Bataan Death March 102/160 KMs

Back as a high school student at Tamalpais in Mill Valley, California, our U.S. History teacher did a bit of his teachings outside of the textbook and with notes.  One of the critical times was when we studied World War II.

One of the many WWII events that was touched on was the Bataan Death March of April 9-17, 1942.  We hadn’t studied much regarding the American involvement but our instructor knew a bit about it. It just so happened that his brother was in the Philippines in 1942 and, fortunately, escaped from being captured by the Japanese Imperial Army.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the date.  I’ve read some periodicals about BDM but the best one that I’ve come across, and is simplified, is the one by runner-blogger, race coordinator and friend – Jovie Narcise.  For more on the history, please check  http://bataan102.blogspot.com/ and click history.

There are events in the Philippines and in the United States that commemorate the date.  Back in 2009, the Philippines held their first Bataan Death March 102 kilometer race on April 4-5.  It was an idea that Sir Jovie came up with beforehand with his background in the Philippine Army.  At the time, ultramarathons around the world were becoming established.  Events in California such as Badwater and the Western States 100 have become well known to a knowledgable runner in this area.

As historical as the two above mentioned are, neither have the world historical importance of BDM.  This is, not at all, a slap on Badwater or Western States.  For instance, I take part in the Bay To Breakers 12K each year because of the historical importance of the 1906 Earthquake and Fire of San Francisco. However, the event pales in comparison.

For the first two years, in 2009 and 2010, the 102 kilometer took the route from Mariveles, Bataan right at the tip of the peninsula to San Fernando, Pampanga.  The first race was won by Eduardo Villenueva.  A total of 82 runners started and 64 finished, 63 of them under the 18 hour cutoff.

In 2011,  the 160km was added in February.  Wilnar Iglesia led 33 other ultramarathoners to the finish line and beating the 30 hour cutoff.

In 2012, the 160km grew to 54 finishers breaking the 30 hour cutoff in late January.  I read many posts during the event and afterwards and one felt like they were there!  This coming weekend (March 4-5), 270 runners have signed up for the 102 kilometer!  If you think it’s only a local event there, Ultrarunning Magazine that is based in Healdsburg, California has it on their schedule.

Certainly reading about this has this runner-blogger curious about an attempt.  Right now however, I have a marathon in less than four weeks and a 32 kilometer training run feels good right now.  However, you are talking about another 70 kilometers, at least.  I survived a 50 kilometer in November 2010, knew how that felt, and have a Six Hour Distance Classic scheduled for July.

In the meantime, congratulations to Jovie for the three-plus years that this event has been held.  Congratulations to all those who have finished in the years mentioned and to all the volunteers, support groups who have endured.  Finally, good luck to everyone involved this coming weekend.  I’ll be following the posts some 6000+ miles east and with a lot of enthusiasm.