Bataan Death March Run, or BDM Ultramarathon, is known as the grandfather of the Philippines Ultramarathon and even listed as one of the most prestigious ultramarathons in the Philippines due to the significant historical background that it had.
History of Bataan Death March Run Philippines
BDM 102KM and BDM 160KM are created, organized, and directed by retired Major General Jovenal “Jovie” Narcise famously known in the running community as the Bald Runner. Recently the event has been handled by the Zamboanga Trail Runners (ZTR). It is a Philippines running event to commemorate the Historical Bataan Death March, a tragic event that happened in April 1942 when Filipinos and American prisoners of war were forced to march through tropical conditions, enduring heat, humidity, and rain without adequate medical care from Mariveles, Bataan to San Fernando, Pampanga. The very first BDM 102KM was held on April 4–5, 2009.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cut-off time of BDM 102KM?
Bataan Death March Run Philippines cut-off time is 18 hours. The shortest cut-off time for a 100-kilometer ultramarathon in the Philippines.
Is there an Intermediate Cut-off for BDM Run 102 KM?
Yes, there is an intermediate cut-off at KM 50 located at Abucay Municipal Hall.
How to Get a Grand Slam in Bataan Death March?
To be able to get a BDM grand slam, you must run 1 BDM 102KM and 1 BDM 160km run.
How do I join BDM Run Philippines?
Submission of a letter of intent to join BDM is the first step in the process. Please follow the Bataan Death March Run Facebook page as they are constantly posting updates about the ultramarathon event.
How much is the registration fee for the BDM Run?
As of 2023, the registration fee is 5000.00 PHP for BDM 102KM. As of 2024, the registration fee for BDM 160KM is 10,000.00. Kindly check BDM Run Philippines Facebook page for the latest BDM registration fee.
Are there aid stations during Bataan Death March Run?
No, there are no aid stations during the BDM Philippines run.
Are Support Crews Allowed during Bataan Death March Run?
Yes, support crews are allowed and even mandatory during the BDM race and they should follow the BDM race guidelines.
What are the Support Crew Guidelines?
1. Every runner must have a 4-wheeled support vehicle.
2. Every support vehicle should have a crew limit of 3 people. (1 driver and 2 support assistant)
3. Each support vehicle should handle a maximum of 4 runners.
4. Two-wheeled vehicles such as motorcycles and bicycles are strictly not allowed.
5. Stopping at the left side of the road where the runners are running is not allowed.
6. When parking/stopping to provide aid assistance to a runner, the vehicle must be parked completely off the road.
7. The support vehicle must have its headlights on throughout the route race.
8. The first support stop is at the 7 km mark or mohon.
9. No shadow running. All support vehicles must always leapfrog the runners.
10. The leapfrog distance for support vehicles is at least 1 kilometer or more.
11. Vehicle registration is mandatory for the BDM event race team.
12. The support vehicle tarpaulin with the provided layout should be always placed on the support vehicle during the race event.
13. Handling supplies from a moving support vehicle is prohibited.
14. A pedestrian crew should provide support. They should go to the runner’s side which is the left side of the route.
What is not allowed during the Bataan Death March Run Philippines?
1. Runners are not allowed to lean, stay, sit, or lie down inside the support vehicle.
2. Runners are prohibited from entering any air-conditioned establishments (7-11, Mini Stop, Select, Treats, Mcdonals, Jollibee, Supermarkets, and the like)
3. Runners are not allowed to run without their top garments.
4. Pacers are not allowed during the entire race.
What items are NOT Allowed to be brought by runners of BDM Run?
walking sticks, trekking poles, ski poles, cooling vests, umbrellas or any type of artificial/technological cooling system, headphones, or any audio gadgets are prohibited.
What items are ALLOWED to be used by runners of BDM run?
Only wearable items like ordinary running caps, arm sleeves, and leg sleeves are allowed.
What are the mandatory gears for the Bataan Death March Run Philippines?
Hydration pack or bottle, First Aid Kit, headlamp, reflectorized vest, blinkers, fully charged mobile phone, and emergency cash.
What if I wanted to DNF during the BDM run?
If a runner participant decides to quit the race, he/she or the support crew should inform the race committee. Message them with the name, racebib number, exact location, distance, and the reason for withdrawal. Please take note of the provided mobile number by the BDM organizer.
Is a medical certificate required to run Bataan Death March Philippines?
Yes, a medical certificate is required. The BDM organizer will provide an official BDM medical form for you to present to a medical physician during your check-up and submit back to the BDM organizer. No medical certificate no run policy.
Is self-support Allowed during the BDM Run?
Yes. HOWEVER, BDM runners should inform the race committee in advance. Not doing so means no running. Self-support means the runner does not have a support vehicle and support crew.
What is the route of the Bataan Death March 102KM Run?
The BDM 102 KM route is the historic Bataan Death March route from Mariveles, Bataan (KM 0 Bataan Shrine to San Fernando, Pampanga – KM 102).
How do I avoid na mawala during BDM Run?
Aside from following the GPS route provided by the BDM committee, always look for the Bataan Death March mohon/mark. It is a white cemented monument with a Bataan Death March print and with the kilometers printed on it.
FYI: The mohon is not a 1-kilometer actual distance apart. Some are a km shorter, and some more than a KM farther so do not make it as your actual distance point.
If you are a running enthusiast, I encourage you to make the Bataan Death March run one of your Philippines ultramarathon goals. For sure we can do it. (it is one of my running goals also) Let’s do it one kilometer at a time and of course, with proper training.
Check out – Past BDM Legends’ Bataan Death March 102km experience.
Have you run the Philippine Bataan Death March? How was it? We would love to hear about your experience. Share it in the comment below.
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Note: Some photos here are from the Bataan Death March Face Book Page.