In 1941, during World War II, the Japanese forces landed on the Philippines islands which were held by the Americans. The Japanese committed many atrocities to the Filipinos. In 1942 the Japanese forced 75,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war to march up to 65 miles on foot with little food, water or medical help for over one week. Anyone who was unable to keep up with the pace was shot and left behind. No one knows the exact death toll but it is reported to be anywhere between 6,000 and 11,000. Allied forces proclaim that only 54,000 of the 72,000 prisoners survived.
2 Cebuanos endure 160K Ultramarathon
Cebu's Atty. Haide Acuna and Bro. Carlo Bacalla made a decent finish in the 1st Bataan Death March 160KM Ultramarathon, which started at 5:45 a.m. in Mariveles, Bataan last Saturday and ended yesterday in Capas, Tarlac.
There are only two Cebuanos who braved the 160-km race.
Bacalla crossed the finish line clocking 6 hours and 8 mins., and took 14th place.
"This is my second time to join the race. Last year. I joined the 102-km race. My goal for joining is to pay tribute to the World War II heroes and to be a part of this historic 1st 100-mile race in the country," Bacalla said.
Lesser Preparation
Bacalla said during the race, he got worried that he wouldn't be able to finish the race because he only had three weeks of preparation.
"I encountered an injury last Decemeber, for which my doctor advised me to take a rest for a month," Bacalla said.
He said he took several power naps during the whole race, which helped him a lot in regaining his strenght and he continously ran the last 35 kms.
"I also joined this because of my advocacy against the Reproductive Health Bill, popularly known as the RH bill," Bacalla added.
The RH bill is about universal access to methods and information on birth control and maternal care, currently being debated by various sectors.
Defying limits
Lastly, he joined the race because he wanted to defy his limits and to have fun. He was also impressed by the camaradrie among the runners during the race.
Despite not reaching the cut-off time of 30 hours, Acuna still served as a inspiration among the Cebuana runners after she finished at 31 hours and 8 mins.
Sixty runners joined the race, five of them Singaporeans and one, an American.
This article appeared in the local Sun Star newspaper on Monday February 28 2011.
