News: Corregidor Half Marathon and Full Marathon

Official Press Release:

RUN BACK IN TIME AT THE 2013 CORREGIDOR MARATHON

The philosopher George Santayana once stated, “Those who do not know history are condemned to repeat it.” But if history is comprised of all your winning and most memorable moments, you will most likely come back for it.

On December 7 and 8, 2013, the running community will once again converge in Corregidor Island to participate in 2 events: The 1st Corregidor Marathon (CM) on the first day and the 4^th Corregidor International Half Marathon (CIHM) on the second.

The 1^st CM will usher in a new level of challenge in the running scene. With a total distance of 42.195km, the event is designed to be the common ground of marathoners, ultra-runners and triathletes.

Participation in the 1^st CM will be reserved for 88 seasoned marathoners only, with a set qualifying time. Because the half-marathon course of Corregidor could be viewed from the top as forming an “8”-shaped loop, runners must race through the course twice to complete the race, hence a “double 8.”

The race is an open competition. All participants upon crossing the finish line will receive a Finisher’s Medallion and a rank-indicated Finisher’s Trophy. There will be one male and one female overall winner whose title will be Corregidor Marathon Man and Woman, respectively. Each winner will receive a Php30, 000.00 cash prize and a champion’s trophy. Age bracket top finishers will also be declared and will be awarded with a certificate of achievement.

In addition to the full marathon distance, CM will have shorter distance categories: the 5K Blitz and the 3K Thrill. Each of these distances shall have 150 slots. These shorter distances will cater to those who are just getting started with the sport of running and who would like to experience running in the island. There will be no qualifying times required for the participants of these sub-categories nor will there be a sweep time or cut-off time.

Meanwhile, close to 1,000 participants and visitors are expected to turn up for the 4^th installment of CIHM. Runners from different backgrounds – from intermediate recreational to hardcore runners, will take a shot at dethroning the reigning King and Queen of the Rock. The 4^th CIHM is designed to thrill, surprise and challenge runners, from different parts of the country and from around the world, by testing their mettle on all types of running terrain.

The race route, covering a total of 21.0975km, will encompass a combination of paved uphills and down slopes and intermittent segments of dirt trails. But what would differentiate CIHM from the usual running experience of avid runners is that it will take the race participants to key historical hotspots on the remarkable isle. Right at the start of the race, the runners will experience an adrenaline rush as they race past the full length of the Malinta Tunnel. The exhilaration will continue to unfold as the runners exit the tunnel’s east access en route to the interior of the atoll. The thrilling highlight of the race surges as the runners negotiate the tricky span of a thickly foliaged trail draped in rays of sunlight, culminating in a run along the rocky cliff of the island with a breathtaking view of Manila Bay, to dramatically finish at the south dock breakwater facing the vast West Philippine Sea.

The 4^th CIHM will be an extraordinary opportunity for passionate runners to set a new norm for personal achievement as finishing the race will be akin to recapitulating a fortress that is home to the resilient and valiant. There are 300 slots to be opened for the 21K distance. A qualifying time of 2h30min for male runners, and 3h00min for female participants will be adopted for this category. First time 21K runners must have run a 10K race within 1h15m (male) or 1h30min (female). However, for CIHM alumni 100 slots will be allotted as wildcard entries waiving the qualifying time requirement.

Aside from centerpiece 21km event, there will be a 10k Challenge for running aficionados who are yet to be familiar with the challenging terrain of Corregidor but yearn to discover and experience its distinctive scenic course. There will be no qualifying time to join this race category. Likewise, no sweep time will be observed. The top male and female runners in this event will be awarded with a certificate of achievement and winner’s plaque. All finishers in this race category will be awarded with a 10km Achiever Medal. Only 200 slots will be opened for this side event.

Registration for the 1^st CM is ongoing and, for the 4^th CIHM, registration will begin on October 1, 2013.

The 1^st Corregidor Marathon and the 4^th Corregidor International Half Marathon are managed by Big, Big, Big, Inc. and presented by Smart Communications, Sun Cruises, Soleus together with event partners Corregidor Foundation, Galileia Events Place, 100 Miles Café, L Time Studio, Runningmate, One Sceniques, Active Link, Toby’s, Runnr, media partners The Philippine Star, Pinoy Fitness, Mellow 94.7 FM, Takbo.ph, Inquirer Libre, Solar News and medical aid partner UERM Medical Center.

For inquiries and updates on the two races, interested runners can like the separate Facebook fan pages or shoot an email to corregidormarathon@bigbigbig.com.ph or corregidor21@bigbigbig.com.ph. Runners can also contact (02) 403-0246 or 09228115438. 

10k finisher medal

3k, 5k and 42k finisher medals

 

21k finisher medal

 

official shirt

 

sling bag

back pack for 42k participants

FAQ:

Q:        How much are the race registrations for the CM and CIHM?

