100k ultra marathon slated March 15-16 in Pangasinan

MANILA, Philippines – The country plays host to the first-ever 100k ultra international marathon, one of the biggest international running events in 2014, on March 15-16 in Pangasinan.

Starting from the Lucap wharf of Alaminos City, it will traverse the western Pangasinan towns of Bani, Anda and Bolinao, then back to Alaminos City.  

The top winner in the open marathon will receive Php100,000 and a trophy while the second and third place finishers will receive Php30,000 and Php20,000, respectively. A finisher’s medal and certificate will be given to all finishers.

Expected to participate in the event are bets from African nations such as South Africa, Ethiopia, Sudan and Kenya. Runners from some European countries are also expected to participate, including those from London. They will test the mettle of local ultra runners who recently topped international competitions.

Organized by RenderFarm Sports and JonesPR for the benefit of Alaminos 100, the international marathon is widely supported by Alaminos City Mayor Arthur Celeste and Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espino, Jr., together with the other LGU mayors. The ultra marathon actually coincides with the 2014 city fiesta of Alaminos City, Pangasinan scheduled on March 19-24, 2014. The ultra marathon serves as the ‘curtain-raiser’ of the festivities.

Alaminos City is the home of the Hundred Islands, a resort destination famous for its boating, swimming, diving and picnics. It is also known for its unique and tasty longganisa. Pangasinan is 170 kilometers north of Manila with an average temperature of 27.91 degrees centigrade. It will offer runners and their team an extraordinary start of their summer adventure as they explore the Hundred Islands, and the white sand beaches of Anda and Bolinao.

Philip Pacle of RenderFarm Sports, one of the organizers and an ultra runner himself foresees that “the race will be exciting since most of the runners will experience the thrill of running on 99 percent flat cement/asphalted roads with a 5k winding and ascending route along Tiep, Bolinao going to the 50k. mark at night time. As it is a fast foot race, ‘curfew time’ is set at 18 hours.”

Another highlight of the ultra marathon is a 50k marathon from Bolinao, Pangasinan, and will end in Alaminos City.  Open to male and female marathoners, it stakes a top prize of Php20,000, while second and third place finishers will get Php10,000 and Php7,000, respectively.

Consolation prize for the fourth to the 10th placers in the 100k ultra marathon is Php5,000; while Php4,000 awaits the fourth to the 10th placers of the 50k marathon.

Participants from Kenya arrived last week, while 2013 North Face 100k trail champion Arnold Lozano of Baguio City, 200k champion Marcelo Bautista, BDM 100k 2013 Champion and record holder Joel Bengtay of La Trinidad, Benguet; and an elite runner from London have already signified their intention to join the ultra marathon. A Philippine Army team is also joining led by Crisencio Zabal. The top runners from Davao and Samal are also joining the race.

Registration fee for the 100k ultra marathon is Php3,500 while the 50k event is Php3,000. The registration kit includes the following: souvenir shirt (100k), welcome drinks and snacks, get together party before the run, carbo loading, boat ride and island hopping at Quezon Island, Children’s Island and Governor’s Islands. Runners’ inclusion are:  singlet and bib, finisher’s shirt, finisher’s trophy, snacks at the 50k mark (100k), finisher’s refreshment and snack, and vehicle support banner, if needed.

“We hope to generate more support from Philippines’ top corporations especially those who have sports products, or have sports as their CSR,” says Jones Campos, one of the organizers. 

Race director and organizer Philip Pacle likewise expresses hope that the success of the ultra marathon will be a milestone in his years of organizing running events.

Registration is ongoing until Feb. 28; via email only to: [email protected] (single entry per runner) and payment through BDO Acct. #5470348017 under Renderfarm Graphics. For details, contact Philip Aquino Pacle at 0922 260 4201, 0926 717 9344 or Jones T. Campos – 0917 818 1015; or visit www.Renderfarmtown.com; Pinoy Fitness; and Takbo.ph for complete information.