frontRUNNER Hardcore Events, Garden Orchid Hotel and Zamboanga Runners Club

proudly present

2012 VINTA 50k Ultramarathon

Solo/Relay

February 26, 2012

5:00AM-2:00PM

Zamboanga City

*Zamboanga City’s first ultramarathon and longest road race*

Categories:

• Solo / Relay(per team of 2, same or mixed gender)

Cutoff Time:

• Nine (9:00:00) hours

Start and Finish:

• Garden Orchid Hotel, Camins Avenue, Zamboanga City
• Route: Garden Orchid Hotel-Guiwan-Putik-Divisoria-Boalan-Culianan-Cabaluay-Lanote and back to Garden Orchid Hotel

Registration fees:

• Solo: 950php- inclusive of finisher’s medal and shirt and post-race meal
• Relay: 500php per runner- inclusive of singlet and post-race meal

Registration starts on January 10, 2012 and ends on February 17, 2012 at the following venues;

• A Runner’s Circle-Aloha Hotel, Roxas Blvd., Manila 567 4786
• Antel Platinum Tower, 154 Valero Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City (24/7 open) 8432487
• Chinito’s and Zalo’s, Governor Camins Avenue, Zamboanga City 993 3970/992 3236/992 1446
• For online payments, please make deposits payable to CONSTANTE C MENDOZA JR BPI S/A 2379 0362 39 and email scanned deposit slip to frontrunnermag@gmail.com

RACE BRIEF

1. ABSOLUTELY NO WHINING ALLOWED. JUST RUN AND ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE!
2. Solo runners must have at least done one 21k road race to be allowed to register.
3. There will be 6 aid stations in total at Kms 0, 8, 16 and 25 and 34, 42 and 50. Water, bananas, electrolyte drinks, iced tea and salted crackers will be available at Kms 0, 25 and 50. Water will be served at the other stations.
4. Solo runners must get a loop cord at the turnaround point. Relay runners will swap places at the same turnaround point and the second runner will be allowed to proceed only after the first runner has properly checked in and the second runner is marked accordingly by the marshal.
5. Support vehicles are allowed.
6. This is an “OPEN ROADS” race, meaning there will be NO road closures and traffic marshals, so all runners and their support crew must take the necessary precautions when navigating the route and crossing the intersections. It is also the responsibility of the runner and his crew to be familiar with the race route. NO time credits will be given for runners getting lost.
7. Runners are allowed to buy food and drinks along the route.
8. There will be time recorders in ANY or ALL of the aid stations so make sure you drop by EACH station.
9. No riding and shortcuts allowed. This means cheating and permanent ban from joining subsequent races of frontRUNNER events nationwide.
10. For any medical emergency or should you decide not to finish(DNF), please contact the following numbers; 0917 8030664, 0999 9987654, 0922 8229342.
11. Any complaint on cheating must be made WITHIN 24 hours after the close of the race(2:00PM, February 26,2012) and must be made in writing, signed and submitted to the RO/RD for proper action. This must also be accompanied by a visual proof/s of the alleged cheating. Any complaints after the 24-hour period will NOT be entertained.
12. The Race Organizer and Director reserve the right to modify race rules at any time for the benefit and welfare of the participants.
13. With all due respect, the Race Organizer’ s and Director’s word is final. PERIOD.

King Of The Mountain

1^st Mount Ugo Trail Marathon/Half Marathon

April 1, 2012

4:30 AM-5:00 PM

Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya – Tinongdan, Itogon, Benguet – Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya, PHILIPPINES

Brought to you by frontRUNNER Magazine in cooperation with the Municipalities of Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya and Itogon, Benguet

Registration Fees:

Marathon: PHP 1250.00 (inclusive of trail fees, shirt, medal and post-race meal) / USD 40.00 for foreign entrants

Half Marathon: PHP 750.00 (same as above) / USD 30.00 for foreign entrants

LIMITED SLOTS ONLY.

Registration starts on JANUARY 9 and closes DEFINITELY on MARCH 16.

Race briefing will be held at 3:00 PM on March 31 at the Kayapa Municipal Hall.

Race bibs will be distributed during the briefing or before the race starts.

Registration Venues:

1. A Runner’s Circle-Aloha Hotel, Roxas Blvd., Manila
2. Antel Platinum Tower, 154 Valero Street, Salcedo Village, Makati (24/7 available)
3. Bank Deposit: Constante C Mendoza Jr, BPI S/A 2379 0362 39. Scan and email deposit slip to frontrunnermag@gmail.com for confirmation

THERE WILL BE NO ONSITE REGISTRATION.

NO CASH PRIZES, NO FRILLS, NO LOOT BAGS, NO FREEBIES and ABSOLUTELY NO WHINING. Just lifetime memories, bliss and blisters, and a peaceful, easy feeling. Personal satisfaction guaranteed.

Start/Finish(All events): Kayapa Municipal Hall (1121 Meters Above Sea Level-masl)

Marathon Horn Start: 4:30 AM

Half Marathon Horn Start: 5:00 AM

Marathon Turnaround: Mt. Ugo Summit Marker (2170 masl)

Marathon Cutoff time: 6 hours SUMMIT/12 hours FINISH

Half Marathon Turnaround: Bundao (1835 masl)

Half Marathon Cutoff time: 12 hours FINISH

THE RACE

If you want freedom and love the outdoors, this race is for you. If you want solitude, serenity, peace and quiet, this is it.

Here, you don’t have to worry about toxic car fumes, bully drivers and incessant car horns blowing in your face. There are no man-made obstacles to obstruct your path. Instead, indulge in an all-natural setting which offers fresh, unpolluted air, majestic views of pine tree-filled mountains, vegetable gardens set in terraces, switchbacks, open, single track trails, and rocks, fallen pine trees and slippery trails that will serve as natural obstacles. Cliché as it may sound, you only have the sounds of the wind, your footsteps and breathing, and insects to provide the melody as you go along.

Here, you breathe the natural scent of pine trees and free yourself from the confines of a cramped, artificially pine-scented, air freshener-filled car whose smell seemingly clings eternally to your clothes, and choking smog, you get to relive your lost youth and once again, embrace the wide and open world, and yesteryears you once truly enjoyed.

