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Botak Paa-Tibayan 42k Race Report

TBR RACE REVIEW: BOTAK PAA-TIBAYAN 42K

Overall rating (10 highest): 5

THUMBS UP:

  • Nice 10k course. Slightly different from Adidas KOTR and Condura which passed through the Buendia Flyover as we went straight through S&R instead of making a left back to the finish line.
  • Several choices for the singlet design.  Marathoners could opt to have their names printed on their singlets.
  • Gatorade at water stations.  Nice to see those green cups and Gatorade coolers along with the water.  No sign of baldes anywhere.
  • Water from the fire truck at the bottom of Buendia flyover.
  • Booths at the assembly area.

BETTER JOB NEXT TIME:

  • Lack of marshalls led to a lot of marathoners losing their way on the course.  I have a marathoner friend who finished his “marathon” in a 32k course!  He probably lost his way in Rockwell.
  • 21k/ 10k/ 5k started all at the same time at 6 a.m.  With this heat, race should’ve started earlier at 5:30 a.m. and at different schedules for each distance.
  • Lack of information on race packet.  No course map in the packet, which was intentionally done to prevent cheaters for starting midway through the race.  But, my question is: why should all runners be penalized for this?  Why can’t they have marshalls to protect the course?  And worse, no race start time information for 21k, 10k and 5k on the race pack.
  • Ran out of water at some water stations.  (I personally did not experience this.  It was reported by other runner friends.)
  • No directional signs and kilometer markers for 10k and 5k.  I heard there were a few kilometer markers for the longer distances.

This was the first marathon set up by the race organizers of Botak Paa-tibayan Road Races.  Some experienced runners raised concern—perhaps not publicly but among their inner circles—over the ability of the organizer to put up such a complex race with little experience in other shorter distances.  Was this why there was a small turnout—just a little over a thousand runners in my estimate—that showed up for the race?

For the marathon, the race was definitely not in the league of international races, perhaps not even matching up to recently held local races, such as Condura Race.  The lack of marshalls at the Rockwell portion was a major oversight that led to runners losing their way.  There is room for improvement in other areas as well: more directional signs and kilometer markers, more marshalls, and more water stations.

For shorter distances, the race was satisfactory.  The oversights—such as same race starts for all distances, late start time schedule, and lack of water at stations—did not become major issues due to the small number of runners.  One can only imagine what could’ve happened had there been over 5,000 runners who joined.

Overall, it was an average race with a lot of room for improvement. The race was well-promoted, but the actual event did not live up to the hype.  It was the first time for these race organizers to launch a full-blown marathon, so we hope that they apply their learnings in future races, specifically the upcoming Botak Paa-Tibayan 100k on June 10.

Congratulations is still in order for Botak Paa-bilisan!

——————————————————

To say that I was anxious about this race would be an understatement.  The day before the race, I was still wondering why I registered for 10k despite the pain in my foot and whether I should downgrade to 5k.  That night, I got a massage and when I stood up, all pain was gone.  Okay, 10k it was.  Sheesh, my first 10k in training or in a race in months!  

Hubby and I arrived at the assembly area with enough time for a warm up and double visits to the restroom.  By the time we entered the starting line area, it was only 3 minutes before gun start.  The race started at exactly 6 a.m.

For the first time, hubby and I paced each other throughout the race.  He has significantly improved the past few months, while I have basically transformed into a turtle.  We ran at an easy 6 to 6:30 pace wary of every single tingle in my body, each footstrike I made, and which portion of the cumbered road I was running on.  Yes, I was over analyzing but that’s what injuries can do to you.

IMG_0358
– Hubby and I after the race -

We ran together through Bonifacio Global City, up the Buendia flyover, down towards Kalayaan, through the turnaround, up Buendia facing the scorching sun (where I think I got sunburned despite sunblock on my face), and straight to the finish side by side.  Hubby said I made him dizzy because I would spin around him once in a while in search of the perfect portion of road that was flat so that it wouldn’t hurt the knees.  He, on the other hand, was a great running buddy.  He would update me of the kilometers, remind me of our pace, and even followed my every whim, including the time I asked if we could outpace a woman who had the same outfit as I did;  I just didn’t enjoy running behind someone that reminded me of my lack of uniqueness in the world.

We ended the race holding hands (Kidding!  Got you there, didn’t I?) with an unofficial time of 1 hour, 2 minutes for 10.15km.  Our average pace was 6:11 min/km.

