Ultramarathon Trail (50KM DNF) Solo Joiner; Altra 50 Bicol 2025

Filipino Ultra Marathon Solo Joiner April 13, 2025 Camarinus Sur, Philippines

Ultramarathon Trail (50KM DNF) Solo Joiner; VJ100UTC Baguio 2024

This Fun Run served as my Second trail and Third road ULTRAMARATHON (50KM) as a Solo Joiner, following the Luneta to Tagaytay Ultramarathon (60KM) last Mar. 2025, My main objective is just to finish the race (beating my previous PR is optional), I want to enjoy the run at my own pace.

Race Name: ALTRA BICOL 50 2025     Distance Joined: ULTRA MARATHON TRAIL (50KM)

Registration / Inclusion: PHP 3,040 (early bird) / Race bib, Event Shirt, Finisher's Medal, Post Race Meal

Location: PANICUASON, NAGA CITY (one-loop)     Cut-off Time: 13-Apr-2025 Sun 0200H-2000H (18 hours)

Finished: NO               Time: 09:05:24 (DNF)               Pace: DNF          ITRA: 3 points          UTMB: XXX 

New PR: N/A               Elevation Gain: 3,158m               Rank: DNF 

Qualification: (1) Must be at least 18 years old on race day. (2) Must have completed a 42 Km or higher distance road or trail run between January 2024 and March 2025. (3) Must be physically fit and in good health supported by a medical certificate with a clearly stated “fit to run” not later than six (6) months before the event.

Route difficulty: Difficult one-loop route, not good for beginners. Lots of lost route markers on the 1st 37km, as such, lots of DNFs also. The last 10km final push to Mt. Isarog is brutal, very high total elevation gain of around 1,400m for just 5km distance from base to summit. 

Remarks (My rating: 1 of 5 stars): (1) Lots of lost route markers on the 1st 37km, as such, lots of DNF runners also. (2) Somehow organized, started on time. Minimal refreshments in the water stops. (3) Event shirt and finisher medal design is ok. (4) Food meal after race has no plate, bring you own. (5) decided to DNF due to the burdening inner knee pain, challenging route direction and scorching weather

If given the chance, do I like to join this race again? No (enough for the experience)

Ultramarathon Trail (50KM DNF) Solo Joiner; Altra 50 Bicol 2025

My 5th Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Clark Animo Marathon 2025

Filipino Marathon Fun Run Solo Joiner 09-Mar-2025 Sunday in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines

My 4th Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; 7-Eleven Marathon 2025

This Fun Run served as my fifth FULL-MARATHON 42.2KM as a Solo Joiner, following the 7-Eleven Run last Feb. 2025, which started my running enthusiasm last Apr. 2024. My main objective is just to finish the race (beating my previous PR is optional), I want to enjoy the run at my own pace.

TCS Clark Animo International Marathon (TCS-CAIM) is an annual non-profit running event held in Clark Pampanga, Philippines since 2009 (started as Clark Animo Fun Run). It features a PR-friendly WORLD ATHLETICS® certified (formerly IAAF-AIMS) 42.195km full marathon traversing through the heart of the freeport zone. The accredited TCS-CAIM marathon means your recorded time will be recognized by other prestigious WORLD ATHLETICS (WA) marathon around the globe having passed the rigorous process of accurate course measurement undertaken by WORLD ATHLETICS (i.e. TCS-NYC marathon, TCS-LONDON marathon, BERLIN marathon and others).

Race Name: TCS CLARK ANIMO INT'L MARATHON 2025     Distance Joined: FULL MARATHON (42.2KM)

Registration / Inclusion: PHP 2,700 (early bird) / singlet, finisher medal/shirt, loot bag, shipment fee

Location: CLARK FREEPORT ZONE ROUTE two loops)     Cut-off Time: 09-Mar-2025 Sun 0230H-0930H (7 hours)

Finished: YES               Time: 05:50:11 (SUB6)               Pace: 08:18     

New PR: NO               Elevation Gain: 211m               Rank: 81.02% (363rd of 448)

Route difficulty: Full Marathon route with two loos and high total elevation gain of 241m (obviously a not PR-friendly route). Started/Finished in Clark Global City passing through Roxas Highway, Creek's Road, 

Remarks (My rating: 2 of 5 stars): (1) Full Marathon route with two loops and high total elevation gain of 211m. (2) Somehow organized, started on time. Lots of refreshments in the water stops. (3) 42km Event/Finisher shirt design is somehow good. Medal design is awesome. (4) 2:30am was a bad start time as the last hours dropped to scorching sun exposure (5) 7 hours cut-off time is short with 2-loops high elevation gain route.

If given the chance, do I like to join this race again? No (repeated loop with high elevation gain)

My 5th Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Clark Animo Marathon 2025

My 2nd Ultramarathon (60KM) Solo Joiner; Luneta to Tagaytay 2025

Filipino Ultra Marathon Solo Joiner 01-Mar-2025 Sunday in Rizal Park, Philippines

My 1st Ultramarathon (50KM) Solo Joiner; Pampanga to Bulacan 2025

"I’ve learned that it’s what you do with the miles, rather than how many you’ve run' - Rod DeHaven, Track & Field Coach

This Fun Run served as my Second ULTRAMARATHON (60KM) as a Solo Joiner and the longest run distance I have, following the Pampanga to Bulacan Ultramarathon (50KM) last Jan. 2025. My main objective is just to finish the race (beating my previous PR is optional), I want to enjoy the run at my own pace.