WHILE WE WILL EXERT EFFORTS TO MAINTAIN THE CLEANLINESS AND PRE-RACE CONDITION OF THE ROUTE, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT EACH PARTICIPANT DO HIS OWN SHARE BY BEING A RESPONSIBLE TRAIL RUNNER. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THE ADAGE, TAKE NOTHING BUT PICTURES AND LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS.

Not only will the organizers and locals truly appreciate your efforts but also Mother Nature herself. Be kind to everyone and everything along the path.

And for a better appreciation of trail running etiquette, you may want to look at this link; http://baldrunner.com/2012/01/18/trail-running-101-part-2-rules-on-the-run/.

And where else can this trailblazing endurance event be appropriately held but in a town aptly named, KAYAPA!

Experience sweet, uncomplicated satisfaction right here. It’s time to feed your senses. RUN FREE.

THE ROUTE

The race takes an out and back route which starts and ends at the Kayapa Municipal Hall (1121 masl). Runners will run along a zigzag concrete two-way road up to the Benguet-Vizcaya provincial boundary marker and into the trailhead in PANGAWAN(1484 masl) some 5 kilometers away.

From PANGAWAN, runners will ascend farther until the first natural spring water station at the “LONE PINE TREE” which is about 6 kilometers from the start. Parts of Baguio may be seen from here.

Natural spring water is our ONLY water supply source(it’s the town’s, too!) so if it is not your thing, make sure to bring your own water or tablet purifier.

PLEASE MIND YOUR TRASH AT ALL TIMES. And to further reduce trash, NO cups of any kind will be available in any of the water stations. All runners are advised to bring their own cups. Garbage bags will also be available in each water station. It won’t take too much of an effort to drop your trashes into it properly, thank you.

Runners then run up farther and pass through a mix of dirt/muddy(if rainy) roads and intermittent stretches of concrete tire paths until they enter the start of the 3-kilometer “MOSSY FOREST”(1595 masl). After a few steps, you will find out why.

Runners will run along single track slippery trails covered with leaves, pine tree needles and cones, and under canopies of trees. Beware of the grounds which barely see sunshine due to the heavy overhead foliage. The ground and rocks are full of moss(hence, the name) which makes them slippery. Also, beware of hanging overgrowth of vines, ferns, bamboos and other forest plants, protruding roots, loose rocks and ravines cleverly covered by thick forest growth. AND MAKE SURE TO CHECK YOUR LEGS FOR BLOOD-SUCKING CREATURES(limatik, small but very terrible). Simply remove them and clean with antiseptic or rub with salt. It sometimes gets messy but no need to worry.

Slower runners are advised to step aside for overtaking runners. And since this is an open, public trail, you will meet a few locals along the route as well. Take time to greet them. ALWAYS make way for runners going up an incline. PRACTICE TRAIL COURTESY. There will be dogs, goats, cows and horses, too. Be careful.

You shall be passing through gates so please close them after going through each time, thank you.

The forest stretch ends where the INDUPIT JUNCTION/ANSIPSIP foot trail is and starts (1866 masl, 11 kilometers). Proceed to the next landmark.

Next landmark is BUNDAO (1835 masl, 12.5 kilometers) which is marked by 2 structures, a shed and house. It is where the half-marathon runners make a turnaround back to the finish via INDUPIT JUNCTION/ANSIPSIP foot trail and TALECABCAB Trail while marathon runners tackle the wide-open trails from this point. BUNDAO is where the second water station will be located. Boiled eggs and chocolate will be available. The open, flat, single track trails stretch farther ahead and the views get only better. It’s pine trees and super nice views galore onwards.

BUNDAO station is your LAST aid station until you reach SADDLE/DOMOLPOS station(~8 kilometers of trails away) so it is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that you fill up your bladders/bottles and eat.

Next landmark will be the ANSIPSIP WAITING SHED/ELEMENTARY SCHOOL marker(1935 masl, 15 kilometers). More mountain side, open, flat, single track trails greet the runner. There will be lots of downhill running and switchbacks here as well, and the summit turnaround will be seen from here for as long as no fog will obstruct the view. As usual, ultra nice trails to die for.

DOMOLPOS Village (1700 masl, 19 kilometers) where locals reside, is the next landmark. From here, runners run up a single track trail until the SADDLE.

SADDLE/DOMOLPOS WAITING SHED JUNCTION(1763 masl, 20.5 kilometers) is where the third aid station is located. At this junction, spring water, peanut butter sandwiches, boiled eggs and chocolates will be served. It is advised that runners refill and eat. A very appropriate message is written on the shed’s wall. Be sure to take time to read it. Can’t miss, the shed is painted in pink.

From the aid station above, runners will proceed for about 3 kilometers towards the LUSOD AREA/BACUYAN JUNCTION(marked/manned, 1770 masl, 23.5 kilometers) via a single track trail. At BACUYAN, runners will get a cord and make a U-TURN towards the MT. UGO SUMMIT MARKER via a 1-kilometer climb.

MT. UGO SUMMIT MARKER(2170 masl, 24.5 kilometers) is where a marshal shall record the names or bib numbers and times of each runner and will hand out another cord. You may want to take your picture at the marker. A 6-hour cutoff time will be imposed here and runners not able to do the first 24.5 kilometers in 6 hours will be considered DID NOT FINISH(DNF). Once declared DNF, runners may still opt to complete the race although their names will no longer be included in the official list of finishers but will still receive their finisher’s shirts and medals.

From the summit, runners will proceed towards the SADDLE/DOMOLPOS WAITING SHED exit via a steep downhill dotted with switchbacks for another 2 kilometers, refill or eat again at the said aid station then proceed to DOMOLPOS Junction (1832 masl, 27.5 kilometers) through a tight, single track trail.

From the DOMOLPOS Junction, runners pass through ANSIPSIP WAITING SHED, BUNDAO AID STATION(last aid station until the finish line)  and INDUPIT JUNCTION/ANSIPSIP foot trail again and from where they will make their finish via the TALECABCAB Trail.

In total, only 5 kilometers or less of concrete, winding roads comprise the marathon and half marathon route and the rest is all dirt roads/trails. There is significant altitude gain and loss as well.

