2^nd LABOR DAY COAST TO COAST 65K ULTRAMARATHON

Categories: Solo / Relay (2-man team, same or mixed gender, 32.5 kilometers each)

Cutoff Time: Twelve Hours (12:00:00)

Start: Provincial Capitol, Cebu City

Finish: Old Municipal Hall, Toledo City

Route: From the PROVINCIAL CAPITOL, turn left towards N. Escario then turn left at Gorordo Avenue all the way towards JY Square Mall. Turn left at the junction/stoplight and proceed to Cebu Veterans Drive which becomes Cebu Transcentral Highway. Upon reaching the Toledo-Tabuelan-San Remigio Road, turn left towards Toledo City and the finish line at the OLD MUNICIPAL HALL.

Registration fees:

• Solo: 950php – inclusive of  3” finisher’s medal and dri-fit shirt and post-race meal and drinks
• Relay: 550php per runner – inclusive of  2” finisher’s medal and dri-fit shirt and post-race meal and drinks

Registration starts on February 13, 2012 and ends on April 15, 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
• Runnr Ayala-Ayala Mall, Cebu City
• 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

Complete official results and race pictures to be exclusively published in frontRUNNER Magazine (June 2012)

RACE Guidelines

1. ABSOLUTELY NO WHINING ALLOWED. JUST RUN AND ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE!
2. Solo runners must be 18 years old and have at least done one 21k road race to be allowed to join.
3. There will be two aid stations to be located at KM 32.5 and 65. Water, bananas, electrolyte drinks, and salted crackers will be available at Km 32.5. Post-race meal and drinks will be served at KM 65.
4. Relay runners will swap places at the KM 32.5 point. 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 and optional.
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 at all times. 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. ALL runners are required to run on the lane FACING traffic at ALL times. This is to avoid accidents. Violation of such is outright disqualification. NO warnings shall be given. Runners who have support crews must have their crews cross the road to give supplies to the supported runner. If support car driver/owner chooses to park facing the traffic, it shall be at the driver/owner’s risk and blinkers shall be put on.
9. No riding and shortcuts allowed. This means cheating and permanent ban from joining subsequent races of frontRUNNER and PAU events nationwide.
10. NO unregistered pacers allowed.
11. Runners are responsible for the safety of their support crew at ALL times.
12. For any medical emergency or should you decide not to finish (DNF), please contact the following numbers; 0917 8030664, 0999 9987654, 0922 8229342.
13. 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.
14. The Race Organizer and Director reserve the right to modify race rules at any time for the benefit and welfare of the participants.
15. With all due respect, the Race Organizer’s and Director’s word is final. PERIOD.

Rock and Road 3

King Of The Mountain

Four Lakes 100k and Old Spanish Trail 60k Trail Ultramarathon

May 26, 4:00 AM- May 27, 2012, 8:00 AM

Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya – Tinongdan, Itogan, 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:

100k: PHP 2500.00 (inclusive of trail fees, post-race meal, shirt and medal) / USD 80.00 for foreign entrants

60k: PHP 1500.00 (same as above) / USD 60.00 for foreign entrants

Results and event pictures to be published in frontRUNNER Magazine

LIMITED SLOTS ONLY.

Registration starts on JANUARY 31 and closes DEFINITELY on MAY 7, 2012.

Race briefing will be held at 3:00 PM on May 25, 2012 at the Kayapa Municipal Hall.

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

Drop bags must be properly marked with name, bib number and event and will be collected during the briefing ONLY. They must be properly secured. Breakages will not be the responsibility of the organizer.

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)

100k / 60k Horn Start: 4:00 AM, May 26, 2012

100k Cutoff time: 8:00 AM, May 27, 2012 (25 hours)/56k (13 hours)

60k Cutoff time: 7:00 PM, May 26, 2012 (15 hours)

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 starts and ends at the Kayapa Municipal Hall (1121 masl).

For the 100k event, there will be four summits and four lakes to conquer. There will be an outer loop of about 86 kilometers and a smaller loop of about 14 kilometers. The 60k event passes through the picturesque Old Spanish Trail and is contained in one loop.

Runners start by running along a zigzag concrete two-way road up to the Benguet-Vizcaya provincial boundary marker and into the trail head in PANGAWAN(1484 masl) some 5 kilometers away.

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.

BUNDAO is where the FIRST water station will be located. Boiled eggs and sweet potatoes 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 SECOND aid station is located. At this junction, spring water, peanut butter sandwiches, boiled eggs and sweet potatoes 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 their first 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 a second cord. You may want to take your picture at the marker. This is the FIRST SUMMIT.

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.

After passing by the SADDLE/DOMOLPOS WAITING SHED again,  all runners will take to the picturesque OLD SPANISH TRAIL, a 10-kilometer long trail (mostly downhill) that will lead them to the next aid station/drop bag station 1 located at the KAYAPA PROPER Market Building.

There are a number of hanging bridges along the way. Take the necessary precautions when crossing one.

From this point, runners will cross rice paddies and a hanging bridge and pass by CABALATAN on their way to Barangay AMELONG LABENG where its Barangay Hall(a third cord will be given to runners) will serve as the next water/food station. Sweet potatoes (The sweetest!) will be served. You will be passing through a cellular site tower which is the SECOND SUMMIT.

