1st Bataan 102K Ultramarathon:an eyewitness

I have no  throbbing experience to share on this event.  Didn’t shed a sweat, didn’t go through excruciating pain, didn’t face near death experience. Why?  Because I was  not an ultramarathoner, nor a pacer. I was there with Jonas and Japol to witness the first event  that now created a significant  mark in the  Philippine history of  running: testing the limit of 82 men and women for the 102k ultramarathon.

Couldn’t help but revisit history that would at least help me connect with the 1st Bataan 102k Ultramarathon. Guess everybody will agree with me  that  the real Bataan Death March  in April 1949 was truly a dreadful occurrence, a far cry from the  April 5, 2009 event.

                                                             Few photos I researched  …..

                                                              so horrible……….

                                                                …and callous

However, to voluntarily  run, jog, walk, for  straight  10-18 hours  in memory of the  1949 Bataan Death March victims  and heroes was a shot truly worth granting a salute.   I’d like to single out  3  ultramarathoners  whose blog I have been religiously  following especially prior to this event:

*Ronnie (Runnerforchrist), he  dedicated the 102k   to 10  different individuals who made  him who he is  today.     His passion for running for Christ   is incomparable and sincerely admirable. 

*Jonel (BugoBugo85). He has a truly interesting blog which I would like so much to comment  on  several months ago  but was hesitant due to the brawny and a  desperado-kind-of-character  that his blog conveys only to find out that he is the very  warm, friendly and funny  guy whom Jonas was always talking to in Ultra and other races. His story of ultramarathon touches my heart.

* Bald Runner (Sir Jovie). The architect of this event, whom Jonas and I truly admire from the moment we met him in Ultra in 2008. His dedication to running  (and blogging) is commendable. 

Stories will be told by the ultramarathoners themselves. Please read them by heart . I just did and will continue to find out the stories each of them experienced.

Some shots that we took.

 

 Had to follow this car as we’re not familiar with the place.

 

      Japol giving waters to runners. Our very simple way of  expressing support to these brave runners.

 A very familiar figure is approaching….. the Bald Runner!

The “all-for-one one-for-all” team of Runnex. “Walang iwanan”. A pose with our friend Mel Severino

 

Willie 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the finish line. still waiting for the others.