All waiting sheds/junctions/forks will be marked by ribbons or manned by marshals. Whenever you reach a junction/fork, make sure to look for ribbons tied on grass, trees or fences, and proceed from there. If you happen to enter a junction/fork and you do not see a confidence marker after running about 300 meters, return to the area where you last saw a ribbon and locate the area where subsequent ribbons are. NO time credits will be given for any runner lost. It is the personal responsibility of each runner to familiarize himself with the route. BE ATTENTIVE to markers.

Again, to help preserve the area, please DO NOT LITTER. The only “authorized” trashes are horse and cow dung which are abundant along the route so beware. If you need to go, there are lots of grassy areas and tree trunks are wide enough to cover your behind. Beware of staying too close to ravines, though. Dispose off your wet wipes properly.

Strong winds buffet the area from time to time and the weather is unpredictable, so it is wise to bring warm and dry clothing/accessories.

There will be NO drop bag stations. Also, NO vehicles of ANY kind are allowed from the PANGAWAN trail entry point onwards.

For best traction, trail shoes are highly advised.

Cellphone signals exist(Smart and Globe only) but are intermittent. You may contact these numbers for any concerns; 0917 8030664 and 0999 9987654.

Music players are allowed but NOT recommended. Cameras are! The designated cutoff times are such that runners may be afforded the luxury and time to take pictures and savor the moment and surroundings.

NO registration fee refunds will be given for WHATEVER reason.

NO unregistered pacers and NO bandits.

NO cheating, please. I sincerely wish that this will be the last race ever that I will be reminding participants of this matter. After all, we are all decent, mature and responsible individuals, aren’t we? Besides, the route was designed in such a way that any “shortcuts” will only make the route longer.

Any complaint on cheating must be made WITHIN 24 hours after the close of the race and must be made in writing, signed and submitted to the RO/RD for proper action. This must also be accompanied by a visual proof/s of the alleged cheating. Any complaints after the 24-hour period will NOT be entertained.

The Race Organizer and Director reserve the right to modify race rules and cancel the remainder of the race while it is in progress at any time for the benefit, safety and welfare of the participants.

MANDATORY GEAR for all events (to be checked at the check-in)

1. Cellphone (fully charged and with load)
2. Light jacket or arm warmers and head covers
3. Functioning flashlight or headlamps
4. At least 1.5 liter capacity hydration bag or belt bottles(optional:plastic cups)
5. Whistle
6. First aid kit(antiseptic, band aid, cotton, salt, loperamide tablets)
7. Extra food or energy gels
8. Wet wipes

Trekking poles allowed but NOT mandatory.

ROUTE LANDMARKS: Kayapa-Mt Ugo-Kayapa

(Owing to the terrain, distances as just approximations based on GPS measurements)

• Kayapa Municipal Hall (1121 masl) to Pangawan trailhead (1484 masl) ~ 5 kilometers
• AS 1: Lone Pine Tree (1595 masl) ~ 6 kilometers
• Indupit junction/Ansipsip foot trail (1866 masl) ~ 11 kilometers
• AS 2: Bundao (1835 masl) ~ 12.5 kilometers *TURNAROUND 21k (from here, 21k runners will return to Indupit junction/Ansipsip foot trail and proceed the Finish Line via the Talecabcab Trail
• Ansipsip waiting shed (1935 masl) ~ 15 kilometers
• Domolpos Village (1700 masl) ~ 19 kilometers
• Saddle/Domolpos waiting shed (1763 masl) ~ 20.5 kilometers
• Bacuyan junction (1844 masl) ~ 23.5 kilometers*TURNAROUND 42k
• Mt. Ugo Summit marker (2170 masl) ~ 24.5 kilometers
• Saddle/Domolpos waiting shed (1763 masl ~ 26.5 kilometers
• Domolpos junction (1832 masl) ~ 27.5 kilometers
• Ansipsip waiting shed (1935 masl) ~ 30 kilometers
• AS 2: Bundao (1835 masl) ~ 32.5 kilometers
• Indupit junction/Ansipsip foot trail (1866 masl) ~ 34 kilometers (from here, 42k runners will proceed to the Finish Line via the Talecabcab Trail
• Kayapa Municipal Hall (1121 masl) ~ 42 kilometers

THE SUB-4 HOUR CHALLENGE

A special award awaits any runner who will finish the marathon in 3:59:59 hours or better.

KAYAPA

Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya is a small and quaint, peaceful and serene, and vegetable-producing mountain town nestled about 1121 meters above sea level, 80 kilometers away and a comfortable 2-hour drive from Baguio City through the Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road(also known as Ambuklao Road). The town is located at the boundary between Benguet and Nueva Vizcaya and is the gateway to Region 2 if coming from the west. The zigzag road is completely paved and offers spectacular views of Ambuklao and Binga Dams, rivers, lakes, pine tree-clad mountain sides, vegetable garden terraces and very cool and unpolluted weather. In fact, the abundance of pine trees will give you the chance to breathe real pinetree-scented air.

Regular and air-conditioned buses with terminals in Pasay, Cubao, Caloocan and Sampaloc in Metro Manila and bound for Baguio, Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela and Cagayan are available on a 24-hour basis.

From Baguio, you may take the buses and vans that regularly ply the route. Old school buses(Bambang/Belance/Dupax-bound) and vans are either located at the Dangwa Terminal or Slaughter House compound. Bus trips start at 8AM up to 2PM. Vans will only take in Kayapa-bound passengers starting at 2PM onwards and will drop them in Kayapa as the vans are not allowed to drop Kayapa-bound passengers early in the day. Fares vary from 115php to 150php.

Kayapa can also be reached by car via Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya passing through the Maharlika Highway. Aritao is some about 220 kilometers and 6 hours away from Manila through NLEX, SCTEX and Nueva Ecija or Bulacan if exiting at Sta. Rita in NLEX.

From Aritao, Kayapa is an hour or so away and a 29-kilometer zigzag drive up via Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road which connects the 2 provinces. Ample road directions guide the travelers.

Another option is to stop in Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya which is 15 kilometers after Aritao and take the buses or vans bound for Baguio at the bus parking area near a gasoline station along Maharlika Highway. From Bambang, Kayapa is an hour or so away.

There are only 2 bed and breakfast type lodgings(Tessie’s and Boulevard) in Kayapa which offer only basic necessities. Rates start at 200php per bed and cooked meals of your choice may be arranged with the landlord. You may want to reserve early as there are only limited bed spaces. Room-sharing is the norm. Both are walking distances to the starting line.

