The BCRunners first held the
BCM in Dec 2016. In organizing this event, the Board of Directors (Doreen Danas, Nelichor Bardon, Floresol Loreto, Joy Gennaccaro and Ronald Vios) and President (Noriebelle Guinto) of BCRunners adopted a vision for the BCM
"to be recognized as one of the country's best running experience celebrating all that is BAYBAY - - a place of discovery, beauty and serenity with happy, friendly and hospitable BAYBAYANONS." Lofty ideals but that is the whole idea about a vision - - to aim for something grand that inspires and energizes. And besides, BCRunners is proving that it can deliver on that promise. Thus, many in the running community are beginning to notice and are actually coming to Baybay for the BCM.
I should know because the Bicolano Penguin (BP) actually experienced first hand the friendly hospitality of the BCRunners and their fellow Baybayanons at the
BCM 2016. The organizing team poured a lot of resources and effort to deliver, in the words of veteran runner Dennis Scott, an awesome and incredible event for the runners, Baybay-based and from far away. With such a beautiful running experience, many, including the Bicolano Penguin, were and are looking forward to the 2017 edition of BCM.
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| At the Baybay City Marathon (BCM1) last Dec 10, 2016, race volunteers were ever-present to provide much needed support to runners. |
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| Finishers at the BCM1, even the last runner, receive an enthusiastic welcome from the crowd. |
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| One thing is sure. BCM participants know how to celebrate after the race. |
With just a couple weeks to go, the 2017 edition which the organizers call "BCM2" will be upon us come Dec 17. Just like the 1st edition, BCM2 will have the same distance categories: 3kms, 5kms, 10kms, 21kms and 42kms. To know what, if any, would be different this time, the Bicolano Penguin posed a handful of questions to one of BCRunners' directors and despite her very busy schedule, Doreen was gracious and enthusiastic in her reply:
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| BP talking to BCR Board of Director member Doreen about BCM2. |
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BP: What is the purpose of BCM2?
Doreen: The BCM2 is a running event organized by BCRunners, a fast growing running community with 70 runners and counting, in cooperation with Baybay City Fiesta Executive Committee and LGU of Baybay City. . The event is one of the highlights of the City Fiesta of Baybay. Team BCRunners wants to create one of the best running experiences that ignite passion in runners and connect communities through the transformative power of the sports. BCM2 will be for a cause. In keeping our mission, vision and objectives, Team BCRunners will be putting up a training center offering free clinics to running enthusiasts. Providing running essentials like shoes and apparel to less fortunate kids who want to excel in running.
BP: The BCM1 was great but what are some of the improvements and changes you have made for BCM2?
Doreen: Improvements of BCM2 include an easier
route for the 42km runner. This time, the route is reversed. Veterans Plaza in downtown Baybay to Visayas State University (only at the highway and no more VSU admin uphill). Turning point is at VSU entrance then to Candadam, to Diversion Road, to Palhi, to Bitanhuan Chapel which is the turning point back to the finish line in Veterans Plaza. Improvements include quality event shirt and finisher shirt, imported medals with lanyard, and a more festive atmosphere.
BP: Why retro theme?
Doreen: Retro is colorful. . The retro colors scream for happiness. We chose white color for the shirt for peace.
BP: How many have registered so far?
Doreen: As of Nov 30 during the early bird registration: 42km (112 runners); 21km (130 runners); 10km (76 runners); 5km (55 runners); and 3km (112 runners). Actually we have 300% increase of Early Bird Registrants compared from last year.
BP: What places are the registered runners of BCM2 coming from?
Doreen: The registered runners come from Baybay and other places in Leyte like Hilongos, Hindang, Inopacan, Bato, Matalom, Maasin, Javier, Palo, Tacloban, Ormoc, Albuera, and Palompon. Also from Samar like Paranas, Calbayog and Catbalogan. In addition, we have registered runners from the provinces of Cebu, Biliran, Bohol, Cagayan, Lanao del Norte and Metro Manila.
BP: Kind of widespread. You can add Bicol to the places.
Doreen: I forgot you're from Bicol. Actually, there's a runner from Bicol whom we don't know, yet he sponsored bracelets made of abaca to be given to all winners in all the categories.He is Reymund Reginaldo of
Tagakan Purselas.
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Speaking of a "more festive atmosphere" as mentioned by Doreen in the interview, the leaders of BCRunners have been working hard in making sure that the BCM2 runners have a wonderfully generous experience. Literally, the treats for the runners have been pouring in, ranging from early registration giveaways to finish line goodies and raffle items. And lest we forget, the podium prizes are quite generous. For example, the 1st place finishers for the 42km race (both Male and Female categories) will receive Php 10,000 each. In addition, there are a myriad bunch of special awards like Pappordz (macho runner), Mammordz (sexiest runner), Yummiest Runner, Best in Costume, Biggest Delegation and Fastest Team Delegation.
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| First 100 runners to register 42km and 21km gets a cool training long sleeves with hoodie from Jardine. |
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| Free run visor for 42km Early Bird registered runners. |
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| Cake station at the BCM2 finish line. Yummy yup. Thanks to Nelichor's Homemade Cakes and Pastries,... |
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| ...Gracious cakes,... |
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...and Panny's Bakeshop.
Ice cream for runners 13 years old and below at the finish line. |
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| Raffle items like Lululemon socks and... |
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| ...assorted items from Syngenta. |
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| Altra will be offering 15% discount to Baybay City Marathon runners. Plus, a pair of Altra running shoes... |
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| ...and Oofos recovery sandals for raffle draw prizes. |
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| BCR officers and members in one of their meetings to prepare for the BCM2. |
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| BCR president Noreibelle and BCR members Beaujat and Grace promoting BCM2 at the Palompon trail run last October. |
Without a doubt, the organizers have been relentless in their BCM2 preparations. A lot of hard work, valuable time and invaluable community support are being poured into the organizing of the Baybay City Marathon 2017. At times, it can be a thankless job. But one does not sense any hint of tepidness from the words and demeanor of its leaders like Doreen and Noriebelle.
Asked about her secret recipe for success, Doreen talks about her faith in the Law of Attraction, and how she shares this with her BCR teammates. In her words - "
So everytime we want to do something or dream of doing, it will really happen because we so believe it will."
Strong words. Positive talk. But make no mistake about it, BCRunners walk their talk.
Come Dec 17, come see them run their talk. Better yet for all the runners out there, come join us at the BCM2.
REGISTRATION still OPEN up to DEC 10.
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Photo credits:
Doreen and
Noriebelle.
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