One of the highlights of the 59th founding anniversary celebration of the municipality of Bongao in Tawi-Tawi province, the local government, in partnership with the Tawi-Tawi Provincial Tourism Office and Gawad Kalinga’s Kusina ng Kalinga, organized its first Ultramarathon race last July 2, 2017.
One hundred ninety runners from across the country defied their limits in the 15K, 25K and 50K race courses. The 50K race course took the runners around Bonga’s paved coastal and mountain highways — including an ascent to Bud Bongao, the province’s highest mountain at 422 meters above sea level.
“This race will not only give the runners an opportunity to see how peaceful and beautiful our municipality. With their pleasant experience in Bongao, they could help bring in more tourists and help stir economic activities,“ said Bongao Mayor Jimuel S. Que. Of which the young athletic mayor also took part (in the race).
“We want to hold races in areas that are rarely visited by people. When people hear about Tawi-Tawi, there are so many misconceptions about the province that’s why we decided to hold it here to prove them wrong,” said race director Dan Requejo Bercasio of The Great Filipino Race.
Bercasio also plans to hold races in other areas in Mindananao, such as Maguindanao, Sulu and Bukidnon.
“We hope to have a bigger Ultramarathon next year. We will strengthen the promotion of the race and help make Bongao as sports and tourism destination”, said Department of Tourism ARMM Secretary Ayesha Mangudadatu Dilangalen.
Winners of the Bongao Ultramarathon (Age Category| Female & Male) are: 29 years old and below: Catherine Millan & Jonel Bechayda; 30 to 39 years old: Mary Joanne Lim & Oliver Angeles; 40 to 49 years old: Jessibel Casamis & Roderick Salih; and 50 and up: Maktadir “Thadz” Absara.
50K race Winners: 3rd place (female) – Jovene Torribio at 4 hrs, 52 mins;
2nd place (male) – Marianito Ramirez, Jr. at 4 hs, 38 mins; 2nd place (female) – Mary Ann Beth Kong and Ma. Elena Cuario at 6 hrs, 46 mins; and 1st place – Anthony Delima at 4 hrs, 36 mins.
Youngest Runner Female – Marilyn Muloc, 8 years old; Youngest Runner Male – Iacco Reyes, 9 years old; Oldest Runner – Romeo Taup, 76 years old
Proceeds of the race will go to the feeding of public school children in Tawi-Tawi for at least one school year through Gawad Kalinga’s Kusina ng Kalinga program.
An ultramarathon, also known as ultradistance running, is any footrace longer than the traditional marathon length of 42.195 kilometers.