I’ve had better times, but again, this was a momentous occasion for me.  My first 10k since the injury (don’t count the Condura Half Marathon…haha) and with very minimal pain during the race.  

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– Fast runners, Jerry and Mari -

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– Jay (Prometheus Cometh) still running after the race ended -

IMG_0359
– with Allyn and Ever Go and Ever’s sister, Anson. Nice uniforms! Belated happy birthday to another bullheaded runner, Allyn! -

We shared a great breakfast with the Solemates Jun and Mariel at Paul Calvin’s Deli with Jay (Prometheus Cometh) dropping by for a quick chat.  Among the topics, are we well enough to join TNF 100?  Ooooh, give me this week to decide!

IMG_0361
– with Jun and Mariel (SoleMates) and hubby after a filling breakfast -

Posted on 05.11.09 to 02 Race Reports. Tags: , , . Subscribe to follow comments on this post. 45 comments. Add your thoughts or trackback from your own site.

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45 Responses to “Botak Paa-Tibayan 42k Race Report”

  1. Hi TBR, The BOTAK 5K was my 2nd 5K run… coming from a very well organized Step Up Run of QTV (Ch7), this one was really bad for me. Poorly organized.

    My share:
    1. there were NO water stations for the 5K run. I didn’t bring my own water coz I wanted to run light and I guess I expected it to be like the step up race, we had water sa 2.5K and 1 more on the way back…

    2. The marshal’s didn’t know anything. I kept asking for a water station and they would just give me a blank stare! :( well one guy said “Doon pa po” yun pala, sa end of the run na! :(

    3. those string you get at the halfway mark… instead of being handed over to the runners, they were left sa street and we had to pick it up.

    by the time I hit the halfway mark i was parched and hot headed :(

    oh well, i guess i should also be more prepared when I join runs from now on.

    oh, and the run started late ha (we started waaay past 6am na…)

    bea santiago said on May 11 09 at 11:30 AM Reply

    • Hi Bea, yes better to come prepared next time since not all races are well organized. It’s good that you were able to finish despite the lack of water. :)

      thebullrunner said on May 11 09 at 4:46 PM Reply

  2. p.s. i also agree with all your “points for improvement” like more directional sign…

    bea santiago said on May 11 09 at 11:32 AM Reply

  3. hi TBR,

    i’ve been following your blog since i started running after the condura run.. saw your link from the running shield and condura run blogs.

    i thought i just didnt notice the markers, there’s none in place pala. I only saw one (22km).. i struggled to pace myself cause i didnt know the remaining distance after the 5k turn.. it was a different route from the condura run.. anyways, it was a good run. Though i was not particular with how it was organized since as a newbie, i just kept on running. But as i see reviews by other runners from the race, i now become more aware, and yes, there are a lot of opportunities to improve the race.

    regards,

    knight runner

    Mark Salvador said on May 11 09 at 12:55 PM Reply

    • Hi Mark, thanks for dropping by :) I’m sure in time you’ll notice the differences in races and the way they are organized. Congrats with your race! May you have many more to come :)

      thebullrunner said on May 11 09 at 6:50 PM Reply

  4. ran my first 42k, even if i wasnt really that prepared, i agree that water stations were lacking, went to buy gatorade at 2 mini stop outlets, lost direction when coming back, walked a whole block just to get back, kalayaan flyover was already open when we were going back, against the counterflow, sheesh, and not to mention the heat, happy to have finished alive!

    mel said on May 11 09 at 1:00 PM Reply

    • Wow, congrats Mel! I’m sure your first marathon was unforgettable whether it was a good experience or not!

      thebullrunner said on May 11 09 at 6:51 PM Reply

      • thanks jaymie, yeah its definitely the greatest sports achievement ive done in my whole life, proved to everyone that when theres a will, theres a way, its all in the mind!!

        mel said on May 11 09 at 7:42 PM

  5. I am concern about your knee ,MRI can pinpoint the problem. Your hubby has natural stride more power for you and your very supportive hubby! Pls take care your knee…

    Raffy said on May 11 09 at 2:05 PM Reply

    • Hi Raffy, aaw thanks but don’t worry about it. My knee hasn’t given me problems since last Dec. It’s my post-tib tendonitis that’s been bugging me lately. As of today though, I’m feeling great.

      thebullrunner said on May 11 09 at 6:52 PM Reply

  6. there was a long wait at the water stations. you have to wait for your turn as each cup is slowly dispensed to each runner. the past races that i’ve join had an excessive water supply…water was even handed to you?(while running) even if you don’t want it. ;)

    D said on May 11 09 at 2:34 PM Reply

  7. It was the worst race I have ever joined. I listed for the 21kms but accidentally followed the 42k runners. I had to make a detour twice. Very disappointing.

