All set for Phl's longest ultra race two-day, 250-kilometer ultramarathon from Santander to Bogo

CEBU, Philippines - It's all systems go for the South to North or SN250, the country's longest ultramarathon scheduled this Friday from Santander to Bogo City.

The race covers a grueling 250-kilometer course, even longer than the well-known Bataan Death March which stretches only for 160km.

The SN250 is so tough that the organizers led by Jonel Mendoza of FrontRunner are requiring participants to have successfully finished at least two 100km ultramarathons in the last 24 months.

For those who passed the qualifications, the race bibs can be claimed starting at 3 pm today at Santander Municipal Hall. Those who can't claim it today may get it tomorrow before gunstart.

Action starts at 5 am in Santander passing through the towns of Ginatilan, Malabuyoc, Alegria, Badian, Moalboal, Alcantara, Ronda, Dumanjug, Barili, Aloguinsan, Pinamungajan, Toledo, Balamban, Asturias, Tuburan, Tabuelan and San Remigio before it ends in Bogo on Sunday.

Participants are required to make the 28-hour cut off set midway of the race, which is in Toledo,  to be able to proceed in the second half. For the entire 250km action, the cut-off time is 48 hours.

The event features a solo and team relay of four runners regardless of gender.

Aside from the distance, adding up challenge to the runners is that pacers are not allowed and there will be no aid stations.

Participants are also reminded about the mandatory gears like reflective vest, flashlights or headlamps and a fully-charged and loaded cellphones. Runners who are not wearing the required gear will be penalized with one-hour additional time. An additional one-hour penalty will also be added for runners caught for improper disposal of wastes.

A buckle instead of a medal awaits the finishers of the solo category, something one can wear and brag about everyday. (FREEMAN)