The Bataan Death March Ultramarathon is known as one of the toughest road ultramarathons in the Philippines. Imagine running a 102km (63 miles) race without aid stations (leapfrog support car allowed) and finishing it within 18 hours, with an intermediate cut-off of 9 hours at the 50km mark.
Running from 10:00 p.m. through the night until 4:00 p.m. the next day is no ordinary feat. Whether running in the rain or under the scorching sun, there’s no cooling equipment aside from your cap, shirt, and arm sleeves. Using an umbrella, seeking shade, entering a convenience store, sitting in the support vehicle, and similar actions will disqualify you—BDM is truly not for the faint-hearted.
Below are inspiring stories and exciting experiences shared from the 2023 BDM Legends.
Wilfredo Mauricio
- BDM 2023 – Champion
From Where: Victoria, Tarlac
Years in Running: 8yrs I started at the age of 32yrs old the 38th milo marathon ok naman nasa pang 12th ako that time. PR ko din sa 21km. And hanggang ngayon di ko pa naibaba 1hr:29mins umuulan pa that time. Sa bagay nasa 32 palang noon kalakasan pa hahaha.
How many times have you joined BDM? 1st 2023 and 2nd this 2024
What was your primary reason for joining BDM?
BDM pagnarinig ko kc Bataan Death March, History ang nasa isipan ko kaya sumali ako sa BDM. Beside gusto ko din patunuyan sa nagsabi na nandaya ako noong nakalipas na ultra marathon sa Nueva Ecija na kesyo sumakay ako at pinagkalat pa nya kasama ko noon family ko alam nila na di ko ginawa ang pandaraya, kaya nagbigay nalang ako sa bata nila na sila na ang maging 1st at ako ang 2nd para masaya sila. Mahirap kc na habang tumatakbo ka magmula 42km hanggang matapos ininsulto ka ng manager nila na retired US Navy pa pala, not to mention ang team nila (DANDEX) masakit padin kc sa akin ung sinabi nya nayon. Alam ko sa sarili ko na hindi ako nandaya.
Kaya gusto ko patunayan sa kanila na kaya kong tapusin ang BDM. Reward nalang ang pagiging Champion.
How did you train for BDM?
Daily run 5km-10km mahirap kasi daily ang pasok maaga kang gigising para lang tumakbo kaya pag Saturday or Sunday nag lo long run ako. 21km minimum.
What was your plan on the race day?
Ganun pa din tulad ng dati enjoy lang sa daan importante makatapos reward nalang kung makapodium. Dahil nasa 40 na din tayo tumatanda na tayo.
How well did you execute your race plan? Have you made any adjustments, and how did it affect your actual performance?
Sa akin naman importante naka kondisyon lahat, dapat kundisyon ang katawan, isipan, kung naman hindi kaya wag pilitin pwede naman magpahinga. Isa pa nanjan ang pamilya ko na nkasupport sakin na nagbbigay inspirasyon pag tumatakbo ako ng ultramarathon at sila ang taga bigay ng tubig at pagkain sa daan. Adjustment pinalalakas ko ang aking stamina at binti kasi lagi nalang nagka cramps, which is normal sa ultra kaya sinusubukan ko palakasin. So far, ok naman kahit papano medjo tumatagal naman kailangan lang siguro ng training.
What was the highlight of BDM for you?
Pag sinabi kasing BDM history ito na kahit papaano nakaukit na tayo sa 13th edition na isa sa nagchampion. BDM sa shirt palang makikita mo na where the legends are made. hehe. BDM unang unang pinakamalayong tinakbo ko kala ko di ko kaya pero sabi ko sa sarili ko tatapusin ko to. Isa pa dati 2nd, 3rd, 5th yan un mga pass ultramarathon ko pero sa BDM may bonus pa sa podium nagawa kong maging champiom at ang trophy napakaganda talaga sa lahat ng trophy ko s podium ito na talaga ang pinaka maganda.
Is there anything you wish you had done differently during the race?
Sana makaya ko pa din tapusin na walang injury, hindi lang ako kundi lahat ng kalahok. Hindi naman ito kompetitisyon dahil isa itong camaraderie ng mga runners sa pilipinas para magkakakilala.
Will You do it again?
Yes, hanggang matapos ang 160km next year. Tyaka ung ibang pinang register ambag din nun mga officer ko sa PNP, kaya pasalamat ako sa kanila. Sana makatakbo pa this BDM160km at kukuha din ako ng tulong sa mababait ko na officer.