Or you may want to camp out for free at the Parish Church area where you can also park your vehicles some 400 meters away from the start.

Food is not a problem as there are a number of small eateries at the town center. There are also a number of stores from where you can buy bottled water, snacks and other food, and other personal necessities. Practically everything you will need is within walking distance.

And before you head for home, be sure to buy fresh produce at giveaway farm prices and local products at the market.

There are NO water refilling stations, cable television and internet connections in Kayapa. An FM radio signal from Baguio exists.

Again, please respect the environment, locals, rules and guidelines at all times, thank you.

I am hoping that some runners will find Kayapa to their liking, enough to make it their kind of refuge and Eden. Perhaps, not a few will be coming back for a private visit.

Kayapa is perfectly isolated somewhat but in a nice way.

Kayapa is my kind of town. Make it yours, too.

P.S.

And with all due respect, the Race Organizer’s and Director’s word is final. PERIOD.

CENTURY PROPERTIES ULTRAMARATHON 2011-VISAYAS

ACTUAL DISTANCE:104.5 Kilometers*CUT OFF TIME: 18:30:00 Hours

Bogo City-Cebu City

12:01 AM-6:31 PM, 19NOV2011

LIST OF OFFICIAL FINISHERS

• Race will start 12:01 AM, November 19, 2011 in front of the OLD Bogo City Hall
• Finish Line will be located at the Fort San Pedro/Plaza Independencia area in Cebu City
• There will be a cut off time of 9:00:00 hours at the 50-kilometer mark. Runners who will not make it to the cutoff time at this point will be considered DNF and will NO longer be allowed to continue
• There will be water/food stations every 10 kilometers or so. Water, fruits or sandwiches, and sports drinks will be served
• ALL runners must submit a medical certificate(duly signed by a medical doctor) attesting to runner’s physical and mental fitness to do the said event. This must be submitted during the briefing
• Support crew and vehicle is optional. However, support crew and vehicle sharing is allowed
• Handheld flashlights or headlamps are REQUIRED for runners to use from 12:01AM until daybreak. These items must be presented upon check-in at the starting line. Runners must individually have this on hand otherwise, they will not be allowed to start until they produce the same
• This is a go even if it rains or rains harder
• There will be a briefing and carbo-loading ONLY for registered runners on november 17, 6:00PM at a venue to be announced later.Runners may claim their race packets at the said event.Runners who are not able to do so may claim their race packets during race day
• Runners,especially those without support crews, are advised to bring cash with them. there are many stores along the route where you can buy food and drinks just in case you will feel the need for them before you reach the designated water stations located every 10k or so
• “Open roads” race, no frills, NO road closures, NO or minimal traffic marshals
•  NO unregistered pacers allowed, any support vehicle allowed, cheering squad allowed
• All runners are advised to run against traffic at all times in the absence of traffic marshals
• Support vehicles shall not tail, shadow nor drive side by side with the supported runner. All support vehicles shall leapfrog the runner by at least 500 meters or more
• Tarps with corresponding bib numbers shall be posted at the side and back of each support vehicle
• Runners BEWARE, be CAREFUL and be ALERT AT ALL TIMES
• STOP, LOOK and LISTEN BEFORE crossing the roads and intersections
• In the absence of traffic marshals, it is the personal responsibility of each runner and support crew to  acquaint themselves with the race route. No time credits shall be given for runners getting lost
• The race officially ends after 18:00:00 running hours as per official timing watch after which all aid stations and its personnel and all race officials shall pack up. There will be no extensions whatsoever for any reason. Runners who finish beyond 18 hours are however entitled to a finisher’s medal and shirt but whose name will no longer be included in the official finisher’s list
• PLEASE RESPECT THE RULES and RESPECT YOUR FELLOW PARTICIPANTS
• NO CHEATING. All participants are of age, sane and sound minds and responsible enough to understand this and everything written
• Absolutely NO bandits allowed
• For any concerns during the race, please contact the following numbers; 0917 803 0664/ 0922 822 9342/0999 998 7654
• For those who may want to join the 2012 SOUTHERN SWING 160k, this is a qualifying race.
•  Savor the experience and Good luck!
• The Race Organizer has the last say on any matter pertaining to this event, PERIOD.

OFFICIAL Race Route

• STARTING LINE is at the OLD CITY HALL, Bogo City, Cebu
• Runners will then proceed to Cebu City via the MASLOG PROVINCIAL ROAD (SCENIC ROUTE) and pass through the towns of  TABOGON, BORBON, SOGOD, CATMON ,CARMEN, DANAO CITY, COMPOSTELA and LILOAN
• Upon reaching LILOAN TOWN and the SAN FERNANDO REY PARISH CHURCH junction(~80 kilometers), runners must proceed towards the CANSAGA BRIDGE/PLARIDEL STREET/MANDAUE CITY  area
• After which they shall cross U.N. AVENUE and proceed farther along PLARIDEL STREET until they cross A.C. CORTES AVENUE and hit JOSE L. BRIONES
• Runners must turn right after hitting the Mandaue City Hospital and Bureau of Immigration area(A. SORIANO AVENUE)
• Runners must take a left at OUANO AVENUE all the way to SERGIO OSMEÑA  BOULEVARD(NORTH RECLAMATION AREA) until they reach the FINISH LINE at PLAZA INDEPENDENCIA/ FORT SAN PEDRO area

