by Ben Gaetos
The fourth annual TNF100K Baguio billed itself as the Philippines premier ultramarathon. Three hundred and forty runners from 18 countries converged to The City of Pines. Four consecutive days of rain increased the possible result of DNF instead of TNF finish.
The 3 a.m. start didn’t seem to matter as pumped up early birds arrived. Race started and finished at former US military base, Camp John Hay. Early in the race, runners were awakened immediately as they slipped and slid around stepping onto overgrown tree roots and mud leading to the Eco Trail. Unlike boxing, the three knockdown rule was waived. Footing settled as runners entered a small village where dogs and roosters crow to claim their territory. Crossing a short hanging bridge was another wake up call. The race allowed 30 hours to complete the 100k so I had ample time to regain my stride.
After replenishing with water and boiled yam at aid station 2 (18.3k), the first major ascent began along a steep vegetated ridge and pine trees leading to the town of Ampucao. The course was well marked with flags and courteous marshals. The view on this rolling peak at about 1,800 meters (6,000 feet) was absolutely magnificent with pastured cows and rock formations. Forewarned about minimal aid station supplies, I made use of my tiny knowledge of local dialect to purchase sports beverage at mini-stores. A runner and I shared half a bowl of porridge with a small portion of chicken and boiled egg. Philex and other gold mining companies used to proliferate here. Villagers also used hoses to tap mountain spring water.
More excitement developed as the race entered rain forest with downed trees and muddy trails. I finally hit my stride descending through this slope. Marshals halted and directed runners to use a rope connecting trails three stories down and another rope to an elevated rocky section leading to another village. This time, the descent was on steep concrete causing quad busting and painful jammed toes on the way to the lowest point of the course at 390 meters (1,200 feet) and aid station 5 (54.9k).
Runners accessed their drop bags at the famed Kennon Road and rested from the steaming temperature. Marshals checked for mandatory night gear here. My eyes almost popped out when I saw in front of me a long span cable-supported hanging bridge and gigantic waterfalls. The 20k (12 mile), 1,800-meter (5,500 foot) elevation gain up to Mount Santo Tomas peak at 2,260 meters (7,415 feet) guaranteed a skyrocketing heart rate. Tapped spring water was a welcome replenishment in addition to stream crossings. Dark clouds loomed in the horizon.
Indeed a game changer as pouring rain, thunder and lightning made it difficult to navigate with fogged up eyeglasses. I should have opted for the 50k registration. There was no way for me to finish if the rain continued. A midway aid station inspected runners for limatik bites, which is akin to a leech. With time still way within cutoffs, the rain stopped just past the summit. Finishing time was not as important as being safe. Easy to say but I was holding on for dear life on steep muddy single-track trail down ravines. With a couple more hanging bridge crossings, runners were off for the final 20k (12 miles).
It was a hard earned finish and a well-deserved medal. At the end of the day, what mattered most was a successful journey. Live another day.
