Locals conquer ultrarunning

BAGUIO ultra-runners made another breakthrough performance by conquering two races held recently in different parts of the country.

Joel Bengtay made a new course record in topping the 5th Bataan Death March 102-kilometer (102K) Ultra Marathon Race held during the weekend with a time of nine hours, 11 minutes and 56 seconds.

Bengtay's win saw him defeating another seasoned runner in Marcelo Bautista who finished the course with a time of 9 hours, 49 minutes and 59 seconds that also saw the two runners breaking the course record set last year which is more than 10 hours.

“Masaya na ako na dalawa kami ni Joel ang nakabreak sa record ng BDM 102,” said Bautista who had an eight wins streak in ultra-marathon last year.

Completing the top five in the male division are Jerome Bautista, Jon Las Bruce and Richard Montiano while Jonnalene Dorin topped the ladies division with a time of 12 hours, 31 minutes and 36 seconds.

The race organized by Bald Runner started from Bataan Death March Shrine in Mariveles, Bataan, to the Old Railway Station in San Fernando, Pampanga.

Earlier, James Tellias scaled the summits of Mt. Pulag and Mt. Ugo as he braved an inclement weather and was declared winner of the 160K 2013 Hardcore 100 Miles Trail Ultra marathon over the weekend.

The young Tellias, who is a veteran for long distance run events, crossed the finish line after 36 hours, 23 minutes, and five seconds in the event that drew top ultra-marathoners from the country and other Southeast Asian countries.

Rising Filipina ultra marathoner Mia Constantino is the first female runner to finish the race, with a time of 43:46:23.

From the 43 starters, only 12 crossed the finish line or a finisher’s rate of 28 percent.

The runners started at the Kayapa municipal mall in Nueva Vizcaya towards the Babadak Ranger Station in Kabayan before scaling the summit of Mt. Pulag at 2,949 meters above sea level then move towards Itogon through Domolpos.

During the race, mountaineers were informed the Mt. Pulag area was experiencing inclement weather, with some hikers already there seeking for help.

From Domolpos, the runners headed towards the summit of Mt. Ugo at 2,150 MASL then prepared to go back to Kayapa town hall passing through Indupit-Talecabcab area.

The Hardcore Hundred Miles Trail Marathon is the first part of the series of three events lined up for the King of the Mountain Trail Run Philippines lined up for this year.

The next event will be the 2nd Mt. Ugo Trail Marathon and Half Marathon on March 31 and then the Four Lakes 100K/Old Spanish Trail 60K Ultra Marathon on May 25 and 26. (Roderick Osis)