PLEASE CHECK THE GOOGLE MAPS PAGE FOR FURTHER REFERENCE*

1. Joel Bengtay 4:56:50
2. Marcelo Bautista 5:29:34
3. James Telias 5:54:58
4. Mark Villafuerte 5:58:48
5. Benedict Balaba 5:59:51
6. Jess Magat 6:17:52
7. Alfred de los Reyes 6:22:14
8. Jonathan Navalta 6:23:48
9. Jonnifer Lacanlale 6:32:14
10. Keshia Fule (F) 7:02:57
11. Ronald Donaal 7:09:09
12. Jojo dela Cruz 7:16:05
13. Darryl Panado 7:16:25
14. Jose Wacangan 7:18:29
15. Vladimir Raguindin 7:28:52
16. Chips Dayrit 7:39:14
17. Rayman de los Angeles 7:39:15
18. Shule Ozo 7:41:17
19. Ryan Jucutan 7:41:46
20. Ronnel Go 7:43:35
21. Stephen Felices 7:44:57
22. Michael Angelo Fabian 7:46:31
23. Ben Silva 7:46:32
24. Jude Palispis 7:47:30
25. Reylynne dela Paz (F) 7:50:38
26. Carl Balagot 7:57:10
27. Meljohn Tezon 7:57:48
28. Jun Kagaoan 7:58:04
29. Earl Navor 7:58:06
30. Benigno Aliping 8:07:59
31. Raffy Gabotero 8:11:21
32. Lester Chuayap 8:14:44
33. Joseph Calulut 8:23:45
34. Edwin Cabusi, Sr. 8:37:56
35. Gessan Enriquez (F) 8:38:08
36. Alexis Dolor 8:38:32
37. Rey Jimenez 8:39:15
38. Vans Cammanong 8:46:19
39. Bong Alindada 9:11:14
40. Kharl Ocampo 9:11:46
41. Randy Racho 9:11:58
42. Sherwin Botabora 9:12:08
43. Arman Garcia 9:22:43
44. Jinky Yray (F) 9:35:45
45. Ronald Sulapas 9:44:40
46. Alain Llaguno 9:44:47
47. Jorge Guerrero 10:07:07
48. Ace York Guerrero 10:07:08
49. Carmeli Anne Ortega (F) 10:10:36
50. Jake Pescador 10:10:50
51. Jhessrael Saluta 10:28:49
52. Rey Batino 10:35:32
53. Nap Ocampo 10:40:23
54. Arianne Ortega (F) 10:42:07
55. Aldouza Aguirre 10:43:02
56. Jing Guerrero(F) 10:44:05
57. Jeje Ajusto 10:46:14
58. Joel Balagtas 10:49:50
59. Ruther Angeles 10:57:52
60. Brian Tan Seng 11:21:03

i am writing you in your capacities as race organizer, race director and technical director of the 2011 manila international marathon respectively and as an actual participant of the 2011 mim.

let me thank you at the outset for giving me the opportunity to run this race, much revered in the past and certainly not lacking in the pre-race hype(http://manilainternationalmarathon.com/index.html). i was excited no end to finally becoming a part of this supposedly prestigious race.

i understand the postponements you did especially during that non-typhoon if only for the sake of your participants. but i think it was too much to match up against the well-marketed camsur marathon by pitting mim on the very same date the other marathon was to be held.

mim’s route for sure had way better views(think running along the bay) and pre and post-race facilities to offer than that of camsur but as i said, mim is no match to the marketing skills of governor lray, who incidentally, i do not personally know.

come and past race day though, i could not help but share you my sentiments in the hope that should you decide to hold the 2012 mim, things will be better for your own sake.

1. inadequate dissemination of the 330am gunstart. if i were not blessed with good friends who had the smarts to tell me, i would have stuck with the 430am guntime as underlined even in the race envelope you handed out. the eventual kenyan winner(female) was late but the speedy one that she is, she still ended up first on the distaff side. many locals and friends too were late.
2. the eerie silence somewhat at around 3am at the event site was a portent of things to come. i could hardly hear any updates or drumbeaters from the organizers’ end. busily chatting at the rear of the pack, all i heard was a faint air horn to signal the start.guys, it wouldn’t take too much to invest in a good sound system, the kind that gets heard by all. how about a countdown next time? no need for fireworks.pollutants.
3. inadequate water supply. guess, this would have been avoided if your marshals stuck to giving water only to legitimate participants and not to the usual roxas blvd crowd who  kept asking the marshals for drinks.it would not have been difficult to identify the legits. bibs, you know. good thing that at the 2nd to the last water station, the water boys had the heart to tell me that there were no more supplies ahead and that i had to bring my own water bottle. bless you, boys. guys, the least you could provide runners is enough water.
4. road closure and opening. during the first loop as i descended buendia flyover coming from ccp, i noticed the usual buses flying and jeeps honking on the race route SIDE. having been used to running “open roads” races, i did not mind this but was careful enough to stay on the safe side. on my way back, that portion was mercifully closed for runners’ exclusive use and just to make sure, i asked the traffic enforcers up to what time their task for us was. it was either 9 or 930am, they said. i was relieved but my joy was short lived. during my 2nd loop on the way back to the finish line this time, lo and behold, in front of me in the middle of roxas were the flying buses once again. i looked at my watch and it read 8am, barely 4 hours and 30 minutes into the race. who let the dogs in earlier than expected, i do not know.so, together with the other runners, i stayed on the far side of the road. we were no road kings once again and fair game for the reckless. had you informed us early on, we would not have minded playing along.
5. race timer shutdown at 04:55:00. i was surprised to see no timers on as i approached the finish line. just to tell you also that at gunstart, no time was running. nobody bothered to get my barcode at the end and i do not know how my time was captured,if at all. i was at the finish at 05:01:34 by my own watch. the least you could have done was to wait it out until your announced cutoff before you started dismantling the stuff.wasn’t it a SIX HOUR CUT OFF you said?
6. lacking by more than 1 kilometer. i made sure, i asked all those who had gps watches that day, it is confirmed, this is NOT a marathon. i am sorry for all those who thought they nailed new marathon prs. new prs yes but in a 41k race that the mim was. i ran slowly all the way to the us embassy and back to fill in the gap.if any, this is my pet peeve, “short” races. mr. unso, i revered you as a national athlete in your prime hurdler days but i think this falls squarely into your lap, sinukat mo nguni’t kulang.
7. lack of medals. we were so few i swear, i could count by my fingers how many runners were in the race and yet this, lack of medals.none even for some who finished WITHIN six hours.
8. a little lighting would have helped all the runners find their way along the sentosa condominiums area.if not for an unrelated warehouse light somewhat providing guidance, many would have stumbled. imagine running in the darkness of it all amidst talahibs. all i heard was a repetitive alien-like voice blurting something about doing a turnaround somewhere. i could hear but not see. be kind to men with failing eyesights.

and if i may ask,what was the hurry anyway in packing up the timers and opening the roads while runners were still along the course running well within the cutoff?

lack of preparation can’t be an excuse given the time you had to prepare for this much-ballyhooed event.

but i believe in second chances though and given the opportunity to run this with you at the helm again, i will gladly choose this over the camsur marathon anytime should you choose the same date again. sure, you got walloped big time by that other marathon attendance-wise but take consolation in the fact that nothing beats running along manila bay on a good sunday morning.

as for the first-timers, do not be carried away by your first frustrating foray into the world of marathons, this even if you got hit by stray cyclists along the route and suffered nasty looking bruises as a result, all under desert-like conditions. learn your painful lessons well.

i sincerely wish you nothing but the best, red, dino and rene. just don’t forget that international means international standards no less.

one with you in running,

jonel c mendoza(happy to be alive after 41k plus 1)

2011 mim participant

p.s. do not allow promo people to sell drinks to runners DURING a race. runners expect drinks to be free in such an activity.

