‘Araw ng Kagitingan’ ultra-marathon scheduled on April 8-9

From San Fernando, the runners will use their back-up vehicles for the last 12 km. of the gruelling race ending at the Capas National Shrine (Camp O’Donnell), where Mayor Reynaldo Catacutan will lead the final program. (Photo: Mike Gonzalez (TheCoffee)/ Wikipedia)

MANILA–All is set for the staging of the 32nd “Araw ng Kagitingan” ultra-marathon, an event that pays tribute to the veterans of World War II.

The race, slated to be held on April 8-9, will cover the stretch of the Death March from Mariveles, Bataan to San Fernando, Pampanga.

Founding organizer, Ed Paez, said on Tuesday that the event will start with the traditional walk-with-the-heroes phase, featuring the war veterans with local government officials, led by Mariveles Mayor Ace Jello Concepcion and Vice Mayor Angelito Rubia, who will hand over a symbolic torch to the runners, who will also carry a big Philippine flag as well as Japan and US flaglets throughout the race.

After passing through nine towns and one city in Bataan, the runners will stay overnight at the Lubao municipal gym, where they will be welcomed by the Pineda clan, headed by Governor Lilia Pineda, Vice Governor Dennis Padilla and Mayor Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab.

On April 9, the runners will make a “Visita Iglesia” at the San Guillermo Church before heading to the Sto. Niño Railway Station (Death March Km.

Post No. 102) in San Fernando, where they will be joined by Mayor Edwin Santiago, Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin in a simple ceremony in the final stage of the Bataan-Pampanga route.

From San Fernando, the runners will use their back-up vehicles for the last 12 km. of the gruelling race ending at the Capas National Shrine (Camp O’Donnell), where Mayor Reynaldo Catacutan will lead the final program.

Also taking part in the marathon are members of the Philippine Army Special Services Center-ASCOM, Training and Doctrine Command and Mechanized Infantry Division, Sta. Rosa Running Club, Rotary Club of Baywalk Manila and Mariveles Running Club.