From the lenses of Mikaela: Shots from the 1st Cebu UltraMarathon

Sorry for this late post. But I just got to do this.  :-)

I was asked by a lot of runner friends how come I didn't join the 1st Cebu UltraMarathon. Apparently, they knew I was able to conquer the 46.15kms route from JY Square to Balamban Proper last October (see story here). I was actually my longest run in terms of distance and time.

But my answer for that question was I am just not that ready for an UltraMarathon. Though a major part of me wants to run the Ultra but my body and mind says otherwise. As you can recall in my previous blog, I ran 34kms during my birthday and I can imagine to ran 50kms a week that.

Ungo runners: the best support crew!

Anyhow, weeks before the historic event, I decided to be part the support crew for the Ungo UltraMarathoners. Our support team composed of the ever supportive Doc King2x, Adz, Agz and Alex were stationed at KM27. We had a lot to give -- motivational banners home-made cookies, bananas, Hammer Gel, jelly ace, chocolates, pasta, Gatorade, water, sponges, some good dance music and Red Horse beer. Yes! We served that for those who wants to add more kick in the run. Of course, we gave all our Ungo love and support!

And I brought with me my Mikaela - my trusted Nikon D70s and my goal was to take photos of each runner and just be able to capture this amazing event. Runner after every runner Mikaela's shutter was just capturing the run. Out of 180 plus runners who joined the UltraMarathon, I have managed to capture almost all of them. Below are photos of runners and support crew members who are part of this amazing event.

 These are some of the first few elite runners who passed by our station.

I guess this runner (forgot his name) doesn't need water yet as he just passed by our station fast! :-)

 BDM 102 survivors (Bataan Death March) Junrox Roque and Michelle Estuar also passed by our station and thanked us for the support we gave them. Both elite runners are now training for next year's BDM150. You guys are sooo amazing!

Of course who can forget Daryl Igot who was the first Ungo Runner to made a quick stop at our station. He rested and ate some of our cookies and bananas. And of course being the RH Runner himself, he gladly took a cup of our Red Horse beer! 

While Daryl was resting, the 3 ladies offered some foodie to this runner... including the dog as "pulutan" for the Red Horse beer. just kidding...

 Some of the runners get special treatment as they get sponges soaked in cold water. Mind you, most of them are not Ungo Runners. But we don't discriminate!

 RH Runner Marben Golez took care of his shoe while Steve Ferraren received a sponge from Alex.

 Who says UltraMarathon isn't FUN?

And we were all inspired to see Jovie "Bald Runner" Narcise himself in flesh.

FrontRunner Magazine pubblisher Jonel goofing around with our crew. It was him who brought the UltraMarathon experience in Cebu. Thank you Sir Jonel!

 TTB Runner Christian "FunnyBogdo" Cullen always wearing that signature smile while other runners came thru as well.

 Serial marathoner and Tinago barangay councilor Joel Garganera took his oath of office after crossing the finish line. 

But no one can ever forget Edward Tan Ting and Jacob Ong who we call the Huarache Boys. They ran 50K wearing home-made rubber sandals called Huaraches. 

 RH Runner (with white Ungo shirt) paced with 3 other runners. Ungo runner Victor Chan also came along.

Left: Fellow blooger and dailymile Jurein in his mohawk.
Right: a takbo.ph VFF runner. He was one of the 4 ultramarathoners who wore VFFs in the entire 50K race.

Dr. Alex Junia posed for a photo with the Ungo ladies.

 UltraMarathoner and my idol Atty. Haide Acuna just enjoying the run. 

 Fellow Ungo Runners Brian Padilla, Mommy Twinkle Ignacio and Gary Garcia (Be Resorts GM) also enjoying the run. Brian later on finished last in the race and though he didn't finish in the cut-off time, he was still awarded the finisher's plate by Jonel Mendoza himself. I was happy to get to Brian at last few kilometers and walked with him to the finish line. See separate story here.

Yep, that's me with a small megaphone running back towards the station to get some sponge. Our crew joined the other Ungo crew assigned in Ayala Heights. :-)

Brian Padilla take a quick chat with us when we converged with the another Ungo support station manned by Ryan Gonzaga and Coleen Digman. (photo by Alex)

And while waiting for the other runners to arrive, we did some photo ops ourselves.
Coleen and Doc King2x enjoyed the afternoon ambiance while Adz enjoyed his power nap.

AND THE FINISHERS ARE.... drum roll please....

RH Runners Creas, Daryl, Rico and Dan (and a fellow finisher) seen here with Syd and Baby Garci

 Christian Cullen with wifey Katol (my female version) | Master Ungo himself Max Limpag with proud wife Marlen 

  Tito Vildosola and wife Irene | Marathon Foodie herself Haide Acuna 

  Mommy Twinkle Ignacio - she ran with her full costume | Eric "da UltraBogdonator" Agaton - finishing strong inspite with his cramps. It took awhile until he can walk again at the finish line 

  Jun2x Tan with Agz & Alex | Doc Alex Junia

  Martin Ibanez | Ultramarathoners from Manila (sorry I forgot to ask for their names)  

But above all else, for me this race isn't just about who crossed the finish line but also to those who supported them all the way. I'm referring to the Ungo Runners who without discrimination have supported each and every runner in this historic race.

Thank you to all UNGO SUPPORTERS! Congratulations to all ULTRAMARATHONERS!

Special mention to the ff Ungo finishers: Daryl Igot, Garry Garcia, Marben Golez, Dr. Willie Estepa, Gabby Lariosa, William Jatulan, Tito Vildosola, Dan Morales, Vard Atuel, Eric Agaton, Garganera, Cadjing Pelicano, Rico Dale Petallar, Christian Cullen, Bennet Silario, Victor Chan, Twinkle Ignacio and Dr. Alex Junia. Ungo Runners Marco Albeza and Brian Padilla arrived at the finish line after the official cutoff but were recognized as finishers.

Next stops for next year: Cebu UltraMarathons 60K and 65K! hmmmm.... thinking.... 

*You can check out the photo slideshow of the Cebu Ultramarathon thru my PicasaWeb Album here.