Race Name: LUNETA TO TAGAYTAY ULTRA 2025     Distance Joined: ULTRAMARATHON (60KM)

Registration / Inclusion: PHP 2,500 / Bib w/o timing chip, Finisher's Medal/Shirt/trophy, post race meal

Location: LUNETA TO TAGAYTAY ROUTE     Cut-off Time: 01-Mar-2025 Sat 2300H-1300H (14 hours)

Finished: YES               Time: 13:21:03               Pace: 13:00           

New PR: YES               Elevation Gain: 834m               Rank: last finishers 

Route difficulty: Point to point route was provided starting from Kilometer Zero, Rizal Park, Manila, passing through Pasay, Paranaque, Las Pinas, Bacoor, Imus, Dasmarinas, Silang, and then ends in People's Park, Tagaytay. Total distance of more than 63 kilometers with a continuously ascending route (834m total altitude gain) which is challenging for Ultramarathon beginners. 

This race has a distance of around 64km and has only 4 aid stations every 10km on the first 40km only. The initial plan was to have AS every 5km after 40km, but no AS provided until the finish line. With very hot and humid weather, it is very disappointing/frustrating especially no finisher medal received for us last finishers slow runners to think we paid for it and I'm one of those who availed the early bird promo. The Organizer didn't care at all, there's NO official start/finish time recorded and NO list of official finishers. The excitement of finishing my longest distance faded away on the bare minimum expectation I have as a Slow Runner. 

Remarks (My rating: 0 of 5 stars): (1) Not beginner-friendly point-to-point route with gradually increasing high elevation gain. (2) NO FINISHER MEDAL RECEIVED to think that we paid for it for slow runners last finishers (3) Not organized, parang nagpatakbo lang ng mga tambay sa kanto (one-hour delayed start time, magulo ang start race area, no Marshals/markers on the route, magulo din ang finish race area, all last finishers didn't have the finisher medal) (4) no official start/finish time recorded, as in just run within cut-off time (Organizer told whatever recorded on my wrist watch) and no official list of finishers also (5) Very minimal aid station, every 10km of 1st 40km route only to think that the last hours was continuously ascending under scorching weather (RD posted plan was AS on every 5km after 40km) 

If given the chance, would I like to join this race again? No (not beginner-friendly, not organized)

My 2nd Ultramarathon (60KM) Solo Joiner; Luneta to Tagaytay 2025

My 4th Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; 7-Eleven Run Series 2025

Filipino Marathon Fun Run Solo Joiner 01-Feb-2025 Saturday in Muntinlupa City, Philippines

My 3rd Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Cebu Marathon 2025

"Never limit where running can take you. I mean that geographically, spiritually, and of course, physically."- Bart Yasso, the "mayor of running"

This Fun Run served as my Fourth FULL-MARATHON 42.2KM as a Solo Joiner and a Post-Birthday adventure, following the Cebu Marathon last Jan. 2025, which started my running enthusiasm last Apr. 2024. My main objective is just to finish the race (beating my previous PR is optional), I want to enjoy the run at my own pace.

7-Eleven Run Series is an annual run event held by 7-Eleven Philippines, started in 2015, and takes place in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. I think this Fun run with Marathon route has the cheapest registration fee ever for a local marathon though the route is terrible.

 

I've been a Long-distance Fun Run Solo Joiner since Apr. 2024, from 10km joining once, to Half-Marathon joining 4x then 32km once. My main triggering factors to join were the FINISHER SHIRT (show-off entitlement shirt) and the running route location. I was so bored I had nothing to do and no regular hobby (so somehow it was an impulsive, all-of-a-sudden decision). My very first Full Marathon was MANILA MARATHON last Oct. 2024. Followed by Asics Rock N' Roll Manila last Nov. 2024. 

Race Name: 7-ELEVEN RUN SERIES 2025     Distance Joined: FULL MARATHON (42.2KM)

Registration / Inclusion: PHP 1,600 (early bird) / singlet, finisher medal/shirt, race bib

Location: FILINVEST ROUTE (4 loops)     Cut-off Time: 01-Feb-2025 Sat 2300H-0600H (7 hours)

Finished: YES               Time: 06:15:56 (SUB6:30)               Pace: 08:55     

New PR: NO               Elevation Gain: 241m               Rank: 79.52% (396th of 498)

Route difficulty: Four repeated loops is not good/boring for a full marathon. Average route, good for beginners. This race is just for experience only because 7-Eleven run series is known to have a repeated loops for their full marathon route though the cheapest registration fee is enticing.