1.       189                  Noel Tillor                               4:49:13
2.       054                  Renz Gabuya                          5:05:00
3.       061                  Kenji Yoshioka                       5:32:20
4.       072                  Joel Garganera                        5:35:07
5.       029                  Florante Ormeniza                  5:35:54
6. F    022                  Melinda Ponce                        5:39:25
7. F    141                  Lana Jacel Mercado                5:43:31
8. F    146                  Reylynne dela Paz                  5:45:31
9.       112                  Napoleon dela Torre               5:46:45
10.       007                  Rodney Cabahug                    5:49:39
11. F    066                  Keshia Fule                             5:51:38
12.       021                  Ian Marc Martin                      5:57:32
13. F    003                  Jane Jane Ong                         5:58:15
14.       184                  Ricardo Lacro                         5:59:15
15.       051                  Simon Flores                           6:00:20
16.       153                  Steve Hermosa                        6:01:24
17. F    011                  Michelle Estuar                       6:03:19
18.       081                  Edgar Fuentes                         6:11:39
19.       197                  Rosalito Albina                       6:13:32
20.       036                  Andrew Alberto                      6:14:02
21.       037                  Jacil Labajo                             6:14:13
22.       093                  Virgilio Remo, Jr.                    6:15:27
23.       056                  James Rodriguez                     6:18:47
24.       104                  Johnrell Golis                          6:19:33
25.       008                  Leopoldo Arias, Jr.                 6:20:08
26.       117                  Abraham Manlawe                  6:20:17
27.       043                  Reno Enopia                           6:23:00
28.       170                  Rommel Carbon                      6:25:01
29.       039                  Randy Laroa                           6:25:28
30.       067                  Jofre Nastor                            6:25:37
31.       013                  Paul Gambong                                    6:25:47
32.       133                  Cilu Joel Ouano                      6:26:25
33.       169                  Fernando Dellomos Jr.            6:26:56
34.       105                  Micael Golis                            6:29:35
35.       079                  Arnold Palma                          6:29:36
36.       125                  Joie Nunez                              6:32:25
37.       151                  Merlin Legaspi                        6:32:38
38.       020                  Carmelo Ouano                       6:33:30
39.       060                  Jeorly Banogon                       6:34:04
40.       128                  Ruel Cola                                6:41:10
41.       046                  Donato Sabino                                    6:41:42
42.       047                  Alexis Sulatre                          6:41:43
43.       113                  Artoro Enriquez                      6:41:58
44.       019                  Francis Razon                         6:42:35
45.       129                  Joselito Narciso                       6:42:43
46.       132                  Steve dela Serna                     6:42:58
47.       071                  Danny Dumandan                   6:43:41
48.       135                  Roy Salingay                           6:45:34
49.       016                  Tommy Tan                             6:46:15
50.       073                  Ernie Saavedra                        6:49:52
51.       165                  Jerome Aragones                     6:51:35
52.       080                  Larry Aying                            6:52:10
53.       190                  John Michael dela Pena          6:52:53
54.       157                  Erwin Buling                           6:53:07
55.       053                  Neil Anthony Nacario             6:55:50
56.       083                  Jerome Amores                       6:57:25
57.       082                  John Mantos                            6:57:26
58.       119                  Anastacio Cavan                     6:57:27
59.       187                  Martin Go                               6:57:51
60.       116                  Davenyl Galo                          7:00:41
61.       001                  Gabby Lariosa                         7:02:00
62.       130                  Jeffrey Olita                            7:02:47
63.       062                  Prudencio Bulawan III           7:03:08
64.       196                  Martin Daiz, Jr.                       7:03:38
65.       107                  Alex Arong                             7:04:34
66. F    163                  Ria Go Tian                             7:07:48
67. F    142                  Berns Tan                                7:07:49
68. F    148                  Candy Lee                              7:07:50
69.       168                  Francis Velasquez                   7:09:13
70.       183                  Lester Chuayap                       7:09:23
71.       126                  Michael Ombos                       7:09:54
72.       102                  Rico Dale Petallar                   7:09:56
73.       185                  Brandon Bon                          7:10:12
74. F    111                  Rhea Papas                              7:12:01
75.       042                  Alberto Castro                                    7:13:44
76. F    052                  Susan Militante                       7:15:03
77.       160                  Mel Severino                           7:15:49
78.       091                  January Sarmiento                   7:18:12
79.       049                  Raul Orcullo                            7:19:05
80. F    144                  Sheila Compendio                   7:19:12
81.       161                  Chito Carreon                         7:19:31
82.       106                  June Marc Ocana                    7:22:47
83.       012                  Theodore Zamora                    7:23:26
84.       110                  Jay Cantuja                             7:23:55
85.       174                  Kharl Ocampo                         7:25:20
86.       195                  Cesar Telen                             7:25:29
87.       152                  Jopet de Guzman                    7:25:41
88.       027                  Julius Marco Albeza                7:26:30
89.       070                  Archie Cortes                          7:28:52
90. F    002                  Haide Acuna                           7:29:11
91. F    048                  Aeda Mae Siao                       7:29:26
92.       045                  Dindo Santos                          7:29:37
93.       088                  Ivan Camasura                        7:30:00
94.       014                  Alexey Villagorda                   7:30:02
95.       097                  Alexandra Acuna                    7:30:04
96.     F  145                  Elma Gabriana                        7:33:03
97.       032                  Neil Cainter                             7:35:21
98.       033                  Rodel Gozo                             7:35:22
99.       040                  Floydie Lobo                          7:35:23
100. 114                  Alexis Cortes                          7:38:30
101. F 171                  Irene Ong                                7:41:11
102.    194                  Reynaldo Unabia                    7:43:20
103. 123                  Florentino Casas                     7:43:51
104. F 044                  Lyra Valles                              7:44:09
105. 150                  Jesse Chan                               7:44:10
106. F 004                  Veronica Ong                          7:46:38
107.    005                  Andrew Ong                           7:46:39
108.    074                  Sherwin Cortes                       7:48:40
109.    092                  Edgardo Sanchez                    7:49:33
110.    069                  Alvin Torion                            7:50:37
111.    076                  Ronald Rubic                          7:51:26
112.  F  077                  Casilda Rubic                          7:51:27
113.    162                  Emer Go Tian                          7:52:55
114.    017                  Edgardo Ypil, Jr.                    7:55:44
115.    078                  Peter Pacana                            7:56:35
116. F 166                  Mary Jane Villamor                 7:56:43
117.    095                  Monseur Carreon                    7:57:58
118.    089                  Eliel Sante                               7:58:01
119.    094                  Hector Lawas                          7:58:23
120.    038                  Gerald Anthony Laput                        8:00:50
121.  F  149                  Charit Agana                           8:01:22
122.    035                  Gilbert Gonzales                     8:01:59
123.    181                  Earl Alas                                 8:02:09
124.    155                  Henry Garcia, Jr.                    8:03:32
125.    124                  Roll Villagonzalo                    8:03:35
126.    041                  Marvin Pangan                        8:03:53
127.   F  164                Anson Go Tian                        8:06:26
128.    134                  Timogene Ocampo                   8:11:10
129.    087                  Tonypet Juanico                      8:12:48
130.    173                  Nap Ocampo, Jr.                     8:13:03
131.    103                  Richard Yanez                                    8:14:06
132. F 147                  Chinky Tan                             8:16:23
133.    127                  Leo Maquiling                           8:17:21
134.    172                  Art Virata                                8:17:23
135.    137                  Romil Garces                          8:18:51
136.    138                  Francis Rosos                          8:18:53
137.    136                  Bonifacio Pusta, Jr.                 8:19:01
138. F   200                  Jinky Yray                               8:19:34
139.    096                  Jonah Rivera                           8:19:35
140.    193                  Prince Baltazar                        8:22:35
141.    100                  Kit Quiseo                               8:24:12
142.    F 120                  Nina Marino                            8:24:29
143.    158                  Junn Besana                            8:24:51
144. F 024                  Linaflor Chan                          8:26:42
145.    025                  Victor Chan                            8:26:43
146.    108                  Jerry Maque                            8:28:57
147.    109                  Alden Solomon                       8:28:58
148.    199                  Jorge Guerrero                        8:30:04
149.    064                  Eric Flores                               8:30:18
150.    101                  Cadjing Pelicano                     8:30:28
151.    031                  Alex Junia                               8:30:30
152. F 075                  Pamela Apuhin                        8:30:59
153. F 180                  Twinkle Ignacio                      8:31:00
154.    099                  John Paul Villanueva              8:31:18
155.    063                  Carlos Dino, Jr.                       8:32:55
156.    122                  Gregory Camacho                   8:33:15
157.    085                  Nikko Canete                          8:35:03
158. F 154                  Cecille Garcia                          8:36:28
159.    098                  Loven Macario                        8:36:36
160.    182                  Ray Abenojar                          8:36:42
161.    156                  Danilo Coronado                    8:38:10
162.    118                  Arnold Lorenzo                      8:40:39
163.    131                  Jose Santiago                          8:40:50
164.    176                  Glenn Tibus                             8:41:12
165.    023                  Joselito Tajanlangit II             8:42:12
166.    139                  Edwin Colina                          8:43:30
167.  F  058                  Cookie Wenceslao                  8:45:00
168.    068                  Jael Wenceslao                        8:45:01
169.    086                  Eric Dimla                               8:52:55
170.    167                  Allen Go                                 8:55:24
171.    186                  Francis Cabanban                    8:57:28

