Filipino Ultra Trail Run Solo Joiner 14-Dec-2024 Sunday in Baguio City, Philippines
"Fast running isn’t forced. You have to relax and let the run come out of you." - Desiree Linden, long distance runner
This Fun Run served as my First ULTRAMARATHON (50KM) as a Solo Joiner, and 3rd Trail Run following the San Rafael Mountain Run (32KM), 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.
VJ100 Ultra Trail Challenge 2024 (VJ100UTC) is an “extremely challenging” route set within the stunning trails of Camp John Hay, Baguio City in the Philippines. VJ100UTC brings you the best that trail running has to offer. Trail runners will challenge their physical and mental limits whilst devouring some of the very best trail scenery the world has to offer. VJ100UTC’s goal is to challenge the norm, lead the way in trail running event standards and most importantly, greatly improve the overall experience of all participants from runners and supporters through to marshals and support crew.
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: VJ 100 ULTRA TRAIL CHALLENGE Distance Joined: ULTRA TRAIL MARATHON (50KM)
Registration / Inclusion: PHP 4,200 (early bird) / Event Shirt, Finisher's Medal, Post Race Meal, medicine kit
Location: CAMP JOHN JAY ROUTE (5 loops) Cut-off Time: 14-Dec-2024 Sat 2300H-1500H (16 hours)
Finished: NO Time: 10:31:34 (3 loops) Pace: DNF ITRA: 1 point UTMB: XXX
New PR: N/A Elevation Gain: 3,500m Rank: DNF
Route difficulty: The excess distance per loop is around 2km and yet the cut-off is short. Thus, many DNF runners (around 50% of the participants per category) and obviously not beginner-friendly. Creating 5 loops for an ultramarathon is boring. The altitude gain is 700m per loop. I completed 3 out of 5 required loops, didn't reach the intermediate cut-off. Actually more than 50% of the runners were DNF including some foreigners.
Remarks (My rating: 1 of 5 stars): (1) Lots of DNF runners (around 50% of the participants per category) and obviously not beginner-friendly (2) Creating 5 loops for an ultramarathon is somehow boring. (3) Altitude gain is 700m per loop. (4) Well-organized, started on time. Lots of refreshments in the water stops. (5) Event shirt design is not good / No Finisher Shirt. (6) Registration fee is expensive for a local trail run.
If given the chance, would I like to join this race again? Definitely No (not Fun-Runner-friendly)
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| My 1st Ultra Marathon (50KM DNF) Solo Joiner; VJ100UTC Baguio 2024 |
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| My 1st Ultra Marathon (50KM DNF) Solo Joiner; VJ100UTC Baguio 2024 |
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| My 1st Ultra Marathon (50KM DNF) Solo Joiner; VJ100UTC Baguio 2024 |
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| My 1st Ultra Marathon (50KM DNF) Solo Joiner; VJ100UTC Baguio 2024 |
Event Schedule:
14-Dec Sat - 09:00 PM: Race Kit Claiming
14-Dec Sat - 10:30 PM: Race Briefing
14-Dec Sat - 11:00 PM: Start Time
15-Dec Sun - 08:30 AM: Cut Off Time for 30 km point
15-Dec Sun - 03:00 PM: Cut Off Time 15 hours (Finish Line)
THINGS TO BRING:
A. During the trail run…
1. Hydration vest (10li capacity minimum) / Hydration Volume (1li capacity minimum)
2. Smart phone (fully charge) / Powerbank / Spare batteries
3. Emergency Blanket (on-site purchased) / Basic First Aid Kit (on-site purchased)
4. Emergency Whistle / Rain jacket
5. Trail running specific shoes
6. Blinkers (red and white only) / Primary Headlamp/torch/light / Back-up Headlamp/torch/light
* The first aid kit contains: Povidone-Iodine Prep Pad, Alcohol Prep Pad, Disposable Nitrile Gloves, Gauze Pad, Medical Waterproof PU Film Adhesive Tape, Waterproof Medical Sterile Wound Dressing, Small Medical Scissors, Emergency/Survival Blanket, and Whistle.
B. Recommended Gears can be left in Drop Bag…
1. Hiking / Trekking poles
2. Extra Clothes (Shirt, Shorts) / Socks / Warmer running apparel
3. Collapsable cup / Camping spork
C. Mandatory for myself to bring…
1. Hydration pack with 1li Gatorade only
2. Fully-charged Garmin watch
3. Petroleum Jelly / Ointment
4. Leg sleeve support / Arm sleeve support
5. Buff / Bandana / Philippine Flag
6. Cash / ID / Wallet
7. Candies / Sweets / Energy Gels
8. Waterproof Jacket / Extra Sandals / Shoes / Umbrella
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| My 1st Ultra Marathon (50KM DNF) Solo Joiner; VJ100UTC Baguio 2024 |
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| My 1st Ultra Marathon (50KM DNF) Solo Joiner; VJ100UTC Baguio 2024 |
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| My 1st Ultra Marathon (50KM DNF) Solo Joiner; VJ100UTC Baguio 2024 |
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My 1st Ultra Marathon (50KM DNF) Solo Joiner; VJ100UTC Baguio 2024
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| My 1st Ultra Marathon (50KM DNF) Solo Joiner; VJ100UTC Baguio 2024 |
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