Making it to the Bataan102 Ultramarathon finish line
The sweet taste of success! Kelly of Singapore reaching the finish line.
Another finisher proud with his medal.
The sweet taste of success!
I was just green with envy watching the runners who made it to the finish line of the Bataan Death March Ultramarathon or Bataan102. Their exhilaration and joy were just infectious. Some also got emotional considering all the hard work, pain and heat they have to endure from the starting point at KM 00 in Mariveles, Bataan all the way to KM 102 in San Fernando, Pampanga.
I was witness to the hardships they went through especially when they were under the blazing heat of the sun. Couple this with the heat emanating from the cement road, the runners were like bibingka (rice cakes) which are cooked with fire above and below it.
Many of the runners suffered blisters. Blas Tiangco, who got me as part of his support crew, had 10 on his feet. Kelly from Singapore also had these but still managed to make it to the finish line.
One runner that we provided help in KM 72 was Cesar, bib #195, suffered some foot injury that rendered him limping. After he got a short massage, cold compress and Blas gave him some medication, we thought that he might not make it and never saw him after a few kilometers. During a stop in Guagua, Pampanga, near KM 92, we were just shocked but delighted that he was running fast and even overtook Blas! He was later at the finish line.
Of the around 140 registered participants, 104 made it. (thanx to Blas for the info)
This ultramarathon is an inspiration. When I’m prepared and conditioned, I will also do this in the future. As what Illac Diaz told me this afternoon:
…it’s just one of the things that you have to do in life.
To all the finishers of Bataan102, congratulations!
Similar Posts:
- Searing heat beats on Bataan Death March Ultramarathoners
- Bataan Death March 160K gallery
- Supporting the Bataan Death March Ultramarathon 2010
- Runner Interview: Blas Tiangco, Part 1 of 2
- Bataan Death March Marathon 2010 just started!
Estan Cabigas is a multiawarded blogger, freelance photographer and a newbie runner based in Makati City, the Philippines. A true blue Cebuano, he makes stunning images and meaningful photo stories. He has writtten for CNN Go and his photograph published in the May 2010 issue of the National Geographic Magazine. To know more about him and his photography, visit estancabigas.com.
I'm Estan Cabigas, a freelance photographer blogger and traveler. I just started to seriously run last 2 March 2010 and for the past few months, I've improved greatly in my running as well as lost pounds in the process. I'm gunning for a full marathon by 2011. I shoot races as well.
My flagellant image is Editor's Choice in the National Geographic Magazine May 2010 issue.
Congratulations to all the 2nd. BDM 102K Finishers… I hope that someday I could join the DBM Ultra marathon duriong my vacation in the Philippines…