    Btw, they did have waters in the “balde” somewhere along the 16th kms.

    Well, thank goodness TNF is right around the corner! I can only expect better. Hope you join :)

    I said on May 11 09 at 2:40 PM Reply

    • Oh my, I’m so sorry to hear that. I can’t imagine having to go through that in the heat.

      Oh, too bad they had baldes too. I hope the water in it was mineral and the baldes were clean.

      Hope to see you at TNF if I get to convince my hubby to join :)

      thebullrunner said on May 11 09 at 6:55 PM Reply

      • Balde = Super Laughing Out Loud!

        I was late during the race and asked the half hearted marshalls what turn to take from the first corner.

        Marshall in the Dialect: “Hanapin nyo lng yung marameng tao”

        Me: “Excellent…”

        Paolo D. Manuel said on May 12 09 at 6:58 PM

  8. We have decided to do the TNF. Hope to see you and Miguel there.

    Regards Mark & Tiffin

    m8parco said on May 11 09 at 2:53 PM Reply

  9. I was not able to join the Botak Run…because I make a pledge to run for BATA Foundation in cooperation with HP AMG Fun Run…Our fun run was held in Mc Kinley Hill so I saw the 42k runners. I agree with TBR, they really lack marshals most especially on the said area. Anyway, hope to see you guys running next weekend!!! :)

    SappY said on May 11 09 at 3:03 PM Reply

  10. 21k is a different story. This was the worst race I’ve joined so far. Lack of marshalls in the Rockwell area, 3 water stations with no water, 1 water station with water but no caps..the sprinkler in the kalayaan over-pass was the LAST water station we have till we reach the finish line.

    Due to dehydration, one runner went straight to makati med (and went back to the race after 2 hours to her finisher medal), one team mate got dehydrated too..This race is all about a race organizer joining the bandwagon and earning lots of cash from doing so without so much genuine concern for runners.

    Anyway, you and husband running together is sweet. I just wish one day my wife could join me…while holding hands to the finish line (charoz!)

    Sam
    The Running Ninja
    http://www.therunningninja.com

    The Running Ninja said on May 11 09 at 3:19 PM Reply

    • That is terrible news. That’s why I think race organizers should follow Condura’s plan: to gradually increase their race distance each year and perfect their system before they plunge into a marathon. Organizing a fun run is no easy feat, what more when it’s a half or a full marathon.

      I hope your wife starts running too!

      thebullrunner said on May 11 09 at 6:58 PM Reply

  11. Hey Jaymie,

    I did the 21K and took pictures with running buddies- sayang I missed you and your husband sa Paul Calvin’s.

    Well, you’re right there are pointers to improve for future BOTAK races (referring to 21K route) like adding more water stations and better race markers (Rockwell Area)-but I think it was still a good race; I do have some friends who enjoyed the 10K route.

    I’ve yet to experience a 42K, but I’m guessing its going to be a lot harder than a 21K (stating the obvious) but I do hope all organizers learn from this event (both the good & not so good) to take your advice into consideration so runners can have better running experience.

    Having said that, I think with a million possibilities that can go wrong to such an event the organizers did a fairly good job and we can just hope for better & bigger races.

    Kudos for a fair review!

    Jay said on May 11 09 at 5:18 PM Reply

    • Hi Jay,

      Yes, I think for the shorter distances the race wasn’t so bad. It’s a whole different story for the longer ones. I do hope that race organizers pick up a few points from the review. That’s the reason why I write them :) It’s not really to chastise them or rant about a lousy race, but to point out areas of improvement :)

      thebullrunner said on May 11 09 at 7:01 PM Reply

  12. TBR,
    There is only one water station with gatorade, that was in the first water station and no more after that.

    ps: my name is Jerry not Gerry ;)

    HighAltitude said on May 11 09 at 5:51 PM Reply

    • Hmmm…I thought I passed more than one water station for the 10k. I remember passing two before I finally stopped to drink Gatorade after the turnaround, which was at the bottom of buendia (probably the first one I saw). But of course I could be wrong.

