At around 5 AM of November 22, 2008, Team Pinoy Ultra Runners along with other guest runners set off running from the town of Sta. Juliana towards Mt. Pinatubo and back. This was the last of a series of Run for Your Life organized by the team for 2008. For this event the team ran the 55km terrain to raise donations for the Christmas party of Kythe children. A truly perfect way to celebrate Christmas spirit and a fitting way to end the running season of the team. (PUR Pen leads the prayer before the run after Neville gives final instructions)
Around twenty members of the Pinoy Ultra Runners walked to the starting line a few meters away from Sta Juliana. The runners, who undoubtedly knew it will be a long day, prayed that the weather will be kind and that each runner will have a safe run. After crossing the first river on a 4x4, the team decided to start the run. At around 5:35AM the run for Your Life: Pinatubo started as each participant ran or walked the ultra distance course of Pinatubo (Picture Above: Tall Cogon grass made the runners feel isolated in the trail). Negotiating the rough terrain of Pinatubo are friends and guest of the team, one of which is Sir Jovie aka “Bald Runner” along with the rest of his Bald Runner team. They wanted to try out their first ultra marathon as a team and also support the cause of the Pinoy Ultra Runners. Several members of the Pinoy Sky Runners, Sir Jonel and other runners, also joined the run and supported the cause. Completing the 30 ++ runners were invited by the team team were Kiko(who made this run and the donations possible), Abby, Mikey, and Carlo(thanks for the help with the sponsors). Friends, relatives, as well as our sponsors from R.O.X (Macel, Trisha and Tin) and The North Face (Ken so glad you could come, Sir Jundel you missed a lot) were also there riding 4x4 vehicles to support the team, transporting supplies and other gears.
The cold early morning allowed everyone to move and run fast in the loosely packed sand and ash landscape. Dried cogon covered the view of the runners while following the narrow path made by 4x4 jeeps heading up to the Pinatubo crater. The different pace of the runners scattered the runners in the vast expanse. Veteran ultra runners were at the front pack keeping the pace high. Thumbie, Don(a new recruit and who also made the run possible), Jose, Doc Peter, Willy, Al, Ligaya, Pen, Mikey, Atty Jon(thank you Atty for all the help with logistics, this run wouldn’t be possible without your help), Olive and Beth were all in the front followed by the Pinoy Sky Runners headed by Kian. (Picture Above: Abby walks the last few kilometer of the cogon fields).
Team Bald Runner was just a few minutes behind, pacing themselves and taking in the beauty of Pintaubo while preparing a final surge in the end while talking about taking a dip in the crater which was a very tempting offer. At the back were old and new recruits as well as other guest runners Hector, Abby, Jeremy, Marga, Gilbert, Doc Paolo, who were pacing themselves and just enjoying the terrain while preparing for a late sprint. The ash fields was a long and very tiresome run. The terrain made it difficult to run, and the repetitive and unexciting view added to the challenge. Finally the team was out and faced the winding yet shallow river of Pinatubo. (Picture Above: Sir Jonel and Sir Jovie and team Bald Runners, reach the lahar fields still happy and smiling).
During the team meeting and other run briefings I promised and reassured the members of the team as well as guest that there will only be one river crossings. However after four hours of running the team was cursing me and saying “akala ko ba isang river crossing lang”. I told them I was being honest. One river crossing, and we are still crossing the same river (hehe). In one instance the runners would cross the river 10 times in just one kilometer. In some instance the runners would run in the middle of the river, specially while in the lahar fields. It was a nasty terrain. Sand and pebbles kept going inside our shoes, adding to the difficulty of the run. The team now entered the valley where the river runs fast, huge stones covered the landscape, and the ominous hill which was cut in half by the powerful lahar during the Mt. Pinatubo eruption. It was an awesome sight for the runners who were busy jumping, skipping, and negotiating with the slopping terrain covered with numerous stone obstacles. A narrowing terrain made the runners run in zigzag constantly keeping our shoes wet and full of derbies. The runners took their time running making sure their footing were solid and precise.
It was an interesting sight since some runners would gain a lot of energy and run fast when tourist 4x4 passes by hehe. Reaching the support crews on 4x4 transports arranged by the 4x4 club of Tarlac, the team prepared to handle the long uphill going to the crater. Runners took in as much water and food as they can since it will be a long time before we see them again. Adobo and an assortment of food were devoured by the runners along with liters of Pocari Sweat.
