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Ultra Marathon 101

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The North Face 100

Team Pinoy Ultra Runner, will be training for this event. If you want to train with us and get to know about ultra marathon please email the team at pinoyultrarunners@yahoo.com At least two and a half more months to go before this big event. Yes!!! It can be done. See you at the starting line.

Subic-Clark-Tarlac Ultra Marathon

(Preparing for the long journey ahead)

The Pinoy Ultra Runners, (Neville Manaois, olive Cortez, jose De Vera, Andrew Chinalpan, Pen Nepomuceno, Jocelyn Saw and new recruits, Wellington Yao, Gilbert Mabasa, Raul Padillia, Al Viado, Paolo Punsalan and Dean Cunanan) arrived in Clark in preparation of the activities for 94k weekend to inaugurate the newly built Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway SCTex. Dubbed as the longest highway in the Philippines the Pinoy ultra runners were tasked to run the 94kilometer road. At exactly 4pm the team started its ultra marathon at the Tarlac toll gate, to make things more interesting we were tasked to start carrying a torch that will be rallied across the highway by different runners. The summer heat was draining the runners which slowed down the pace. At kilometer 25 the runners were doing their own pace pushing themselves to reach the halfway mark. As night time arrived and portions of the highway soon vanished in the dark making running a bit difficult. Most of the runners were just followin the white painted lines on the road. The repetitive view and the calmness of the surroundings also posed a huge challenge to the runners.

(Michael one of the many support crews that made the run possible)

(hehehehe Hero pose?!? Mabigat yung torch)

(Masaya pa dahil maaga pa eh)

(It was an enjoyable moment for new and old members)

(Walang magawa si Pao, Kata and Lizette mga support crews namin)

(Salamat Josaw)

Despite being veteran runners the team still encountered pains, difficulties and the usual “why am I here” syndrome. Reaching the halfway mark in Clark the team started to prepare for the 50km journey ahead. Devouring chicken and pork adobo the team nursed their legs in the cold road waiting for that burst of energy to continue. At the halfway point members took turns to weigh in. To no surprise some of the members lost 5 pounds of body weight while others still maintained its original weight. In the halfway, the team could never have made it without the numerous marshals and support crews of the pinoy ultra runners dragged all the way from the comforts of their gimmick back in Manila ”Salamat talaga sa inyo”. They made sure we drank Pocari Sweat’s, devoured meals and making us more miserable by sleeping or enjoying their hot meals. Team sponsors were also there making sure we were okay and our morale is high.


The lead pack slowly exited our pitstop and started to complete the 50km stretch. Olive, Dean, Willy and Gilbert, attacked hard in the front. The rest of the runners were still nursing the cold muscles and pushing down the adobo deep in their stomachs. The last part of the run was really difficult, the dark horizon, ghost stories from fellow runners and the cold winds were preventing a joyful run. Some of the runners were walking and enjoying the solitude and counting falling stars(my last count was 15). Support crews were working with the runners at every 2 kilometer distance. Most of them would play and ride the bikes and some of them would just enjoy the highway, by cooking, sleeping and just playing around the expressway.

(1st place Olive Cortez 2nd Place Willy Yao and 3rd Place Dean Cunanan Congratulations to you all!!!)

It was a humbling experience for all the runners. Time was very slow and we could see the stars and moon move in different corners. The runners were also amazed with the beautiful highway how it went through hills like laser beams of Japanese Animae hero’s hehehehe. It was really a marvelous feat of engineering. When sunrise arrived the whole area was alive again. Like any ultra marathons most of the runners found strength and started running like it was an ordinary training day. Around 5:30 am news erupted in the teams communication center that Olive reached the finish line and Willy was a few kilometers back along with Dean(Hare!!! natulog kasi) and Gilbert. Crossing the finish line in second place was Sir Willy who was still smiling and cheering. He arrived at around 7am completing the ultra marathon in 15 hours. Hot on his heels by a few minutes was Dean. Then Gilbert with an impressive finish soon followed in fourth place with full of energy to spare.

(Pinoy Ultra Runners with BCDA officials who made this run possible)

The 10kilometer mark greeted the runners and all were already exhausted and sleepy. By now the lead runners were resting and hydrating “ang lakas nila talaga”.The remaining runners were spread out in 15-30 minute distances as they approach the 2 kilometer uphill stretch. Seeing the toll gate the team celebrated, and was elated. The organizers created a resounding welcome, with media, local officials, a full marching band(this is a first for us) and dozens of spectators. The team was overjoyed and humbled by the experience. The new recruits were so happy since they have completed their first ultra marathon. For the veteran runners it was just such an amazing experience crossing the finish line. Like the ultra marathons in the past the team has organized and participated, the finish line was most rewarding since friends, relatives and love ones were all there happy and proud of our accomplishments. It was truly an unforgettable 94kilometer weekend.