      thebullrunner said on May 11 09 at 7:03 PM Reply

  13. hi tbr – i agree with the sentiments of the runners – i ran the 10K and there were no water stations in sight from kalayaan flyover back to fort… and for the water stations that were dispersed along buendia, the runners had to take out the cups from the plastic bags. i guess i was spoiled after running races like condura, greenfield, and airspeed. my hubby ran the 5K (he has ITB like you and decided to downgrade his mileage) and he told me that there were no water stations at all…

    one nice story – a friend of mine ran his fastest 10K race @ 47 mins – the reason? “no one gave me water so i wanted to get the race over and done with”… thought that was great, no excuses not to do well :)

    good luck with the ITB, glad to know you can increase your mileage again!

    khun said on May 11 09 at 6:11 PM Reply

    • Hi Khun, I think with better races c/o Finishline, Biscocho, and ExTribe, other race organizers have to make sure that their race is up to par or better. Healthy competition among them only benefits us runners :)

      Congrats to you and your hubby too. Hope he gets well soon!

      thebullrunner said on May 11 09 at 7:07 PM Reply

  14. hi there! i saw you running the 10k…you did not look injured at all!

    back to the race…i did the 21k part and i felt like the route was far too long. parang the marshals were ill advised on which route to follow. since there were little or no markers the 21k route runners had no idea where to go.

    the good news is i did find the finish line and glad i finished. hope to see you and husband in the next race.

    take care of your knee!

    weennee sambrano-lagdameo

    weennee sambrano-lagdameo said on May 11 09 at 6:39 PM Reply

    • Hi weennee, congrats on your 21k! Were you able to get the distance? Maybe it was really longer than 21? haha.

      Hope to see you at future races too :)

      thebullrunner said on May 11 09 at 7:08 PM Reply

      • hi again..couldn’t sleep last night until i sinked my nike+ to check my km. i registered 32 km run instead of 21.1 km

        i guess i really ran the wrong route or i should just throw my nike plus out the door…i always allow error on my gizmo but 10 km is a lot to ignore.

        i guess its about time to look at a new watch with distance.

        thanks

        weennee

        weennee sambrano-lagdameo said on May 12 09 at 9:07 AM

  15. my share:

    - “recycled” singlets: the event is entitled “paa-tibayan” and yet they gave singlets marked with “paa-bilisan”. notice 5K runners wearing singlets with a 10K print? according to botak registration booth at ROX, “side-event” lang daw ang 5K at 10K kaya ganyan yung mga singlets…i think old event na ata yung paa-bilisan.

    - “recycled” certificates: again they gave the “paa-bilisan” certificates…wonder anong itsura nung “paa-tibayan” certificates!??!

    - inconsistent registration fee: ROX charged 300 pesos for late registration as early as april 19, but when you check with botak’s registration forms (downloadable at TAKBO.PH) late registration is on the 25th of april pa…called botak (kamuning office) about it sabi nung nakasagot, “tumataas daw kasi presyo ng materyales kaya 300 pesos na”. Race director was nowhere to be found.

    BOTAK LOKBU! booooo!

    jamen said on May 11 09 at 9:13 PM Reply

  16. hi jaymie … i could have forgiven the lack of water or slightly late starting time but NEVER road marshall errors – well, at least i can say i still have not completed my first 42K rather i already have an unofficial 32K race pr @ 2:30 … hahaha, give me an incentive to reach that distance faster than 2:30 for milo

    next up is the tnf 20K, woohoo altho might do the market2 run too

    Mari said on May 11 09 at 10:09 PM Reply

  17. Mag-TNF ka na!

    Hay naku. Good thing pala I didn’t join.

    marga said on May 12 09 at 1:13 AM Reply

  18. Hi TBR, I’m a student of Coach Rio as well, and I’ve been reading your blog ever since the nike human race. Last sunday was my first try at a marathon, but I think I did almost 50 km since I went back and forth looking for the street that lead to rockwell. I even had to ask the leading runners just to find my way. It wasn’t really how I imagined a marathon would be, but I think I’ll do it again if the organizers get their act right. Your review says it all. I hope to meet you at a race someday :)

    Miggy said on May 12 09 at 4:17 AM Reply

  19. Didn’t join this race due to other race skeds. But I saw runners traversing C5 last Sunday. I think they exited thru Mckinley then enter thru Heritage Park. Terrible idea for a course as runners were avoiding jeeps loading and unloading passengers.

    Maybe organizers can design a loop course to maximize control and logistics. A 10K x 4 loops + 2.195K for a 42K marathon. This would lessen need for marshalls and water supplies can be concentrated on predetermined water stations as runners would pass these aid stations several times. Maybe be a bit boring but more feasible and more specatator friendly.