Kik Russel Suello
- BDM 102KM 2023 – First Runner-up
- The Punisher 80Km – Champion
- Hardcore 100 Miles Trail Run – Champion
- Philippine delegate to ASIA TRAIL MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIP in BORNEO, Malaysia on September 14, 2024.
From Where: Zamboanga City
Years in Running: 6 years
How many times have you joined BDM? One time – batch 2023
What was your primary reason for joining BDM?
Just wanted to try the experience the 1st ultra in the Philippines
How did you train for BDM?
I don’t know if it’s called training, but I do run every day
What was your plan on the race day?
Nothing, I just keep running until the finish line.
How well did you execute your race plan? Have you made any adjustments, and how did it affect your actual performance?
The plan is to keep the pace in the momentum. It is like I am doing my training. Walk if you can’t anymore.
What was the highlight of BDM for you?
The heart rate. It got high suddenly because of the hydration I drank and it’s just a mistake. But at least I learned from that.
Is there anything you wish you had done differently during the race?
Nothing, because we need to learn from that.
Will You do it again? I think so.
Isaias H Tonog II
- BDM 2023 – 6th placer
- Biliran 360 110km Ultramarathon – Champion
From Where: Catarman, Northern Samar
Years in Running: I’ve been running since early 2014.
How many times have you joined BDM?
BDM102 – 2 times
BDM160 – 1 time
What was your primary reason for joining BDM?
To finish the race in a shorter time than my first attempt.
How did you train for BDM?
A hell of a lot of long runs and intervals.
What was your plan on the race day?
My plan was to run at a consistent pace and to finish early so that I wouldn’t experience a lot of sun.
How well did you execute your race plan? Have you made any adjustments, and how did it affect your actual performance?
All my plans were executed well with the help of my support crew. Before the race, we discussed all the strategies regarding my nutrition, hydration, and distance of leapfrog from each aid station.
What was the highlight of BDM for you?
Finishing the race in 6th place and under 11.30 hrs.
Is there anything you wish you had done differently during the race?
I wish I had not lingered more in my support crew aid stations. Maybe my time would have been shorter.
Will You do it again?
Definitely, yes.
Randolf Rey Manding
From Where: Cagayan, Cagayan Valley
Years in Running: 7 years
How many times have you joined BDM? Once in 2023
What was your primary reason for joining BDM?
It’s really my passion to join endurance sports. I joined BDM purposely to test my ability. It gives me self-fulfillment to cross the finish line.
How did you train for BDM?
I do workout routines, heavier for my leg muscles, core, and glutes. I also do regular cardio exercises. Diet plays a significant part as I train.
What was your plan on the race day?
Run the way I trained. Just focus on the road and keep going. Proper hydration matters.
How well did you execute your race plan? Have you made any adjustments, and how did it affect your actual performance?
I was in good condition during the race day. The first 7-kilometer uphill of the route turned easy for me. However, the scorching heat of the sun was really a challenge, but I managed to endure. I am used to it in my military profession. The problem I encountered was that I failed to navigate the route correctly. That added to my time in the race.
What was the highlight of BDM for you?
Being with fellow athletes with whom I share the same passion is priceless!
Is there anything you wish you had done differently during the race?
I should have had more sleep before the race.
Will You do it again?
Big yes! I am aiming for the BDM 160 kilometers, Lord willing.
Regine Eina Calisin
From Where: Legazpi City, Albay
Years in Running: 14 years (since 2010)
How many times have you joined BDM? One (1)
What was your primary reason for joining BDM?
BDM is the ultimate dream ultramarathon for me. I’ve heard about it from veteran runners since I began my running journey, and it’s always been considered a prestigious event that I hoped to participate in someday. Initially, I thought it was impossible because I have asthma. The main reason I got into sports was to manage my condition.
As a child, I was frequently in and out of the hospital, and I just wanted a better quality of life. I wanted to be like other kids who could play outdoors without any worries. Despite being on medication, I still experienced asthma attacks and allergic reactions. So, I decided to take up sports, even though my parents were initially against it. I started with lawn tennis, karate, and later, Kuntao and MMA.
Over time, I noticed my health improving, so I began jogging with my cousin and aunt, eventually participating in fun runs in 2010. Back then, a 5K run was a huge challenge—I could barely run a straight kilometer without gasping for breath. But I refused to give up. I kept running 5Ks consistently for five years before progressing to 10K in 2015, then 21-24K, 32K, and finally my first full marathon that same year. It’s true what they say: it seems impossible until it’s done. My first ultra was in 2016, and it still feels surreal that I accomplished it. My lung capacity has improved significantly over time.