(The best support crew, thanks guys wouldn't be able to finish without you)

(A truly amazing 94k weekend)

Thank you to all the people who helped and organized and gave us the opportunity to run the 94kilometer highway and be part of this historic occasion. BCDA, Media Meter, Subic and Clark. Our sponsors ROX and the North Face who was always present all throughout the teams ultra marathons and other projects. We couldn’t have done it without you. To the new recruits, Al, Dean, Raul your really amazing athletes, Doc Paolo, a terrific finish for your first marathon and ultra marathon, your program works, Willy and Gilbert, its been an honor running with you two. You’re the strongest runners in my book. Josaw and Andrew thank you for being there, Jose salamat nahatak kita ulit. Olive, tangal ka na sa team ang bilis mo hindi ito sprint group ultra marathon eto hahahaha. Your really fast. Pen… no comment hayup ka that was the longest walk I've ever done. Hahahaha. Congratulations you finished your 2^nd ultra. The last lines of gratitude are reserved to our support crews, and most of all my head marshals. Michael (dami ko na utang sa iyo the best ka), Godfrey, Pao, Lizette, Kata, Macky, Fritzie and my brother Jonathan. It was an amazing marathon since you were all there. You are part of the team and we finished it because you were there. Congratulations Pinoy Ultra Runers a job well done. It was a memorable 94k weekend.

Run for Your life: Subic-Clark-Tarlac 94 KM

The Pinoy Ultra Runners are back on the road with new recruits. This time the team will run the Subic-Clark-Tarlac, 94Kilometer Expressway. It will be part of a series of activities to inaugurate the opening of the newly built expressway on April 19-20. Bazaars, outdoor activities, exhibition bike rides, as well as invitational bike races will be on Saturday. Moreover a 10km and 42kilometer run will be on Sunday Morning. The team will start running in Tarlac which is the start of the expressway around 4PM Saturday and hopefully reach the end of the highway in Subic around 9AM Sunday. It will be a difficult run, with scorching heat, varying temperatures, concrete surroundings, limited shade, as well as the long distance. However it’s an opportunity the team cannot pass. Like in the past this will be another “Run For Your Life” signature series in which funds collected by the run will go to a charitable institution. See you at the 94k weekend.

Bataan Death March Memorial Ultra Run

The month of April is a very interesting month for us. Next week the team with new recruits will attempt to run the 94km stretch of the newly built Subic-Clark-Tarlac expressway as part of the 94k weekend activities. This April 8 at 5PM Pinoy Ultra Runner Beth Siojo, will run from Bagac all the way to Clark Pampanga ending at 9AM the next day. The 102 kilometer ultra marathon is for the Bataan Death March Memorial Ultra Run. A capable talented runner and founding members of the Pinoy Ultra Runners, Beth will negotiate hilly terrains and as well as the sweltering summer heat. But no one will doubt nor stop this powerful veteran ultra runner. The team is very proud of Beth and will be praying for her success and safety. Go Beth!!!

Beth preformed strong in the Banaue-Sagada run. A veteran of numerous ultra marathons.

"I will be running continuously an estimated 102kms from km 0 or the start of the Death March from Bagac, Bataan and end at the Clark Cemetery in Angeles via Porac. Boy and Dan will crew, friends will join parts of the run leg in various places. Prepare the karaoke for an all-night sing a long the road." Read more of Beth's amazing journey here.

Go!!! Beth!!! Go!!!

Josaw and Sagada

Several weeks ago Pinoy Ultra Runner Jocelyn Saw “Josaw” ran the Banaue to Sagada 60km trail. It was somewhat a revenge run for Josaw and a personal challenge. Along with some of her friends she was able to successfully and safely reach Sagada. Congratulations Josaw!!!

The run was hotter than the earlier run in Sagada by the team

Josaw was accompanied by Thumbie and teammate Beth

Congratulations Josaw!!!

Breathtaking Pictures

Breathtaking images from Nards. Ang galing talaga!!!

Support crews prepare for the long day ahead

Preparing for the final assault to Sagada.

Dani Dematera, negotiates the long uphills

Olive Cortez, enjoys a warm snack at Mt. Polis

Dr. Peter Rivera on his first ultra marathon, amazing performance Peter!!!

Amazing!!!

Jose and Pen, new members of the team

Strong performance for the runners and bike support

Jut got back from Manila and I have to get ready for work hehehehehe. it was an amazing weekend. the Pinoy Ultra Runners completed the 65Kilometer run from Banaue to Sagada route. The fast runners completed the whole run in less than 9 hours(Andrew, Dani, Beth, Olive) while the rest of the team completed around 10 hours(Peter, Jose, Pen). It was such an amazing experience for everyone. Another good news, is we have raised a considerable amount of financial donations for Kythe, just need to collect it. Thank you to everyone who supported our run and our cause. Ill write more of our accounts later. In the mean time check out some of the images of the run in our multiply website.

Banaue to Sagada

After the success of the “Run for Your Life” 100KM ultra marathon last year, the Pinoy Ultra Runners are once more back on the road this February 9, 2008.
The challenge is to run through the picturesque landscape of Banaue all the way to Sagada.
This passion for running will once more help raise awareness of and raise funds for children with cancer.
Support the run and help change lives a kilometer at a time.

