway and the road that goes inside Hermosa as we passed the Hermosa Church as this will boost our morale. As we left the Poblacion, I knew we have at least 4 kilometers more before reaching the Roman Highway. I increased the pace but I was surprised that Jonel and Dr Joe made a brief stop at their support vehicle, a few meters outside the Poblacion. I slowed down my pace but kept on jogging. As I reached Km Post # 67 at the Junction, I observed that the biker-soldier was the only one on my back and I asked from him what happened to my other two companions. He answered that he could not see them on his back. Running along the Highway as I approached the Dinalupihan Crossing to Subic was a big boost afterall. I knew I could make it. I used my loose bandana to cover my nose and mouth as if I am one of those runners joining the Marathon Des Sables in the Sahara Desert while I was passing by the dusty part of the road where a bridge is being constructed with all the heavy traffic of vehicles on my left. As I reached the Layac Crossing in Dinalupihan, I knew I still have 34 kilometers more to go and at the rate I was running, I could finish the race in 14+ hours. Two more kilometers of running, I was already at the Km Post # 70.
Km 70-80
This part of the route is a straight road as far as your eyes can see. At a distance I could see the thick traffic of vehicle and thick dust where almost all the vehicles were moving very slowly and some were on full stop. The target of my run on this segment was this part of the road where there was road construction. I ran alone on this part of the road with the biker-soldier and the ambulance on my back who served as my support vehicle. Captain Quilo handed me the much-needed ice-cooled sponges, Gatorade drinks and water. I could feel that my wet hat could easily dry up because of the intense heat of the sun. I saw to it that I asked sponge every 500 meters that I covered and this became a ritual all the way to Guagua. Suddenly, a car was on my back as I was running along the wide dirt sidewalk of the highway and I was surprised to see Jonas & Sheila who offered me bottled water and took some pictures of me while running. At this point, I could still afford to smile to the camera despite the intense heat and the fatigue I was starting to feel after running for about 74 kilometers. Lester and Margaret were also in constant roving mode along this road as they offered water and sports drinks. Guys, thank you very much for those much-needed support. Since Km Post # 80 is located in the middle of the road construction, the last Aid Station was relocated at Km Post # 79. I stopped and ate some more food and drank lots of sports drinks. I asked some questions to the volunteers on their observations of the runners ahead of me and they gave me vital information. I asked them to be vigilant and alert for the other runners and advised them to immediately offer assistance and food/water to them. I did not stay long at the Aid Station and as I reached the Poblacion of Lubao, I could see a group of runners approaching the Lubao Bridge.
Km 80-90
I started to increase my pace and I was surprised to see Norio Tanaka being paced by at least six (6) runners from Runnex, though they were already walking. I passed them as I crossed the Lubao Bridge and at this point, I just passed Km Post # 82. I knew that in about 2 kilometers, I would reach the road intersection leading to the town of Guagua. At the intersection, I was surprised that we are going on detour because of another road construction. At this point, another runner, Arman Abalos, who was already walking joined me. I started to talk to him and get more details about him. He is from Lukban and I was surprised that he is lagging behind. He said that he was too tired already. I told him to join me and pace with all the way to the finish line. I instructed Captain Quilo to extend support to Arman from the resources we still have in the Ambulance. So, whenever I ask for sponge or water or sports drinks, he would get the same treatment as with me. He was actually on my back trying to tag along with me…when I walk, he would walk..when I jog, he would jog, when I increse my pace, he would try to increase his pace. This became our ritual up to the point until we reached the Poblacion of Guagua.
At Kilometer 88, I started to notice a Motorcycle Security Escort passing and going to the direction of Poblacion Guagua. I knew that these escorts were the point guards of the Presidential Security Group’s Convoy of President GMA. Knowing where the President would actually ride in her provincial sorties, I started to wave my right hand, show my face and slightly tilted my body to my left as an Executive Bus would be approaching on my left side. I raised my head and face to make sure the President would recognize me. As the bus passed me, one of the windows opened and I saw the face of the President and hand waving back at me!!! I guess that gesture made me run faster up to the point when I reached Km Post # 90 near the Guagua Poblacion. I was thinking of the “worst scenario” to happen where the Presidential Convoy would suddenly slow down or stop and have a brief chat with the President while I was running. Yesterday, I was informed by the President’s Chief of Staff that PGMA knew that I was the one running and waving at her in her Presidential Bus.
