Anger at Water Servers
“*&%$#ina bakit wala kayong tubig!” Curses like that were flying around at each water station we passed. I pity those servers at each water station, whose only job is to serve water but they also became the receiving end of all runner’s angst. One runner was so pissed he overturned the table. Another runner kicked something what look like a water cooler. These scenes would happen for every water stations. The usually composed Coach Ige would soon lose his cool, but was professional enough not to curse at water servers. I myself wouldn’t like to make life harder for them, I would simply just stop by at each water station, see if there were cups with water and if I couldn’t find one, just continue my run. I like those police cadets. They were disciplined. As they passed each water station with no water, they would still continue their run in groups, in perfect cadence and would still throw jokes at each other from time to time. It was an honour to run with these guys, albeit in a not so perfect race.
I cannot blame pissed runners. They were there to experience an “international” race, as promised by the race organizers. Knowing that this race is being sponsored by Smart Communications, surely the promise would not be broken with all the marketing budget they have for this. We were all wrong.
As I continued my run, I would think of fellow takbo.ph virgin marathon runner who didn’t bring their own hydration belt because they thought this race of “international standards” wouldn’t fail them. Then came the names/faces in my head. I’m scared for them. Then I became scared of my own.
The Battle for Survival Begins…
Anyone who knows me as a runner and happens to run with me during one of those group long runs would easily notice how I perspire a lot. Allow me to run for a kilometer and I could easily convince everyone I already run 10km due to too much sweat dripping off my body. And because I sweat a lot, I easily lose lots of body fluids which need to be replaced from time to time. From my experience, I can deal with no water for five kilometer straight, beyond that, my body would stop perspiring; my throat would become very dry, muscle cramps would start bothering me and my vision would start turning gray or black.
Running empty, I passed the sixth, seventh water station with no water. I realized that I would soon pass out if I don’t take any fluids. It was at this stage I changed my goal, from achieving sub 4:30 to surviving this race. The runner in me was reduced to begging. I would approach each van and would ask for water. I would even ask a police for Gatorade and was surprised he gave his own provision to me. Later he would comment “grabe tong race na to, pinabayaan kayo ng organizer”, I could only agree with him. I would approach Team Harcore vans and checked if there’s anyone I would recognize inside. Alas, I don’t know anyone of them but still, would ask for anything they could provide. I was given cold water and when sir Isko saw me he would tell the guys inside “Si Sam yan, bigyan nyo ng saging!” That banana proved to be very effective as I started running again in race mode. Along the way, good Samaritans would approach me. A lady would call my name and offered me her chock nut. Still I would continue begging for water from several strangers I do not know at all. I cannot remember being rejected and I’m so grateful to meet these people who helped me survive that night. From Kilometer 19 onwards, I would stop from time to time as I was starting to have issues with my vision. Whenever my vision would turn black for a second, I would stop and turn into kneeling position. I would stand-up, walk then continue my run.
Somewhere in Kilometer 21, I was able to beg for water from another runner’s support group where filled up my two bottles. Running further (Kilometer 24) I would meet Mark, running his first marathon race. I knew he was one of those virgin marathoners who didn’t bring their hydration belt. I asked him if he knew anyone of those people from several vans and if he was able to get any liquids, but I cannot remember his answer. I immediately offered him one of my bottles. I felt he was about to give it back to me only after a few sips, so I told him to empty it. That would be my last bottle with water on it. We finally decided to run, but he stopped so I continue running alone.
Somewhere in Kilometer 26, a van with water provisions finally appeared. I drank a cup and filled up my two bottles and continued my run. Running further, I would meet a runner complaining “grabe uhaw na uhaw nako, babagsak na yata ako pare”. It was too dark (as in pitch black) and there were no marshals around and I figure out no one will ever picked him up if he even passed out on that section of the road. I gave him my water provision (two bottles). I didn’t know why I did it, as I was struggling with dehydration myself. That act proved to be fateful, as cramps and sudden issues with my vision would soon annoy me from time to time. I noticed I was no longer perspiring, and my heart rate watch would register high numbers (170+bpm) even if I was just walking. I thought I was already in deep trouble. I continued my run, then finally lost consciousness…for the first time in my life, I passed out…..