things began to unravel at around 6am, february 27 somewhere between bamban and capas , tarlac along macarthur highway. at this point, i was walking for the past 7 hours from km 102 alternately with charlie chua and camilla brooks, my pacers. nicko nolasco, a 2-time bdm 102 finisher was also part of my support team headed by my wife.

after taking a short, uneventful stop at a roadside eatery’s comfort room, i came out and noticed my tummy bulging like i have never seen before. it was well-rounded. this as i kept looking at my hands for any signs of swelling.it was, kinda.i felt strangely weak than refreshed after the break.at the walking pace i was doing, i felt the battle to finish 160 slowly slipping away with about 30k to go and barely 5 hours to boot. to make matters worse, the blisters on my left foot was becoming unbearable that when doc art virata(thank you)  overtook me, i did not hesitate when he offered his crew to rid me of my blisters. there i sat and forced myself to take a quick nap while the crew worked on my  foot.

it was done and ever so slowly, i resumed my walk.

capas town proper loomed and there were the golden arches at the junction. 3 hours to 160. after pointing to my crew to grab some breakfast, i took a seat(i even barely remember this) and rested by the roadside. sun was slowly heating up. i crossed macarthur highway with camilla on my way to o’donnel but i was getting weaker every step. i remember that i kept raising my hands to look at them but i couldn’t make a thing out of it. camilla was gently stroking my back, urging me on. she said that once in a while i would laugh at her jokes but that was all i could muster. i was a man of few words,very few, alright one word, for a change.i remember haide acuna running past me after calling me out. she was the last runner who overtook me.

the majority of finishers started overtaking me in angeles city but not after jael and cookie wenceslao went past me galloping mightily between san fernando and angeles earlier in the morning. did i envy those strides, man. from then on, km 102 onwards, one by one,  fellow competitors overtook me. i wanted to keep up but something was pulling me down.it was all downhill from here.

in the last half kilometer of my race, i stopped a total of three times. i do not recall the 1st two stops but i certainly remember the last one. with my shoulders down and with my wife, charlie, nicko and jujet de asis around me and urging me to give up, i faintly said yes. all i could say was “antok” when they asked me how i felt.my wife earlier noticed how my legs appeared to be so bloated, my lips so red and hands so swollen.that was when she started to make a judgment call.now i know what it means when they say, the wife knows best.

