Safety & Training Tips
Safety Tips
Drink plenty of liquids – DRINK BOTH WATER AND SPORTS DRINK. Do not drink only water. If you march and sweat for a long time and drink only water, you can dilute your body’s electrolytes, which can lead to weakness, nausea and confusion. Remember, by the time you are thirsty, it’s too late!
Listen to your body! See a medic if you are not feeling well.
Listen to your feet! Take care of hot spots before they turn into nasty blisters.
Use sunscreen. At Bataan, sunburn can occur within 10-to-15 minutes.
Watch your step. Beware of rough terrain.
If you see a marcher who needs aid, help them. Report injured or ill marchers to race officials.
Think safety while on the Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race.
The Ultramarathon Race offers many challenges and some safety concerns unique to the area/route of race.
Please read all the following safety information.
The greatest danger to marchers is dehydration because of the dry climate. DO NOT drink alcoholic beverages the night prior to the march.
We encourage you to alternate between water and sports drink that will be available at water points.
A condition called hyponatremia can be induced by over hydration with water exclusively. This lowers sodium levels in the bloodstream and can lead to seizure and convulsion activity. marchers can avoid this condition by taking sports drinks containing essential electrolytes such as potassium, chloride, and magnesium.
Watch your step. Be aware of loose rocks, drop-offs, and asphalt roads. Also be aware of “smaller” problems such as sunburns, blisters, and wounds. If you are allergic to bee stings, carry your bee sting kit with you.
Anyone who becomes injured should remain on the route until medical attention arrives from the nearest checkpoint to avoid further injury. Anyone who witnesses an unsafe act or an injured marcher will immediately report the situation to the nearest checkpoint or roving patrol.
“Historically, about 25 percent of marchers become casualties during similar ultra races. Over half of these casualties are foot or ankle injuries. Therefore, conditioning your feet for the march should be an essential part of your training. Wear quality footwear and ensure that they are thoroughly broken in before the day of the march. Build your mileage gradually over a period of three to six months, depending on your current level of conditioning, to strengthen your feet and ankles and toughen the skin on your feet. You should build to walking at least 24kms during your train up. People who train by walking six to eight kilometers a day and then try to march 102kms across the route are the first to become casualties.
“Keeping your feet clean and dry throughout the march will help avoid blisters. Change sweaty socks during the march and consider using a quality foot powder or even anti-perspirant on your feet to help control sweating. Above all, don’t try anything new (e.g., new shoes, new type of socks, new insoles or flexible orthotics) on the day of the march. If you have not trained with it, do not use it.
“Good training, common sense and proactive hydration will help ensure that your participation in the Bataan Death March 102K Ultramarathon Race is a safe and memorable experience.”