    Dennis said on May 12 09 at 8:52 AM Reply

  20. some thoughts about the 42k botak,

    matindi, worst 42k experience, to think that it was the 1st 42k for 2009 (phils). sabi pa ng speaker before the race “wag magalala every 2k may water at gatorade. may marshalls din along the way… ” palakpakan naman kami… walanjo, hanggang 8k lang pala ung promise n un…
    may 1 pa marshall ako pinagtanungan “sir, saan ako? 42k, kaliwa kanan direcho?” marshal: (nagulat) ahhh… “kaliwa ata sir.” buti may dumating na iba runner na mukhang mga lokal na taga maynila. ayun dumirecho, sumunod na lang ako! ang mga marshall hindi alam kung saan ang ruta, mukha pinasuot lang ng tshirt at binigyan ng meryenda na nakapack sa styro… ayun marshall na!
    wala man lang support for 42k’ers kahit itlog o skyflakes man lang.. matindi ang pagkabarat ng organizer nito. ang gatorade baso, ang laman tubig galing sa tanke ng trak ng maynilad ata un… kapag iinom ka pa sa iba station, wala n baso at wala na din tao.. sasahod ka na lang sa trak para makainom at mabasa man lang ulo!
    sa may flyover going back to fort area may hinimatay na marshall sa init. kahit marshall nila wala mainom na tubig.. :)
    pag dating mo naman finish ang finisher gift mo… matindi din. 1 gatorade! hehehe!
    pag nagpatakbo ulit ang botak… bumotak na tayo.. bo-tak palayo sa mga organizer! not worth it (effort, time, wag na consider race fee)
    on the good side. basta nakatakbo. yun naman gusto natin e tumakbo. basta nakatakbo, masaya na tayo!!!
    jj “TBR(thebeerrunner)” hehehe

    jj said on May 12 09 at 10:05 AM Reply

  21. HI, Botak Paa-Tibayan was my 3rd 5k run. I’ve been wanting to know the official results to know if I’ve improved as compared to my past two runs. Any idea where we can check on this?

    Toti said on May 14 09 at 10:46 AM Reply

  22. What reply can I leave? sent a long (negative) feedback on the 21K but it probably got moderated out, I suppose deemed unfit for this site.

    Sudipto Mukherjee said on May 14 09 at 9:25 PM Reply

  23. Hi TBR,

    Just like to add some more not so nice observations re: Botak 42K. I ran the 21K and here are what I believe they need to improve on:

    1. Safety of the runners. I almost got sideswiped by a passenger jeepney along Kalayaan near Burgos in Makati;
    2. “Knowledgable” marshalls. Having marshalls is good, but these guys not having an idea about the route makes them useless;
    3. More cups on water stations. Its hard to hydrate by scooping water into your mouth.

    I hope they read the blogs of those who ran the 21K and 42K so they’d have 1st hand info on what we experienced.

    Thanks and give my regards to Miguel.

    Deo Patalinghog

    Deo P. said on May 15 09 at 2:21 PM Reply

  24. yup…i have the same sentiments with the other runners…

    i ran the 10k…

    they only have markers for the 42k i guess…wala para sa other distances…clueless tuloy kung ilang km na ung natatakbo…

    then, after the 5k stretch siguro un….they do not have water na….sun is starting to come out na nun

    they started late na din about 6am….sana mas earlier like sa greenfield or southern race..

    the loopcord handed by the marshalls, nakakalat na lang sa street specially the one near market market na (corner of serendra)…runners have to pick it up na lang..

    tama ba un?

    raymundcanta said on May 17 09 at 3:18 PM Reply

  25. yeah, the race did start late at around 6am together with the others. im very disappointed with the organization. compared to the condura which did an excellent job promoting and handling the race itself.

    im actually surprised Botak would even organize a 100km run when they even couldnt handle organizing a 5-10-21km run the first time. lack of cups, good thing there was gatorade headed back to the fort and i love the fire-struck on the fly-over kalayaan.

    anyways, a word of advise to botak. get organized!!!

    runnning man said on May 17 09 at 5:23 PM Reply

  26. i think the race organizer and race director of that botak race are knowleadgeable and expert and that kind of activities, but unfurtunately there are some people na they would like to destroy the race, but the person involved in that race want to have a perfect race, in my point of view there is no such perfect, all of us makes a mistakes and that we learned from our mistakes.

    napardas said on May 30 09 at 1:28 PM Reply

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