Remarks (My rating: 1 of 5 stars): (1) Full Marathon route is bad, creating 4 loops is boring. (2) Not so organized but started on time. Lots of refreshments in the water stops. (3) Singlet/Finisher shirt/medal is terrible (dugyot ng quality at design). Shirt size is not even accurate. (4) The cheapest Registration fee for a local Marathon, given item #3, and lots of sponsors that's why this is called a "Loot Run" (5) Not a single portalet is available on any part of the route to think it is repeated 4 times and there's a lot of runners (from 711m participants to Marathoners)

If given the chance, would I like to join this race again? Definitely No (repeated loops/finisher kit is horrible)

My 4th Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; 7-Eleven Run Series 2025 (LOOT RUN)

My 1st Ultramarathon (50KM) Solo Joiner; Pampanga to Bulacan 2025

Filipino Ultra Road Run Solo Joiner January 25 to 26, 2025 in Bulacan, Philippines

Ultramarathon Trail (50KM DNF) Solo Joiner; VJ100UTC Baguio 2024

This Fun Run served as my Second ULTRAMARATHON (50KM) as a Solo Joiner following the VJ100 Ultra Trail Run DNF (50KM). My main objective is just to finish the race (beating my previous PR is optional), I want to enjoy the run at my own pace.

Pampanga to Bulacan Ultramarathon 2025 (50 KM) is in its third year of ultra road running distance from Guagua, Pampanga passing through San Fernando, Mexico, San Luis, Candaba then ends in Baliuag, Bulacan happening every first quarter of the year. Not much was provided by the Race Director / Organizer. It's my first time joining a road ultramarathon and my pre-birthday marathon adventure.

 

I've been a Fun Run Solo Joiner since 2007 but not as a runner (walker actually as most of the time I was walking), just for the sake of Race Singlet and being a joiner. My longest distance was even 10km (about 2x only), and usual for 5km. I stopped joining because I was lazy and lost interest. More than 10 years later until April 13, 2024, my first official run training for Fun-Run, I was so bored I had nothing to do and no regular hobby (so somehow it was a spontaneous decision). My main triggering factor was the FINISHER SHIRT (bragging entitlement shirt) and TikTok / FB Reels of running tips randomly (not that motivated, just for a push on my interest). From 10km to a Half-Marathon, I suddenly decided again to elevate the distance to a full marathon (42.2km) as my running interest is getting addicted out of boredom and depression. 

Race Name: PAMPANGA TO BULACAN ULTRA 2025     Distance Joined: ULTRAMARATHON (50KM)

Registration / Inclusion: PHP 3,360 / Singlet, Finisher's Medal/Shirt, Post Race Meal, loot bag, acrylic trophy

Location: GUAGUA TO BALIWAG ROUTE     Cut-off Time: 25-Jan-2025 Sat 2300H-0900H (10 hours)

Finished: YES               Time: 09:29:01               Pace: 11:04           

New PR: YES               Elevation Gain: 60m               Rank: 129th of 133 

Route difficulty: Point to point route is one of the best running route for an ultramarathon race with seven aid stations along. Starting from Guagua, Pampanga passing through San Fernando, Mexico, San Luis, Candaba then ends in Baliuag, Bulacan. Total distance of almost 52 kilometers with a relatively flat route (60m total altitude gain) which is awesome for new PR aim.

Remarks (My rating: 3 of 5 stars): (1) Beginner-friendly route, the route has minimal elevation gain (60m) (2) Well-organized, started on time. Minimal water stops. (3) Singlet design is ok / Finisher Shirt/Medal design is good. (4) Registration fee is reasonable enough (5) My opinion/observation during the run, biased toward those group runners (felt some support vehicle finishers, lol!).

If given the chance, would I like to join this race again? No (enough for the experience)

My 1st Ultramarathon (50KM) Solo Joiner; Pampanga to Bulacan 2025

Sinulog Festival 2025 Grand Parade and Ritual Showdown

Chill Pre-Birthday Adventure in Cebu Province, Philippines Jan 18-19, 2025

2 Weeks Budget DIY Solo Trip in Cebu (City, Oslob, Moalboal, Sinulog) Itinerary

The Spirit of the Sinulog Festival: A Celebration of Faith and Culture. The Sinulog Festival is among the most vibrant and celebrated festivals in the Philippines, rich in cultural and historical significance. Held annually on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City, the festival pays homage to the Santo Niño, or the Child Jesus, who was once regarded as the patron of Cebu Province. While Jesus is revered as God in the Catholic faith rather than a saint, the event highlights deep religious devotion intertwined with cultural heritage.

https://sinulogfestival.com/about

Key Highlights of the Festival

1. The Fluvial Parade

2. Festival Queen

3. Sinulog sa Kabataan

4. Sinulog Grand Parade

5. Street Parties and Entertainment

6. Sinulog Fireworks Display

I bought my Grand Parade ticket yellow seat for only PHP 500 (early bird promo) on Sinulog website.

Day 11: January 19 Sunday SINULOG

0730H ETD Hostel; jeep to Sports Complex 13; Breakfast 159; lunch 125; dinner 282; snacks 200

0900H SINULOG GRAND PARADE / RITUAL SHOWDOWN / CCSC

1900H SINULOG Grand Finale / Fireworks / CCSC

TOTAL: ₱779

Sinulog Festival 2025 Grand Parade and Ritual Showdown