Supporting the Bataan Death March Ultramarathon 2010
The Bald Runner orienting the ultramarathoners and their support crew
The first time I heard about the 102 kilometer Bataan Death March Ultramarathon or BDM 102, I reacted with “wow” considering the length of the race at 102 kilometers. Being a newbie in running, I didn’t expect that there is a so called ultramarathon and that one is happening in the country.
The BDM 102 is the first of its kind in the Philippines, now on its second year, which is organized by the Philippine Association of Ultrarunners (PAU) headed by the Bald Runner himself. Instead of holding this in April, like last year and in time for the death march anniversary, BDM102 will start midnight tonight.
This event is held to commemorate the infamous Bataan Death March in April 1942 during World War II wherein tens of thousands of Filipino and American soldiers were forced to walk from Mariveles in Bataan (KM 00) all the way to Capas, Tarlac, for a total of 159 KM. Several thousands didn’t make it with many killed by the Japanese with their bayonets. This race, however, is only upto the KM 102 post in San Fernando, Pampanga.
During the carboloading party and briefing
This is also a good opportunity to document the event that’s why when Blas Tiangco, a runner who I incidentally photographed both at the Cebu City Marathon and the Condura Run invited me to be part of his support crew for the BDM 102, mainly to photograph him and other runners, I didn’t hesitate and accepted it immediately.
This race isn’t for the weak. This ultramarathon, an endurance race, is timed at 18 hours starting on or before midnight tonight, 7 March starting at KM 00 in Mariveles. As of the latest update, there were already 102 registered runners, both men and women with some foreigners participating and not all, however, are expected to finish.
This evening, we’ll be leaving for Bataan and I’ll be there to support the Bataan Death March Ultramarathon.
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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.
My flagellant image is Editor's Choice in the National Geographic Magazine May 2010 issue.
Wow! What a great event. I’m not a competitor, but I can appreciate the history angle and would show support as a spectator if I were there.
I can see great potential for this turning into something with international interest and involvement. Are there any benefits to the surviving Filipino veterans?
Hello W Zastrow,
The event was originally organized last year to honor the veterans. I’m not sure, however, if there are any benefits given to them, but I’m sure that this will indeed be a yearly event and might become one internationally recognized ultramarathon venue.