It was now off to the crater, a gradual uphill with numerous river crossing and narrow terrains. Denise Llanos Dee was also climbing, taking pictures of the runners as they hop from one stone to another. Bald Runner team was smiling and enjoying the technical rock scrambling. Pinoy Sky Runners were also blazing the trail and having a wonderful time. The narrow pass and strong river made it challenging and a unique experience. It became more challenging when runners going up and down were all bunched together in the narrow tricky pass. Looking fresh and relaxed, Thumbie, Doc Peter, Jon, Don and Pen, were all climbing running down from the crater as the whole team neared the top of the crater. As the rest of the team reached the turn around point, they were greeted by fellow Pinoy Ultra Runner Andrew who prepared an amazing pasta snack for the runners (much appreciated Andrew).
Running back down the trail was a bit difficult since tourist were all climbing to the crater. Back down, the runners realized it was a long way back to Sta. Juliana. Everyone new that they need to negotiate one more time the river, lahar and ash fields. It was close to lunch time when most runners reached the 4x4 at the foot of the crater. Runners changed their shoes, socks, ate and hydrated as they prepare for the final leg of the run. We all knew you set a 5:30pm deadline lets hope everyone still has enough energy to reach the finish line. We knew this was a Run For Your life project and we are running for a cause, it was enough to keep us motivated. It’s not a 100km, but the Pinatubo terrain was really punishing, we also knew that when we wake up we will all have sore muscles. We shall soon find out what happened to the runners in the part 2. Remember this project is still ongoing. Dec 6, will be the Christmas party that means you can still send in your donations.
Pictures courtesy of Denise Llanos Dee who also became one of the official photographers of the Banaue-Sagada run and Kythe Hospital Visits. More pictures to come.
Pinoy Ultra Runners Doc Peter and Beth talks to the Bald Runner
Sir Willy is back after a long hiatus, still smiling and happy. We missed you sir.
Ligaya attacks the lahar with ease.
Sir Gilbert finds the run very challenging
Amazing weather that day
Jeremy always finds the time to have his picture taken.
NEVILLE SUSUYURIN KO GILAGID MO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hehehe. Am just kidding, buddy. Thank you for this experience. Never in my life ko naisip that I would be doing this adventure.
No need to thank me. It was always a pleasure to help. Thanks for the invitation. Honestly, I had a wondeful time. Difficult, yes but fulfilling. You folks are a cool bunch. It was a blast spending the entire day with you! When is the next run? Bring it on! Next time, I will bring my own adobo na. Hehe.
Je, balitaan kita this week on the Clark Marathon.
I want to be sure before we make an announcement. Either February 08 or 22. Ayaw namin isabay sa Hot Air Balloon (Feb. 11-15, I think) as simultaneous events might pose traffic, hotel booking and other problems. However, some triathlon groups requested that it be held ideally February 08 since there will be an Ironman event on the fourth week. 2-week taper, I figure.
NEVILLE SUSUYURIN KO GILAGID MO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hehehe. Am just kidding, buddy. Thank you for this experience. Never in my life ko naisip that I would be doing this adventure.
Sabi ko naman isang river crossing lang eh. It was really an amazing and memorable weekend. Perfect run to end the year.
No need to thank me. It was always a pleasure to help. Thanks for the invitation. Honestly, I had a wondeful time. Difficult, yes but fulfilling. You folks are a cool bunch. It was a blast spending the entire day with you! When is the next run? Bring it on! Next time, I will bring my own adobo na. Hehe.
Thanks Atty Jon. This run was possible because you spent a lot of time making sure all the things are complete. Glad you could meet the rest of the team and bond as well. Next run? hmmm I'm working on it na. Panalo yung Adobo!!!
Je, balitaan kita this week on the Clark Marathon.
I want to be sure before we make an announcement. Either February 08 or 22. Ayaw namin isabay sa Hot Air Balloon (Feb. 11-15, I think) as simultaneous events might pose traffic, hotel booking and other problems. However, some triathlon groups requested that it be held ideally February 08 since there will be an Ironman event on the fourth week. 2-week taper, I figure.
Ang sarap sana kung may 50-mile ultra run also.
50 Miler, lets plan it hmm trail run kaya. Thanks Jon!!!
Jeremy always finds the time to have his picture taken.