A:        For Corregidor Marathon the race registration fee is Php6,000; the sub-events 5K Blitz and 3K Thrill have the same race participation fee: Php2,500.
For the Corregidor International Half-Marathon, the race participation fee is Php3,000; for the sub-event 10K Challenge, Php2,700.

Q:        Are these race registration fees too expensive for a race in the Philippines?

A:        On face value, the stated race registrations fees maybe the highest to date locally. However, relative to the ever increasing registration fees of races in Metro Manila, the participation fees in both the CM and CIHM are actually very reasonable and in fact underscores a great value for money, and almost a steal. Sun Cruise’s regular rate per person for a daytrip to Corregidor that includes round-trip ferry, a group-guided tour of the island, and a lunch buffet is Php2,300.00. Marathon distance participants of the CM are entitled to a round-trip ferry, a pre-race Carbo Dinner buffet, a post-race Lunch buffet, a customized race shirt, a race backpack, an RFID timing chip, a quarter-pounder Finisher’s Medallion, and a rank-indicated Finisher’s Trophy. The CM’s 5K Blitz and 3K Thrill categories entitle participants to a round-trip ferry, race shirt, sling bag, race bib and RFID timing chip, post-race Lunch buffet, and a Finisher’s Medal.
The CIHM package, excluding the guided tour, offers all participants round-trip ferry, a full lunch buffet on race day, a genuine dry-fit race shirt, race sling bag, race bib with an RFID timing chip, a classic Finishers’ Medallion, and a ticket to a mercury-rising after-race bash that is the CIHM Victory Party.

As a bonus, all CM and CIHM race participants get a Php1,000.00 SOLEUS Gift Voucher.

Q:        Are the registration fees refundable or transferable?

A:        The registration fee is non-refundable. It is also non-transferable.

Q:        Is change of race category possible?

A:        Yes. Race participants who want to change their initially registered race category to a different category should contact the organizers not later than November 22 for assistance. Beyond this date, request for such will not be accommodated.

Q:        Does the registration fee cover accommodations in the island?

A:        No. Accommodations, however, range only from P2000 (twin sharing, P750 for add’l person) to P3500 (Resort cabana w/ aircon) per night per room. A standard room could accommodate three persons comfortably. It may be arranged through Sun Cruises at these numbers: +632-5275555 loc 4511 and 4512, (+63)917-5459917, (+63)917-8084641, (+63)922-8475418  (Mon to Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 8am-12nn).

Q:        Is there any other option for accommodation if I were to go overnight?

A:        Yes. CM or CIHM participants may opt to camp out with their own tent. There is a P250 fee per camper to be charged by Sun Cruises on site. The camp site is at the parade grounds adjacent to the South Dock and facing the beach. Those who will camp out need not worry about their lavatory needs. Though spartan in nature, there are more than ample clean washroom and restroom cubicles that are very proximate to the tent grounds. 

Q:        Still concerning those going overnight, where could they avail of their meals ?

A:        Sun Cruises operates Corregidor Inn where both CM and CIHM participants may dine out in a welcoming restaurant. Alternatively, there are several kiosks in the island such as that in McCarthur’s Inn where participants may check out other meal options.

Q:        Will race participants camping out be allowed to bring camping stoves?

A:        Mini camping stove or similar devices that will produce a relatively minimal combustion may be allowed to be brought in by participants who will camp out.

Q:        Are bikes allowed to be brought along?

A:        Owing to space limitations in and weight restrictions of the ferries, CM and CIHM participants are disallowed to bring along their bicycles.

Q:        Will Corregidor be open to regular tourists on the day of the race?

A:        Yes. But only once the race has started. Expectedly, all regular tourist will arrive at the island towards the latter part of the conduct of the race. This means that CM and CIHM racers could totally enjoy a traffic-less and urban-nuisance-free race amidst a dramatic backdrop, and that is only in Corregidor. However, all Sun Cruises-operated accommodations are exclusively dedicated to CM and CIHM participants.

Q:        Where can foreign nationals, residing outside the Philippines, intending to join CM or CIHM get information on Philippine visa requirements?

A:        They may check out the tab “Philippine Visa Information for Foreign Participants” in the CIHM website www.corregidor21.runningmate.ph or other veritable websites on the net.

Q:        Can registered participants have their own pacers?

A:        Yes but only if the pacer is also a registered CM or CIHM participant. The race will strictly adhere to the “No Bib, No Race” policy.

Q:        Will there be a sweep time for any of the race participants in the CM or CIHM?

A:        None. CM or CIHM participants need not worry about being swept off the race course after a particular time. All participants who will successfully finish the 21k and 10k distances, respectively, will be awarded with the CIHM Finishers’ Medallion and 10K Achiever Medal, correspondingly. Same applies to the CM participants

Q:        How many hydration stations will there be on the race course?

A:        There will be 8 hydration stations, including one at the finish area, at 2km interval from each other in the entire race course. Other than hydration, embedded in select stations are race nutrition aid outlets.

Q:        Will there be first aid stations along the race course?

