THE inaugural Mariveles-San Fernando-Capas Freedom Trail promises to be a historic event as runner and bikers from the Philippines and other countries trace the actual route of the Death March on Monday.
The Freedom Trail has three events—160-kilometer ultra-marathon which has a single and eight or 16 man relay, “Padyak para sa Kagitingan” bike trail and Freedom Ride for big bikes with engines of 400cc and up.
There are four history pit stops awaiting participants along the historic trail. These are the Flaming Sword in Pilar, Bataan; Layac Junction in Hermosa, Bataan; old San Fernando Train station in Pampanga; and the Capas Shrine at Tarlac.
Freedom Trail participants could register at any of the pit stops and get souvenir items.
World War II re-enactors would be in all the pit stops to give a short presentation and selfie opportunities for participants and spectators.
“The Bataan Death March is probably the best known Philippine WWII event in the world. There are marches, commemorations and markers around the globe. But in the Philippines, we are doing this on the actual site of the Death March.” Mike Villa-Real, Head of Veterans Bank’s Corporate and Consumer Relations Division, said.
Proceeds from the Freedom Trail will be used to fund the restoration and maintenance of World War II Historical Markers, including the Death March Kilometers along the route.
The Freedom Trail is presented by Philippine Veterans Bank and copresented by History Channel Asia and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), in coordination with the Provincial Government of Bataan and Pampanga, City Governments of Balanga and San Fernando, Municipal Government of Capas, Bataan Tourism Council, Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan Investor Locator Association, ANC News Channel, CLTV-36, Asian Journal, Hotel Sogo and AAP Travel.