You can support the “RUN FOR YOUR LIFE” Campaign in many ways.

Here’s how:

1. Pledge Php 500.00 for every kilometre that the runners will run. Funds raised will go directly to Kythe Foundation’s cancer fund and child life program for chronically-ill children. Minimum of 5 Kilometres entitles you to a TNF 10% discount voucher.

2. Donate directly to Kythe Foundation at these receiving areas:

• via” Kythe Inc.” BPI-Family Bank, east avenue branch. Account number 6031-0529-02.
• Or visit any North Face Stores and donate through the Share the Passion Campaign.

Pledge now! See you at the RUN!

The Final Stretch

After several weeks of planning and several months of planning. The Banaue-Sagada Run For Your Life is a few days away. as always yours truly is sick or getting sick a bad case of nervousness or I am just a hypochondriac. Work, planning, and managing the team and the run has taken its toll. Pretty exhausted, i do hope i can get to the starting line. All i can do is pray hehehehe. The team had its final meeting earlier and we were all upbeat and excited about the run. Some of my team mates are sick or gona get sick yikes!!! Nevertheless we are ready to go. Logistics are already complete, bus, hotel reservations are already booked, gears and sponsors have given us everything we need, and most of all we have already started to collect funds for our beneficiary Kythe. its going to be an interesting week for all of us.

February 7 Thrusaday

• Team leaves Manila for Banaue

February 8 Friday

• Team reaches Banaue around 6AM
• Check logistics, gather food, plan our run and pray hard hehehe

February 9 Saturday

• 5 am start running
  
• I really don't know what time it will end hehehehe
• Party time? Finish line "I hope"

(Front: Josaw, Beth, Olive, Pen. Back: Dani, Neville, Jose)

We have a total of nine runners: Neville Manaois, Elizabeth Siojo, Olive Cortez, Dani Dematera, Peter Rivera, Jose De Vera, Jocelyn Saw, Andrew Chinalpan and Pen Nepomuceno. A strong bike crew which will provide support in terms of food and drinks. Several guest runners and most of all several representatives from The North Face and R.O.X. Its going to be an interesting week, hehehehehe.

R.O.X Run

Last week the Pinoy Ultra Runners conducted its training runs at Fort Bonifacio. Our short run started at our headquarters in the huge R.O.X building. We accompanied several runners as part of the teams exposure for our Banaue-Sagada run this February 9. It was an interesting experience talking to the runners based in the Fort Bonifacio area. These strong and veteran runners gave the team a good workout plus interesting stories about their running in Fort Bonifacio. As a testament of the support of R.O.X to the teams run, they have decided to run with us. Brand managers and staff of R.O.X decided to run with us for several loops around the area. Not only do these people know outdoor products they can also run fast hehehehe. Thanks for the overwhelming support and most of all the interesting stories hehehehe.

(Thanks for joining our training runs)

(The managers and staff of R.O.X. Who sprinted the first part of the run hehehehe)

(Our friends in R.O.X showed us how managers run hehehehehe. Thanks Trisha and Clyte, your faster than Henry and Romi hehehehehe)

The Run

(Pictures courtesy of Denise llanos dee)

Nestled between the towering mountain landscape is Banaue. At 1200 meters it is surrounded by spectacular and complex rice terraces. One of the most popular destinations in Northern Luzon is also touted as the "Eight Wonder of the World". Roughly 8-10 hours away from Manila, Banaue will be the starting point of the Pinoy Ultra Runners: Run For Your Life Marathon for the benefit of Kythe patients.

On February 9, 2007 the runners will negotiate hilly terrains and the cold and wet mountain winds of Banaue-Sagada. However the long and winding roads, the fresh air and the beautiful landscape will inspire and help the runners reach the finish line in Sagda. A tranquil town on top of the mountains, Sagada stands 1477 meters high. Its nature and cool mountain winds is unspoiled and an ideal setting for reflection and relaxation. A fitting finish line for the run.

The ultra marathon will most-likely begin at the area near Banaue Hotel in the early hours of the morning. The cold weather will definitely bother the runners as they climb the steep hill. According to the information provided to the team Banaue starting line all the way to Mt. Polis will be 20 kilometers uphill. Paved roads and dirt roads have to be negotiated. Headlamps, hydration packs and windbreaker jackets will be essential.

After reaching, the summit of Mt. Polis the team will replenish its hydration packs and energy gels while eating rice meals. Then the team will begin its run uphill and downhill towards the busy town of Bontoc which is roughly 30 kilometers away.

(Bontoc will be hmmm sort of half way point)

Reaching Bontoc the team will meet up with other UP Mountaineers and friends and will attack the last 12-15kilometer uphill trail run to Sagda. According to one of our runners the weather there is really cold and its been raining for quite a while, so the roads are slippery and muddy, a real challenge for the team. Banaue-Sagada run will provide an interesting and dramatic background for the team to raise funds for Kythe and its patients. Help change lives a kilometer at a time.