Runners will then exit at the Nueva Vizcaya-Benguet Road and proceed uphill on a concrete road to the entrance of CASTILLO VILLAGE which is marked by a huge welcome sign and a waiting shed. Drop bag station 2 will be here and a water/food station is available.

From here, 60k runners will proceed to the finish line via NV-Benguet Road, a downhill, zigzag 4-kilometer concrete road.

This is also the Cutoff Point for the 100k runners. A cutoff time of THIRTEEN HOURS (13:00:00) will be implemented here where runners not able to meet the said time will be considered DNF (did not finished). A vehicle will be provided to ferry runners to the finish line.

From the village trail head, qualified runners will trek up for about two kilometers to BUACA LAKE (Lake 1) and a few hundred meters away will be the second lake (if not dry). This is your THIRD SUMMIT.

On the way to DAYAP, there will be another water source at the house of spouses ENWAY and PASIONA TOMAS, a kilometer away from BUACA LAKE.

From the house, runners will proceed to DAYAP PRIMARY SCHOOL. It is mostly uphill after you reach a garden/farm along the way at a “saddle” area.

100k runners will turn RIGHT towards the twin NAYAO LAKES (Lakes 3 and 4) and the trail that leads farther up MATULIS PEAK/AMBASA/BANNAO (FOURTH SUMMIT, a fourth cord will be given to runners) where along the way, there will be another food/water station in the vicinity of the Dayap Barangay Captain’s house. The turnaround (aid station-water and sweet potatoes) will be in the area in the summit where  names and bib numbers shall be listed.

Upon reaching DAYAP PRIMARY SCHOOL again, 100k runners will proceed for about 3 kilometers towards PANGAWAN trail head (aid/drop bag station 3) , enter the trail that leads to INDUPIT Village Junction(a cord-5^th and last-will be given to runners) and from this point, take the TALECABCAB TRAIL towards the finish line.

In total, only 9 kilometers or less of concrete, winding roads comprise the 60k event route while the 100k event has less than 6 kilometers. The rest of the route is all dirt roads/trails. There is significant altitude gain and loss as well.

There will be 9 aid stations and 3 drop bag areas.

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. All energy gel/food packs/bottles must be thrown in the garbage bags provided for at each food station and if you happen to be taking such where no adequate disposal is available, please keep the wrappers with you until such a time that a garbage bag is available.

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 only be three drop bag stations (Kayapa Proper Market, Castillo Village Waiting Shed/Marker and Pangawan Trailhead/NV-Benguet Road Junction). Also, NO vehicles of ANY kind are allowed from the PANGAWAN trail entry point (east and west) onwards as well as the AMELONG LABENG trail exit.

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. Cellular phone (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
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 via Kayapa Proper/Amelong Labeng/Castillo Village/Dayap/Ambasa/Pangawan/Indupit/Talecabcab

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

• Kayapa Municipal Hall (1121 masl) to Pangawan trailhead (1484 masl) ~ 5 kilometers Lone Pine Tree (1595 masl) ~ 6 kilometers
• Indupit junction/Ansipsip foot trail (1866 masl) ~ 11 kilometers
• Bundao (1835 masl) ~ 12.5 kilometers
• 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
• Mt. Ugo Summit marker (2170 masl) ~ 24.5 kilometers
• Saddle/Domolpos waiting shed (1763 masl ~ 26.5 kilometers
• Old Spanish Trail-Kayapa Proper Market ~ 36.5 kilometers
• Kayapa Proper Market(912 masl)-Amelong Labeng Barangay Hall(1431 masl, ~ 44.5 kilometers total) via Cabalatan
• Amelong Labeng Barangay Hall to Nueva Vizcaya-Benguet Road junction ~1275 masl,~ 55.5 kilometers total
• Nueva Vizcaya-Benguet Road junction to Castillo Village Waiting shed/marker ~ 56 kilometers total
• Castillo Village Waiting shed/marker(1283 masl) to Kayapa Municipal Hall(for 60k runners only) ~ 60 kilometers Finish Line
• Castillo Village Waiting shed/marker Food/Drop Bag Station – Buaca Lake(1570 masl, ~ 58 kilometers total(for 100k runners only)
• Dayap Primary School Food Station ~ 62 kilometers total
• Dayap Primary School(1596 masl) – Dayap Barangay Captain’s Food Station (1604 masl. ~ 65 kilometers total)
• Matulis Peak/Ambasa/Bannao turnaround ~72.5 kilometers
•  Ambasa/Bannao turnaround- Dayap Primary School~ 83 kilometers total
• Dayap Primary School – Pangawan Trailhead ~ 86 kilometers total
• Pangawan Trailhead to Indupit/Ansipsip foot trail ~ 92 kilometers total
• Indupit/Ansipsip foot trail to Kayapa Municipal Hall via Talecabcab Trail
• Kayapa Municipal Hall (1121 masl, ~ 100 kilometers Finish Line)

THE SUB-18 HOUR CHALLENGE

A special award awaits any runner who will finish the 100-kilometer event in 17:59:59 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 pine tree-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 Lodging and Boulevard Inn-09104443123) 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.

Lastly, a strict NO SMOKING policy exists in ALL of Nueva Vizcaya, You have been forewarned.

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.

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
• Lone Pine Tree (1595 masl) ~ 6 kilometers
• Indupit junction/Ansipsip foot trail (1866 masl) ~ 11 kilometers
• 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 Lodging and Boulevard Inn-09104443123) 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.