Before reaching Guagua, Pampanga, I saw Jerry aka High Altitude and Ellen Tolentino sitting at the open baggage back compartment of their support vehicle and I asked him if he finished the race already and he said “No”. I immediately shouted at him as if I am still an active General shouting to a soldier. I shouted at him, “C’mon, Stand Up and Join Us…Let’s Go!” In a few seconds, Ellen Tolentino was already running beside me and Jerry was already trying to catch up. Slowly, Ellen and Jerry picked up their pace and they left us for good! As soon as I reached the volunteers at Km Post # 90, I stopped and asked one of our staff on my present placing/ranking and she said that I was # 29.
Km 90-102
I decided not to drop by at the Razon’s for their famous Halo-Halo and continued to brisk walk as I was looking for a place where I could hide and make a pee! In an alley, I was able to relieve myself and started my shuffle run and I was feeling already fatigued and tired. More sponges..more water to drink..more sports drinks…and more Cloud 9 to chew. I opened my 2nd to the last GU Roctane and I was confident to slow jog and brisk walk up to the finish line. After I passed Km Post # 92, my brother, General Samuel met me aboard his service vehicle together with his security and joined me with my brisk walking. We brisk walked all the way up to the Km Post # 100 and shared stories. He informed me of a news story featured in the day’s Philippine Daily Inquirer on page 4 about the Bataan Death March Ultramarathon. I immediately asked for the newspaper and it was true about the report that I was reading the newspaper while I was on my way to the Finish Line. I enjoyed brisk walking with my brother and personally thanked him for the support he provided for the success of this very first Bataan Death March Ultramarathon Race. Moreso, of the personal attention and support provided by his Medical Team and biker-soldiers.
From Km # 100, I forced my legs to shuffle with shorter strides and brisk walked and shuffle again until I reached the alley leading me to the last 100 meters towards the Finish Line. My brother and I practically brisk walked for almost 8-9 kms for about one hour plus and it was my subtle way to cool-down for the ultramarathon race. There was no point to force myself and set a faster time. I knew I have proven something worth to remember and savor in my running career. I knew that finishing this race would start a new beginning in the history of running in the country.
At the Finish Line
I was awarded by Maj Ed Tubiera with the Bataan 102 Finisher’s Medal with the inscribed ranking of # 30 with an unofficial time of 15 hours and 15 minutes and I got my Finisher’s Trophy and T-Shirt. From here, I awarded the Finisher’s Medal, Trophy, and T-shirt for the next 33 Finishers who arrived within the cut-off time of 18 hours.
As my son, John would say in his SMS he sent at least 12 hours before the start of the race—” A new era is dawning…” Yes, a new era is dawning in the history of running competition in the country. And I was able to prove it…I did it…we did it…and we were able to prove to the world that we can do an ultramarathon race on the very exact place where history happened.
What’s next? I will be the full-time Race Organizer and Race Director for the 2nd Edition of the Bataan 102K Ultramarathon Race and other Bataan 102K Race Events. Let us help our surviving heroes who experienced the infamous Bataan Death March which happened 67 years ago and revive the awareness to the younger generation and other generations to come that our forefathers had to sacrifice their lives in the name of freedom and independence.
Start training now!!!
More Stories With My Brother Samuel After The Race
My Brother and I Were Already Planning For the 2nd Bataan 102 At The Finish Line
I’ve created a “Bataan 102 Events” Page on this blog. You can register by stating your complete name, date of birth, age, name of running club, contacting number, and e-mail address on the Comment portion of the Page. Specify what event you are going to participate, however, for the meantime, I am going to accept first those runners who would join the Bataan 102K Ultramarathon Race.
There will be a total of 150 slots for the Ultramarathon Race, to include slots for interested foreign runners.
Registration Fee is Two Thousand Pesos (P 2,000) for the local runners and Seventy Dollars ($ 70.00) for the foreign runners.
Deadline of Registration and Payment of Registration Fee is February 1, 2010.
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 WarriorsGroup Picture at Km 00 MarkerAt 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 46 Kms After 6 HoursJerry 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
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.
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!
The reason why I conducted the “first and only Bataan Death March Challenge” in April 2000 held along the exact route where the event occured because I was challenged why in the world would the ROTC of White Sands, New Mexico, USA celebrate such event in their desert where a handful of US World War II survivors from that State would be supported and commemorated. Also, there are three other places/States in the US where they commemorate this famous Bataan Death March. Continue reading “How About “Bataan Death March Memorial Ultra Run” In The Philippines?”→
Bald Runner 
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