The Help
I have no idea what happened next when I passed out. I heard words but I could not register any senses from it; I felt somebody was massaging my quads and shins. Suddenly, somebody was asking me about something but I just replied back “oo”. When I finally realized I was being informed that I would be sent to an ambulance, it was as if somebody slapped me and my senses came back to life. I hurriedly went up, consumed a bottle of vit-water and run. Later Luis told me I was running like a drunk man (e.g pasuray-suray) and obviously still in bad shape. It was a good thing I passed out near where the takbo.ph van was hanging out. Had it happened in other roads along the route, the result would be disastrous.
Walk if you can, crawl if you must, but don’t give up
A combination of cramps, dehydration and painful knee joints finally had its toll on me. I tried pacing with Isko, Ian and another guy as they helped me push back to race mode but I really can’t. Add to that a very painful chaff near the groin section (right leg) because of the exposed skin rubbing against my left groin section. This was caused because of that 2 inch tear on my CWX tights (ouch!). I tried running duck walk style but still the pain in my knee joints was too much to bear. It was at this point Ellen saw me and decided to pace with me. I end up walking all the way to the finish line. From time to time I would asked her about other runners especially Craig and son. Craig also passed out due to dehydration. As of this writing, he’s now fine. It was a pain seeing others passed me by as I walked but also realized that this race is not my moment of glory. I was happy to see Edu, Argo , Jason (MBA classmate) and Gerard speed ahead and run their way to the finish line.
Finally, I was able to finish the race in 5:49. Would you believe still a PR over my first Milo Marathon?!
Thanks to Rico for driving us all the way to Subic, your kindness drove me nuts! Thanks for the Crispy Pata after the race and Jolibee breakfast the following day. Hehehehe!
I would like to thank takbo.ph support gang who picked me up when I passed out along the route. I hope to repay back the kindness soon.
Would like to thank people who supported me along the way. I may not know your names but rest assured I will pay forward your kindness. Special thanks to team harcore support vans for the water, hard-boiled egg, banana and other provisions. To Isko, Ian and Eugene, thanks for helping me pace with you. Hope to meet you guys again.
To virgin marathoners who were able to finish the race, congrats!
Ps:
To the race organizer, you screwed up so badly beyond words that you put runners lives at risk. Your gross incompetence in handling this race was unforgivable. This will go down the history as the worst race ever organized. Please redeem yourselves in the future. Last time I heard, fun races and 5k races are still profitable. You can master handling those races then reconsider organizing long distance races again. Sorry guys, the experience was just so bad I will never forget this race.
Here’s a nice statement from runner-lawyer from his blog post.
“All you race organizers out there, please keep this in mind: A runner’s waiver of liability can be disregarded by courts if it is proven that the organizer had been grossly negligent in performing its obligations, and that, in so being, caused loss or injury to runners. Don’t think that the signed piece of paper you’ve got there would absolve you of any and all liability in case a runner dies or gets injured “
Related posts:
Gigi
on Oct 29th, 2009
@ 1:18 am:
Sam! Oh my, CONGRATULATIONS for finishing kahit you passed out… Now that I’m reading all this. I’m kind of glad that I had the colds in the beginning. Baka iniwas lang ako sa mas grabe… I remember looking out of the ambulance on our way back to remy field… And it was PITCH BLACK and didn’t see water in the water stations.
Despite the bad organizing - you still finished alive. See you next time!
GG
Fernan in Subic
on Oct 29th, 2009
@ 1:49 am:
OK,so we’re all preparing for the 2010 SMART SIM.1. For the Comfort room nigthmare that was the Remy Field venue where 7,000 runners were forced to use 1 working unidoro,(so ok, there was the Remy Field gym as back-up),(SBMA)Chairman Arreza promised”to look into it”when I,still wearing my 3k uniform informed him of the asap situation during the Marian Regatta Saturday Oct.25 that very night.2.For the lack of water and logistical support, the magic word is BAGUMBAYAN.Rope in the same guys who transformed Subic into what it is today,and see bayanihan in action for 2010. I am talking Sen. Richard J. Gordon, a call now to him would be best.As for the organizers, hey, light a candle guys, they did their best. The challenges were seen, sound the call and bring in the best in the Filipino.Olongapenos could even “adopt”,”cook”,”ferry”runners and their families during the pre-& post events.Our Fil-ams in USA.the various FIlipino associations all over the world could be support groups and send runners!12,000 runners?Heck, we could put 40,000 and more next year like we did in Edsa!DOT could activate its Bring Home a Friend Program. Reunion time, fiesta time,all revolving on th 2010 SIM. And of course, when the Olympians join, can not their rivals be left behind?Attention DFA,your missions can open pathways of friendships via this event. As they say, for SIM 2010-”the only limit is our imagination”.Dream,dare,Live!Fernan in Subic 0918.245.7657.f_lanada@yahoo.Comprended amigos?Full steam ahead,Gridley!
