I was excited to run this race because this is the first time that I will be able to step in Corregidor Island.
From what I’ve heard from those who already went to Corregidor, I was more excited to ride the ferry boat than anything else.
We were at the terminal by 9 A.M. on 18 December 2010. The ferry left Manila a few minutes past 10:30 A.M. I was amazed with how beautiful the inside of the ferry was. We got nice seats at the upper deck near the refreshment area where passengers can buy food and drinks. It took us less than 2 hours to reach Corregidor Island.
Along the way, we met two lady runners [Rhea and Karen] who were also booked at Corregidor Inn. All the rooms there had no TV sets and refs. I also know that there are no internet connections. I had to prepare myself for the boredom that goes along the way with the lack of these hi-tech amenities. That was the reason why I brought a luggage bag where I could place some of the office folders I could work on. Business goes in handy when you are trying to kill boredom.
Corregidor Inn's resto
registration area for the hotel booking
nice view outside the Inn
By 4 P.M. after I’ve taken a short nap, we went out of the hotel to take some pictures. The big cannons were there. McArthur’s statue was a welcome site for photo-ops. I could have gotten farther into the steep uphills but rain began to pour. We then had to hurry back to the hotel to while away our time.
Large cannon pointed towards the sea
one of the uphill routes
McArthur's statue
After working on a few cases I brought along with me, I prepared myself for a long night sleep.
During the run
We were at the starting line a few minutes before the 8 A.M. gun start. Pics were taken with friends, snapping photos here and there, and bantering with the members of Slimmers Adriatico until the organizers announced that the race would start in a few seconds.
With Attys. Alex Martin and Audi Samar
From L-R: Rod Sollesta, Quintin Atienza, Dr. Kenz Cancio, myself, and Dr. Teody Del Mundo
This was one race where I felt very heavy right from the very start. Attending Christmas parties where food and drinks were abundant has taken its toll on me. This is not to offer any excuses for the dip in my performance but just part of how I explain to myself that there is really no way to improve one’s performance unless you try to discipline yourself mentally and physically.
This Corregidor Run I would not classify as a trail run. About 5% of the route consists of a well-trimmed trail and nothing else. The remaining 95% was actually road running that is composed of very steep uphills and downhills. The last uphill climb [around the 17k point] was the one where many had to walk, forward or backwards, whichever form fits the runner.
The CHIM route was excellent. This is actually a good training ground for anyone who wants to improve their performance both in speed and endurance. The drawback is that you have to spend a few thousand bucks for every trip to the Island [P1,900 for the ferry ride; P1,900 daily rate for the hotel; P600 bucks for food and drinks daily].
I finished the 21k in 2 hours, 10 minutes and 43 seconds [02:10:43] which is good enough for the 57th ranking overall.
After the run
On a scale of 1 to 10, I’d give this race a perfect rating, not because I am generous with ratings but because the organizers really deserved to be congratulated. Kudos to the CHIM organizers! Mabuhay kayong lahat!
Here are some of the reasons why this race deserved a very high rating:
[a] The medal was the largest brass medal I’ve ever received. The Mayon Trail run medal was larger but this was made of lava material and not brass. As most runners commented, “sulit na sulit sa medal pa lang.”
[b] Very challenging route which is comparable to the Biodiversity route.
[c] plenty of water stations, with bananas, honey, energy drinks;
[d] marshals were located at strategic points of the race route;
[e] very friendly and accommodating staff;
[f] the scenery was like no other place I’ve run before; and
[g] lots of food after the race.
Our group submitted a very decent performance [Rod Sollesta, 01:55:30; Quintin Atienza, 02:01:22; Dr. Ma. Encarnacion Cancio, 02:19:22; Atty. Red Samar, 02:20:59; Atty. Audi Samar, 02:21:35; Atty. Alex Martin, 02:21:39; Dr. Teodoro del Mundo, 02:30:16; Mary June Villamor, 02:31:12]. Dr. Kenz Cancio garnered 3rd place in the women’s overall. Michelle Estuar was the QUEEN OF THE ROCK. First placer got P15,000 cash prize while 3rd placer Kenz received P5,000.00 for her first 21k. She also received a P1,600 gift certificate.
June Villamor - podium finisher in RUNEW Alabang 16k [3rd place], Biodiversity 21k run [4th place], Makiling 16k trail run [4th place]. Suffering from an ITBS, finishing the Corregidor 21k run was more than an achievement.
Dr. Teody Del Mundo - Before the race, Teody was worried that Dr. Kenz would have a difficult time finishing the 21k race but it turned out that the latter was actually the sister of SHEENA, queen of the amazon.
Atty. Alex Martin - he tried to overtake Atty. Audi in the last 50 meters.
Atty. Audi Samar - just would not allow Alex to cross the finish line ahead of him. Not this time, bro!
Atty. Red Samar from the Court of Appeals - the ultramarathon guy! Very humble despite his incredible credentials.
Introducing the BLOODY MARY [you have to ask her why] or the BLONDE RUNNER, Dr. Kenz Cancio - a very successful dentist who took 3rd place overall among female participants. Dr. Kenz received P5,000.00 and a gift certificate worth P1,600.00. Not bad for a first timer in the 21k level. Congratulations to Kenz. She now plans to be a full time runner and a part-time dentist[lol]. You can view the results by clicking any of the icons below:
Corregidor International Half Marathon - 21K Overall Results
Corregidor International Half Marathon - Male 21K Results
Corregidor International Half Marathon - Female 21K Results
Nice blog drizzlerunner. thanks sa pix and comments. See you sa mga next runs...
ReplyDelete