QUEZON CITY – Aiming to uphold the legacy of camaraderie, bravery, and sacrifice made by Filipino and American freedom fighters 76 years ago, Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) together with its partners, is once again holding the Bataan Freedom Run and the Mariveles-San Fernando-Capas Freedom Trail in time for this year’s commemoration of Philippine Veterans Week.
Now on its 5th year, the Bataan Freedom Run (BFR) slated on April 8, 2018 (Sunday) invites running enthusiasts to follow the route of the historic Bataan Death March through the province of Bataan beginning at Kilometer Zero in Mariveles.
The BFR features a 42-kilometer full marathon, a 21-kilometers half-marathon, as well as 10-kilometers, 5-kilometers, and 1-kilometer courses for all types of runner from pro-runners tokids and even pets. This year’s BFR aims to involve more participants from the military and police and members of the US Special Forces will also be invited to join the solo and/or team relays.
On the other hand, the Mariveles-San Fernando-CapasFreedom Trail (Freedom Trail) will be held earlier from March 24 – 25, 2018 and will see participants trace the entire route of the Bataan Death March from Kilometer Zero in Mariveles, Bataan all the way to Capas, Tarlac. There will be three event categories in the Freedom Trail: a 160-kilometer competitive team relay, the Ride for Valor which will be for big bikers, and the Freedom March which will be a torch-passing relay for youth groups. This is the second year that the Freedom Trail will be held.
“Philippine Veterans Bank and its partners are honored to again hold the Bataan Freedom Run and the Freedom Trail in time for the 76th Anniversary of the Bataan Death March and commemoration of Veterans Week,” said PVB Chairman Dr. Roberto de Ocampo, OBE. “These events, which challenge runners through gruesome and gritty courses, are our way of remembering, honoring, and emulating the bravery and sacrifices of our World War II veterans during one of the darkest chapters of our country’s history.”
Organizers are expecting about 5,000 participants for both events and as in previous years proceeds to be generated will be used for the restoration and upkeep of historical markers along the Bataan Death March route.
Additionally, during the launch of the twin events at the Kamuning Bakery today, the proceeds from last year’s BFR and Freedom Trail amounting to Php 517,153.54 were turned over by PVB to Mr. Robert Hudson, VP of the Filipino-American Memorial Endowment, Inc. (FAME). FAME, a non-stock organization made up of World War II Filipino and American descendants, manages the restoration and upkeep of World War II historical markers.
The Bataan Freedom Run, organized by Without Limits, is presented by the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) in partnership with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), and the Provincial Government of Bataan.
On the other hand, the Freedom Trail, also presented by PVB and organized by Without Limits, is also in partnership with PVAO, Capas Freedom March, and the provincial governments of Mariveles, Bataan; San Fernando, Pampanga; and Capas, Tarlac.
To register and find out more about the Bataan Freedom Run and the Mariveles-San Fernando-Capas Freedom Trail, visit http://www. bataanfreedomrun.com/