A:        Yes. First aid, actually, will be integrated also with the hydration stations. Aside from this, a mobile paramedic team will also be in place. And finally, the command center of the race medical aid team is situated at the Finish Line activity area.

Q:        What is the unique selling point of  both Corregidor Marathon and Corregidor International Half-Marathon?

A:        It is the idea that all CM and CIHM participants will have the rare opportunity to run on sacred grounds and all their determined efforts will be cheered on by the glorious memory of heroism of our noble predecessors. Then there’s the bonus of an after-race Victory Party where participants could revel to celebrate their achievement.

Registration Details:

 

Half-Marathon

Race Registration Fee:

·        P3,000.00

Race Registration inclusions:

• Roundtrip ferry to and from Corregidor
• Full lunch buffet on race day
• Race bib w/ RFID timing chip
• CIHM Dri-fit Race Shirt
• CIHM Race sling bag
• CIHM Finisher's Medallion
• Runners' Briefing (Nov 30 and Dec 1)
• CIHM Post-Race Victory Party
• CIHM Digital Finisher's Certificate
• P1,000 SOLEUS Gift Voucher

*For race participants attending the Carbo-loading Dinner (Dec 7), Carbo Dinner ticket may be availed at P250.00 on Nov 30 & Dec 1 during the Runners’ Briefing.

10K Challenge

Race Registration Fee:

·        P2,700.00

Race Registration inclusions:

• Roundtrip ferry to and from Corregidor
• Full lunch buffet on race day
• Race bib w/ RFID timing chip

• CIHM Dri-fit Race Shirt
• CIHM Race sling bag
• 10k Achiever Medal
• Runners' Briefing (Nov 30 and Dec 1)
• CIHM Post-Race Victory Party
• 10K Challenge Digital Finisher's Certificate
• P1,000 SOLEUS Gift Voucher

*For race participants attending the Carbo-loading Dinner (Dec 7), Carbo Dinner ticket may be availed at P250.00 on Nov 30 & Dec 1 during the Runners’ Briefing.

Registration, Ferry and Room Reservations Procedures:

1) Send a direct message to our FB fan page "Corregidor International Half-Marathon" indicating your full name, best 21K race finish time conforming to the qualifying times: 2h30mins (Male) and 3h00min (Female) during the last 12 months, name and year of race. For those who have yet to run a 21Km race, a 10K race time of at least: 1h15 (Male) or 1h30 (Female) must be provided. First 100 CIHM alumni are exempted from the qualifying time.

2) Pay the corresponding race registration fee by way of a bank deposit at any BDO branch using the following details:

BDO Checking Account

Account Name: Big Big Big, Inc.

Account Number: 000410417114

*For international participants, as follows are the details when depositing corresponding race registration fee through bank transfer:

BDO (Banco de Oro Unibank, Inc.)

Branch details: 041 Bel-Air

Swift Code: BNORPHMM

Acct details: Checking Account

Account Name: Big Big Big, Inc.

Account Number: 000410417114 

3) Visit and “Like” the Facebook fan page “Corregidor International Half-Marathon”. Submit a photofile or scanned copy of the deposit slip (with your full name written on it) to the Fan Page by way of a direct message. Wait for an alpha-numeric code reply to your message. This code CAN NOT be shared with another person.

4) Log on to www.corregidor21.runningmate.ph to complete registration for the race. In order to validate the race registration transaction, you must provide the assigned alpha-numeric code on the space provided in the on-line registration form.

5) Once race registration is validated, you will receive in 48 hours your race inclusion confirmation via email. After receiving your confirmation, immediately contact Sun Cruises (8am to 5pm – Mon to Fri; 8am to 12nn Sat) at 5275555 loc 4511 and 4512, 0917-5459917, 0917-8084641, 0922-8475418 to book for ferry trip schedules.

Indicate the desired trip schedule:

From Manila to Corregidor

a) Overnight – departure on Dec 07 @ 1:00pm

b) Day trip – departure on Dec 08 @ 5:00am

Return from Corregidor to Manila

a) departure on Dec 08 @ 2:30pm (priority for Overnight CM & CIHM participants)

b) departure on Dec 08 @ 6:00pm (priority for Day trip CIHM participants)

Your desired schedule is subject to first-come, first-served basis.

* For those travelling with noncompeting companions, you may avail of Sun Cruisesʼ regular tour package at P2,300/person. Please contact Sun Cruises if availing of this.

6) If applicable, make accommodations reservation with Sun Cruises (only registered participants will be given reservations; maximum of 1 room per participant only). Pay the appropriate accommodations booking amount through the payment mode advised by Sun Cruises.

7) On Nov 30 & Dec 1 (as advised through email by Team Corregidor) at  

Galileia Events Place in 100 Miles Café, Fort Strip, BGC attend the Runners’ Briefing, pick-up the race pack, and claim the Boarding Pass and/or Accommodations Booking ticket from Sun Cruises.  Anyone may pick up your kit at Runners’ Briefing from 1pm to 8pm. They may be asked for identification and your signed authorization note.