Rod
on Oct 29th, 2009
@ 2:34 am:
congrats pa din parekoy! that was some scary $^%t, man…
prepare for the next battle! =D
gerard
on Oct 29th, 2009
@ 3:01 am:
glad you still made it to the finish Sam! clocked in at around 5:49 too!
Gun for PR na on the next marathon!
admin
on Oct 29th, 2009
@ 3:50 am:
Hi Gg,
Good thing to hear back from you again. Much better you didnt finish that race either. We can always come back better, in a more organized race. What about PIM on Nov 8
Rudy B will head that one 
Surely he will not screw up on hydration.
Sam
admin
on Oct 29th, 2009
@ 3:51 am:
Hi Rod,
Next battle im thinking of PIM
tara marathon uli!
admin
on Oct 29th, 2009
@ 3:52 am:
Hi Gerard,
That can’t be. You probably finished earlier. I based my time on Doc Topher’s time when he said he finished the race 5:50, I was just ahead of him by a minute or something so I thought I finished 5:49..anyway, it was a crazy race hope to improve more on next marathon race. PIM or Condura
jonel
on Oct 29th, 2009
@ 4:13 am:
congratulations sam.
it is a pity for our fellow runners that this kind of treatment took place and in full marathon in fact.
let us put this behind us and learn from this.trust no organizer’s promises especially when dealing with a full marathon.
and to think this was ballyhooed as an international-standard event.
so much for press releases.
recover well.there will be better times.
Rod
on Oct 29th, 2009
@ 5:31 am:
ayos! PIM na!
Wayne
on Oct 29th, 2009
@ 6:12 am:
Hi Sam. Sorry to hear what happened to you but like what happened to me on Sunday, you didn’t give up and am proud of you for your PR and accomplishment.
It’s unfortunate of some of the events that happened at the water stations. Until I read your blog, no one was really talking much about the event (and now I can see why.). Anyway, please take care and good luck in your future races.
Dennis (Running Fatboy), Per and Dennis will be here this weekend in San Francisco for the U.S. Half Marathon. I’ll be running as well.
Marvin Rae
on Oct 29th, 2009
@ 6:29 am:
ei sam,
wow, that was a tough race… grabe, must’ve been hell back there. sobrang incompetence on the part of the race organizer (Eventologists). they should just quit organizing races –bumalik nalang sila in organizing despedida parties or barkada reunions or tiange sale.
anyway, congrats! you guys made it!
Alfred / El Kyoshi
on Oct 29th, 2009
@ 7:48 am:
Scary story but heroic finish.
Congratulations, Sam, the Good Samaritan!
ricov
on Oct 29th, 2009
@ 7:49 am:
Hey Sam, what happened to you was quite a scare. Still I am happy you are ok and you finished. May you be blessed with good fortune on your next marathon.
gerard
on Oct 29th, 2009
@ 8:16 am:
Might hold off on PIM! ensayo muna!
Condura for sure will be my next marathon!
See you in the coming runs!
jetpaiso
on Oct 29th, 2009
@ 9:45 am:
congratulations sam! you’re still one hell of a runner, running a hell organized event hehehe
i learned so many things in sim. and i will think twice, thrice (many times actually) before i ever join another race organized by the same set of race organizers.
congrats again my friend!
abby
on Oct 29th, 2009
@ 1:45 pm:
hi sam,
i’m abby from cebu and i too joined that race based on their promises. planing in and out, staying at a hotel. that was a very expensive race for me but i wanted my first time to be special so bahala na di ba? i even became sort of “friends” with the one of the organizers due to my constant emails and phone calls inquiring about the marathon. i really believed the water station in every 2.5k line. i too had to knock on vans, and cars to beg for something to drink, i got some naman. but i did not lose my cool. at least not in tagalog. nag bisaya na lang kami when we saw a lot of angry tagalogs hahaha. scared. but im still willing to try subic 2010 again. lets see if they learned from their mistakes di ba. in any case, why not try our cebu marathon this january?
