Sometime in Septemper 2008, I featured the Race Reports of Ben Gaetos and Carmela Layson for joining the famous Angeles Crest 100-Mile Endurance Run in 2007 in this blog. Last year, these two well-known Pinoy ultramarathon runners finished the 2008 Angeles Crest 100-Mile Run (again!) with more hours to spare before the cut-off time of 33 hours.

After knowing and meeting these two fine ultra runners while I was in California last year, I had maintained regular contact with them through e-mails and they became my adviser/consultant for the preparation/s of the 1st Bataan 102 Ultramarathon Race to be held in April 5, 2009.

It is fortunate that Ben Gaetos, an architect with the Department of Public Works in Los Angeles City, will be visiting the country next month and he will be joining the “test run and clinic” for the participants of the Bataan ultramarathon event on 22 February 2009. His presence will surely give the participants the needed “inputs” for them to survive and finish the race within the cut-off time of 18 hours.

To the “Hardcores” , Team Bald Runner and future ultra runners, let us give a VIP welcome/treatment to our friend, Ben, during his visit to the country. By the way, he will be donating one Balikbayan Box full of “used” running shoes from Carmela Layson, from him and from the members of his running club in California.

Welcome home, Ben!

Ben with the Ultramarathon Man, Dean Karnazes at the December 2008 Catalina Eco Marathon

Ben at the turn-around point on top of Mt Baldy, California.

Mt Baden-Powell Trail as part of the Angeles Crest 100-mile Endurance Trail Run

Carmela Layson during a 100-Km run in California

Ben dedicated his 2008 Angeles Crest 100-Mile Race Bib to BR. Thanks, Ben. I hope I could qualify in 2010 or 2011!

Ben & Carmela (both in eyeglasses) with the Finishers of Mt Disappointment 50K/50M Ultra Trail Run in 2008. Ben & Carmela finished the 50-Mile Race while David Goggins finished the 50K Race. Guys, I hope I could run this race this year! You will be my “pacers”/crew!