I never imagined that I would one day aspire to join BDM, especially since my initial goal in running was simply to manage my asthma and improve my overall health.
How did you train for BDM?
I stick to my usual short runs, focusing on maintaining my heart rate and pace. I’ve added strength training by lifting weights and doing cardio at the gym, guided by a coach who provided me with a tailored program. Some days, I include speed workouts in my routine. I also do long slow distance (LSD) runs, sometimes aiming for a specific time, and other times focusing solely on mileage and endurance without a time goal. To prepare, I signed up for a marathon event two months before BDM as a practice run.
In addition to physical training, I’ve been very disciplined with my diet. I load up on carbs before lifting or going for a long run and focus on protein-rich foods post-workout or after an LSD run. I always ensure to include recovery days between sessions. Despite a busy work schedule, I also prioritize getting regular sleep, and taking naps when needed.
What was your plan on the race day?
My plan was to focus on maintaining my target time and pace, especially for the first 50 km. I aimed to reach the 50 km mark within 7:30 to 8:00 hours. After reviewing the route using the GPX file provided before race day, I saw that the first 8 km were uphill, so I planned to complete that section in about 1:30 hours. I intended to make the most of the night, running before the sun came up, as it would be much more challenging to run under the sun for several hours. This strategy would give me some buffer time for the next 52 km, which I needed to complete within 18 hours.
At the 50 km mark, I planned to eat, then continue with small, frequent snacks and hydration. I was particularly mindful of a portion of the route called Dinalupihan, known as the most difficult part of the race due to its intense heat and lack of shade. I planned to avoid long stops, pausing only to eat and resting by walking instead of coming to a complete stop. Additionally, I had to consider my support crew, my husband, John, who was driving and looking after me throughout the 102 km race. Since he was also going without sleep, it was important to ensure he had time to rest as well.
How well did you execute your race plan? Have you made any adjustments, and how did it affect your actual performance?
I successfully hit my target time of 7:30 for the first 50 km, and I was able to eat and hydrate as planned. I only had two stops where I sat down: once at 50 km and again at 65 km, where I gave myself a 10-minute rest since I had met my target time of 9:30 hours. I was pleasantly surprised that I managed to do this, likely because I was in such high spirits—I smiled the entire time, chatted with other runners along the way, and enjoyed talking with my husband whenever he handed me hydration or drove by in the car.
However, things took a turn at the 75 km mark when I started feeling a sharp pain in my stomach and uterus, along with bloating and menstrual cramps. Although I was still on my period, I hadn’t anticipated the pain to be this intense. I held back tears until I reached 81.60 km, where I began to feel nauseous. Since the 75 km mark, I hadn’t been able to eat because my body was rejecting food. By 82 km, I had hit the wall. With a heavy heart, I told John that I would have to DNF, so he called the organizers to report it before we left the route.
What was the highlight of BDM for you?
Despite my DNF, I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience—from picking up my race kit to the quick tour of the area the day before and finally the race itself. I had an incredible time. I always enjoy ultramarathons, but BDM was truly special, perhaps because it was my dream ultra. Although my body couldn’t complete the 102 km, my heart was full. I’m still excited at the thought of returning and doing it all over again, but this time with better preparation so I can reach the finish line and earn that muhon with an even bigger smile!
Is there anything you wish you had done differently during the race?
There are certain things that are simply beyond your control on race day. Even with thorough preparation and sticking to a training program, your body can still surprise you—especially for women like me who might have their menstrual period during the race. I’ve run during my periods before, but some days can be particularly challenging. However, I’ll find ways to better manage this and prevent it from affecting my race in the future.
Will You do it again? Definitely, yes!
Jeuy Bantolo
From where: Malabon City
How many years in running? 6 years
How many times have you joined BDM? Once – Done with 102
What was your primary reason for joining BDM?
BDM is one of the most prestigious ultramarathon events here in the Philippines that every ultramarathon runner should experience. Thus, commemorating the suffering that our fellowmen experienced during that time.
How did you train for BDM?
Six months of training. On weekends I do LSD 30 to 50km and on weekdays I run 10km every Tuesday and Thursday. For the diet, I’m not so strict but I refrain from spicy foods but of course, I do have supplements.
What was your plan on the race day?
My plan was to finish the first half (50k) for sub-6 hours so I could just relax for the remaining half.
How well did you execute your race plan? Have you made any adjustments, and how did it affect your actual performance?
Everything went well according to my game plan.
What was the highlight of BDM for you?