to the credit of all my support crew, no one ever told me to stop. it was only during the last sit that we all threw the towel in. had i pursued on, i would have been good at best for a mere 10 meters more and fell dead.

much of what happened next, i gathered after i asked everyone who was with me from the start. i cannot recall much on my own.

next thing i knew, i was seated in my vehicle and asking why i had to be brought to the hospital.in my mind, all i was craving for was a bed to sleep on. i continued muttering senseless words then it was the sight of a stretcher and wheelchair that greeted me. by this time my sister in law who is a doctor was on her way from baguio to attend to me.my vital signs were taken and i was asked some questions which i could only answer with a smile but still correctly. i knew the doctors were trying to test my level of awareness or something like that.i had an ecg test but i kept removing the wires attached to me, not intentionally of course. why, i even got up, nearly took a leak at a plant box inside the er and proceeded to the bathroom even if it had occupants inside. i was losing it.

the lack of facilities prompted my wife to look for another medical facility and concepcion, tarlac was it. this episode, the 2nd hospital stop, i barely remember. all i recall is that why was it taking so long for me to get home and the questions from doctors never seemed to end. inside the ambulance, my face was having involuntary contortions and  both feet and hands started to have minds of their own. my eyes were wide open but i felt i was sleeping. for the next 2 hours, i was unresponsive to anyone. not even to my crew who visited me. in one rare instance i was aware, i could not even recall nicko’s name while he was infront of me.

next thing i knew i was in another ambulance on the way to mt carmel hospital in san fernando,pampanga. my sister in law saw it fit and better for me to be transferred. they wanted a ct scan on me as ecg tests showed i was having transient ischemic attack or on the verge of a stroke.my brain and heart were lacking oxygen at some point. my blood became so thick, my heart was working double time to pump blood.

i finally settled in my hospital bed at around 430pm but not after what appeared to be a series of tests on me, ct scan, blood tests, ecg, etc. it was my first time to have oxygen tubes attached to my nostrils and i had iv fluids on my arm too.

the first flow of visitors, my kids,relatives, nieces and nephews started streaming in but i was too tired to talk. i could make out who was who but after about 30 minutes,  i was finally sleeping soundly. that meant being awake for 37 1/2 straight hours since 3am of saturday.

i woke up closed to midnight and asked for my cellphone and saw all the messages from sir jovie, my friends and relatives. i answered back later in the morning. i struggled to get to my feet with all the wires and took a shower. funny, but i felt no pain in my legs and muscles. guess, my training was alright. so i had to find answers for my ordeal.

came the doctor and she updated us of what happened. i had electrolyte imbalance. i was cleared to check out only to find out around noontime that a radiologist suspected a hemorrhage in my ct scan result. so a medical conference among neurologists and my doctor was called. they ruled out the initial findings but recommended a second opinion in manila. all cleared to go home.

i was still feeling weak that night on the drive back home and never felt so sleepy,drained and tired.

the next 2 or 3 mornings was an ordeal. it would take me a few seconds to gather my thoughts before i could answer a simple question or two. but at least, all my answers were correct. and i made sure i was texting back all my well-wishers to keep my brain alive and kicking. the matter of brain damage lingered on so we went to a neurologist who thought i was good based on the ct scan result after all.

i started to go back and retrace my nutrition plan and soon found out the culprit. too much sodium/electrolyte intake  which resulted in a condition called hypernatremia. what happened was that i kept taking sodium/electrolyte supplements in the same dosage starting at 6pm saturday at 2 capsules per hour just like what i was doing from 5am onwards. and yet from 6pm onwards(80 kilometers or so), i wasn’t sweating that much, weather was cooler and my pace was much slower. in fact, i was walking from km 102 onwards.so the level of my physical exertion and sweat excretion was much lower than during the daytime.

the difficult thing about my condition is that i had an excess of sodium and water and it had to be flushed out yet doing and balancing my readings were to be a chore just the same. hyponatremia or the opposite is somewhat less complicated as this condition calls for one to have fluids injected as opposed to my condition.

while i was able to still regularly urinate from 102 to around 135 every 20 minutes, i did not pee for about 2 hours after until i was given diuretics in the hospital which had me unload liters at a time. i understand this was to flushed out the excess sodium that by then accumulated in my body and started retaining all the water i was drinking. my lower legs had red patches which indicated massing of water in those areas wanting for exit points and that water was looking for spaces between my cells which made me bloated all the more. as my doctor put it, it was as if i was drowning in salt water.

as i start to realize the folly of it all, i should have reduce my sodium/electrolyte intake by the time the sun set in and started to slow down. my walking from 102 onwards was pretty “normal” activity that did not require special doses of sodium/electrolyte supplements from that point on.

still and all, remember that each runner is unique and truly an experiment of one. another mortal sin i did was to try something new on race day. i did a new brand of supplements so there you go.listen to your body.

it did not disappoint me that i did not finish however close i was to the finish. perhaps, it’s because of the reality that dnf’s are part of a runner’s experience and i am but human after all. but i feel sorry for all my crew’s efforts because these went for naught. i am sorry , i put you down guys.what scares me is the fact that i have come so close to meeting my Maker if not for the timely judgments of my wife. i will never be able to thank  my wife and crew enough but i want you to know that i owe you my life.

truly, a crew is as much part of a runner’s success in a race of this distance.

throughout my ordeal, my being relatively fit as a runner helped me pull through. if only for this reason, i shall never cease to become one. running rocks! but i am not itching to get a 100-miler under my belt soon, not even a 5k run.i am just happy to be alive.

it is very heartwarming to see many friends sending their well-wishes. so once again, let me take this opportunity to thank all of you out there who took time out from your own pains just to send me a get well yell. from the bottom of my heart and soles, thank you very much. God bless you all.

i will unabashedly admit to you that i cried on two instances; i first did on tuesday morning when a steady stream of messages from friends were coming in and i was just so touched. and yesterday, monday, march 7, when the ungo group of cebu sent me a personalized get-well card signed by the members.

i am truly blessed with good friends.and as i said, God is ultra good.

eighteen kilometers in two hours on any given day is, modesty aside, peanuts. but not on february 27, 2011. sometimes you win, sometimes(and rarely, i hope), you lose.

majority of the things that transpired from kilometer 142 onwards,  i do not remember but with utmost certainty, i will not forget the hard lessons learned.