yep, i finished the race in 5:14 or 5:25 based on the two official looking time pieces at the top of the finish line. in this case i chose the lower number hahaha. even the their times are confusing.
nice to see youre safe and well enough to finish yours.
admin
on Oct 30th, 2009
@ 7:56 am:
Its ok Gerard! Really nice you nail this down. Congrats again
admin
on Oct 30th, 2009
@ 7:57 am:
tara Rod mag 42km ka din? see you at PIM
admin
on Oct 30th, 2009
@ 7:58 am:
Hi Sir Jonel,
Agree, trust no organizer’s promise. See you at PIM!
admin
on Oct 30th, 2009
@ 8:02 am:
Hi Wayne,
Nice to see you back sir. yeah things like this happens in Philippine races. It’s sad organizers promise a lot but failed on the race itself.
Goodluck on your U.S Half Mary!
admin
on Oct 30th, 2009
@ 8:03 am:
Marvs,
Boycott any race by this organizer!*laughs*
admin
on Oct 30th, 2009
@ 8:04 am:
Thanks Alfred,
Am surprised I didn’t see you on this race. Are you running 42km this PIM?Ill be there to continue my quest.
admin
on Oct 30th, 2009
@ 8:04 am:
Yo boss ric,
Yeah good forture will come on Nov 8 PIM hehehehehe..bahala na si batman!
admin
on Oct 30th, 2009
@ 8:05 am:
Jet congrats as well!
Agree, never trust the organizer’s word. Very few organizers can be trusted by their words. So lets be careful again.
See you at PIM!
admin
on Oct 30th, 2009
@ 8:07 am:
Hi Abby!
You should try Philippine International Marathon on Nov 8. It will be organized by sir Rudy Biscocho. From experience, he never screwed up when it comes to hydration, di ka dadayain, you’ll never feel somebody at the end of the race will go laughing all the way to the bank while feeling cheated.
See you in the future!
gail
on Nov 3rd, 2009
@ 4:25 am:
hey sam, grabe! even if i read most of the blogs about every runner’s horrendous experience during the SIM, it still shocks me everytime i listen to another runner’s point of view on their SIM experience. i hope SMART won’t get the same organizer for next year’s race. what they did (or actualy did not do eg providing ample water supply) was reckless. it’s a good thing you were able to finish the race
congrats and hats off to you and to all the runners who finished the death este SIM marathon.
Team TMM
on Nov 3rd, 2009
@ 2:03 pm:
Similar post here:
http://teamtmm.wordpress.com/2009/11/03/subic-international-marathon-worst-marathon-in-recent-history/
No fainting on my part, but dehydration was so bad, i was pissing blood by the end of the race.
Team TMM
on Nov 3rd, 2009
@ 2:04 pm:
Similar post here:
http://teamtmm.wordpress.com/2009/11/03/subic-international-marathon-worst-marathon-in-recent-history/
No fainting on my part, but the dehydration was so bad I was pissing blood by the end of the race.
Walden Jeff
on Nov 3rd, 2009
@ 2:48 pm:
oh I’m sorry to read this late.
Congrats Sam! You’re the man! =]
I like what you said… “Walk if you can, crawl if you must, but don’t give up.” I’ll keep that in mind.
admin
on Nov 3rd, 2009
@ 2:58 pm:
Hi abby,
Yeah saving the race was just the saving grace. There will be more marathons to come pa nman.
See you!
Jimbo
on Jan 21st, 2010
@ 5:53 am:
wow! sam, that’s one scary experience. i guess it’s a good thing that my training for SIM has been derailed. (due weeks of raining and then Ondoy followed). i was planning SIM as my first 42K, i want it to be special naaaks but eventually decided to run 21K. so that’s why the organizers are rushing on replenishing the water stations during our run, to make up for the last night event. pity for for the 42K’ers especially for the first timers.
congrat’s sam, i laughed and imagined your reaction when you heard your going to be put in an ambulance hahaha.