The highlight of the race is that I’ve met those who have the same interests as me as ultramarathoners. I’ve also run with those people that I idolize.
Is there anything you wish you had done differently during the race?
I don’t have any regrets because the race itself was enjoyable.
Will You do it again? Yes, but this time with the 160 km to achieve the grand slam.
Romarcson Tiangco
From Where: Montalban Rizal
Years in Running: Since 2010
How many times have you joined BDM? Once, 2023
What was your primary reason for joining BDM?
when I was a newbie runner way back in 2010. I had a running group. Some of them already finished BDM102. Before I started running, I could barely run a 5k. Then I heard them talking about BDM102. I was amazed I can’t imagine running 102 km. I promise myself I will also run BDM
How did you train for BDM?
I am running 3-4x a week. Total weekly mileage was 80-150 km. My longest solo LSD was 70 km. Then, 2-3 weeks prior to the race, I ran between 11 am-2 pm to practice heat training, that’s the advice of some BDM finishers.
What was your plan on the race day?
Initially, I am aiming for sub13 hrs. Start slow. nutrition every 7km.
How well did you execute your race plan? Have you made any adjustments, and how did it affect your actual performance?
Unfortunately, I didn’t execute my plan. I got bloated from Km 21 until the entire race. I was disappointed at that time. I can feel my pace getting slower and slower. At the km50 checkpoint, my time was 6 hours and 30 minutes. And I didn’t feel good; I was so exhausted. I know that I can’t hit my target time. Many times, I thought of quitting the race due to exhaustion and disappointment. But I’ve waited for this for more than 10 years. I said to myself, I will finish this whatever it takes. My official time is 15:44.
What was the highlight of BDM for you?
I think km80. sobrang init. That was the hardest 42 km of my life.
Is there anything you wish you had done differently during the race?
Start slower. Proper nutrition timing to avoid bloating.
Will You do it again? Yes…I will definitely join the BDM160. Laban na to!
Nora C. Perez
From Where: San Pedro Laguna
Years in Running: Since 2014
How many times have you joined BDM? Once- batch 2023
What was your primary reason for joining BDM?
Test my agility & endurance as GOD may allow
How did you train for BDM?
Prayer and Trust in the Lord 100% Actual Training & 10% discipline
What was your plan on the race day?
Prayer and rest prior at least 8 hours before the race, and listen to worship songs during the race.
How well did you execute your race plan? Have you made any adjustments, and how did it affect your actual performance?
No plan, except for my prayer and trust in GOD while listening worship songs. The biggest challenges came from my team and service vehicle, which sometimes couldn’t keep up with my pace. However, I feel truly blessed because, by the grace of God, I managed to finish near the front, even considering my age and the fact that I was running alone while my team and service vehicle followed behind. As I ran, I became thirsty and hungry. By God’s grace, I encountered a fellow runner from Cebu who was also running alone. He noticed me and said, ” Ate sabay na tayo, nag iisa din ako.” I responded, “God sent me an angel.” He and his wife Gezelle, along with their friend Gerald, graciously offered their service vehicle and provided me with everything I needed, like food and drinks, especially since my own support vehicle was 30 km behind.
What was the highlight of BDM for you?
God is good. He provides all the things that I ever need. He uses other people to take care of and love me during the race. God is love, and He works in mysterious ways.
Is there anything you wish you had done differently during the race?
I thank God because HE sent me someone to help me all the way. Thank you, James, Gee, and Gerald, for the assistance during the race. They helped me, they provided me with all the things that I needed, even the clothes. I think I cannot finish the race without them. I’m so grateful and surprised because I ended up Top 4 Female Runner. James coached me on how to run, slow/fast, and rest.
Will You do it again? No – running on the expressway from 11 am onwards is no good.
This next story is from the other half of Geemiz 😊
James Maningo
From where: Compostela, Cebu
How many years running? 11 years
How many times have you joined BDM? Once – Batch 2023
This Bataan Death March Ultra: BDM 102 journey was supposed to be a physical challenge but became a spiritual one.
Please don’t get me wrong; I did train hard for this. Studied countless training plans and trained hard enough to get a finish with whatever waking hours I’ve got left or even more. However, I’ve seen a couple of BDM2023 alumni who trained twice/thrice as hard as me, trained intelligently, raced healthy w/o injuries, and logged in way more mileage than I have, but sadly did not get the result. I can never attribute this “success” to physical prowess, as I have been weak (stubborn but weak) for most of my life.
At the start of the race, after one of the hardest sections of the 7 km ascent, I finished 10 minutes earlier than planned without draining myself; I knew I was in the right race condition. When I first saw my support crew vigorously cheering and having everything prepped and lined up, I’ve thought to myself, there’s no way I’m not finishing this race on time. I must pause and assure them to say, “Don’t worry, I got this!”.
You can feel the festive energy of the runners and the support crews in the earlier part of the race. On the KM30 section, approaching the dreaded marathon wall and into the old national road — a darker section of the route — you see fewer runners, and energy starts to change. Most runners can no longer hold the pace, some started walking and you can sense the fatigue already kicking in.
I was able to hold my pace along with a couple of runners. Until a point, I was only running with one individual. It was weird at first because she seemed to be talking to herself. Meet Ate Nora, a 53-year-old BDM newbie from Laguna with a 60km ultra finish under her belt. Frequent Age Cat podium finisher in Manila races and logs a daily 10km mileage. With just a “good enough” training mileage required at this level, for both of us, I was wondering how far we’ll be able to hold a 6:45-7:15 running pace together with very minimal stops (less than a minute every 2 kms). Little did I know that this woman packs a different kind of power, the power of prayer.
I’ve known quite a few religious people in my life, but I’ve never seen them struggle in action for that much or for that long. It’s a spiritual epiphany. This woman is emanating a different kind of strength. While she was in awe at how strategic I was with our run — when to consume the gels, what nutrition to take, how to even the pace on uphills/downhills, distribute timed rest for hot meals, what time the sun rises at what distance, and prep the logistics ahead to get the gear ready for the heat run, deliberately setting our cadence to 180steps per minute to reduce the ground contact time and minimize accumulated damage — I was struck by how simple yet effective her method was, prayer. That’s the ultimate life hack! Just pray, and as my semi-agnostic sister would say, then it will fulfill by itself, a self-fulfilling prophecy. As the old churchgoers or teenagers headbanging on Hillsong music would say, “Let go and let God!”.
So, how far were we able to hold the pace? That’s 80km, 10 hours of running at 7:40mins/km elapsed pace. No knee pains, no cramps, no ITBS, no plantar fasciitis, nothing. They say you need a sprinkle of good fortune to finish an ultrarace; on that day, I’ve got a fountain of it. It was a complete blessing. I’ve done the math enough to know that with the remaining half-marathon distance, I can do a sub14-hour finish. Despite the heat, I could have finished faster with slightly slower positive splits than the first 80km, but I wasn’t greedy. It’s already way more than I asked for.
And so, I did, clocking in at 13 hours, 48 minutes, finishing 25th overall, while Ate Nora, who started to slow down on KM80, clocked in 14h30mins finishing 4th female overall. What started as a physical & mental toughness challenge became a spiritual revelation and felt like a new Haki Awakening. I did ask a few people to pray for a safe run, to avoid major injuries. I trained for a sub-16 run but was more than happy to get a finish. However, God provided me with a strong, prayerful 53-year-old woman to show me that hard training and meticulous preparation can only get you so far; it takes faith to bring you to another level. This skews the much-needed fortune to your favor—things outside your control.
BDM is indeed BDM, the most prestigious road ultramarathon in our country. With an 18-hr cut-off for 102km and strict race rules, this is no easy feat. A pure test of endurance and a new level of suffering. What the Filipino-American soldiers went through – wounded and battle-weary with barely any food, water, or rest and then surviving that distance under the grueling heat of the sun – is just unthinkable. It’s a gratitude slap for you and me. A reminder of how meager our complaints and everyday struggles are. How war could be so violent and unforgiving?
And to you, whenever you feel hate, ingratitude, and discontent — maybe try heading out for a run under the midday sun. I hope by the time you finish you are reminded of how comfortable the life you’re living is and how you should be thankful for it. If that is not enough, remember, Ate Nora, simply shut off everything and pray.
See you all by 2025??? ??
Struggle well and God bless!
BDM 13th Edition
Bib#: 189
Distance: 102 km
Goal: Sub 16
Actual: 13:48:58 (sub 14)
Running events have been flourishing as more and more people embrace the sport. In Cebu alone, weekly fun runs have become a regular thing, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for running. If we stay committed to our running journey, maintain our training, and persevere through challenges, there’s no doubt that we have the potential to become future legends of the Bataan Death March Ultramarathon. It’s about more than just finishing a race; it’s about embodying the spirit of endurance, resilience, and passion that defines the true legends of BDM. Keep pushing forward, and one day, we’ll be part of that amazing alumni.
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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Good day,
I am hosting the event and looking to puchase medals, belt buckets and other items.
Any assistance would be greatful apprecited