Kampanaryo Ultramarathon runs beyond the finish line

By Ryan Mostar

BOMBON, Camarines Sur --- What began as an effort to help repair a local church has grown into a sporting event that brought 137 runners to Bombon while putting the town’s landmarks, local businesses, artists and food in the spotlight.

The inaugural Kampanaryo Ultramarathon, held Sunday, Aug. 9, featured 50K and 25K categories and raised ₱23,400 for the repair of the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish.

Of the amount, ₱20,000 came from the race, supplemented by ₱3,400 in donations from abroad. The funds were turned over to the parish during the awarding ceremony.

For organizer Oscar Borja Jr., the idea began after he saw the parish undergoing construction and renovation. As an ultramarathon runner himself, Borja had also seen how running events could generate funds while contributing to tourism and promoting local culture.

That led him to envision an event that would serve several purposes at once.

“We all reach a point in our lives where we want to give back and serve our community,” Borja said. “Big or small, this is our way of giving thanks and offering what we can do.”

The Kampanaryo was built around three objectives: fundraising for the parish, promoting Bombon’s tourism and heritage, and supporting the local economy.

The town’s leaning bell tower became central to the event’s identity. The finisher’s trophy features the image of the Kampanaryo and was crafted by a local artist, giving the race an opportunity to showcase local talent.

The route also passed local establishments, including a gasoline station and several resorts, while the winners received binamban, a local delicacy, as part of the event’s effort to highlight Bombon’s culinary identity.

Borja said the broader tourism goal was influenced by his own experience as an ultrarunner who travels to other places to compete. He has seen how races can bring visitors into communities and expose them to local attractions, businesses and products.

“That is exactly the positive, long-lasting impact I want to bring to our own town,” he said.

The event drew 137 participants, exceeding the organizers’ initial target of 125. Borja said runners were still trying to register even after registration had officially closed.

The race route provided its own challenge, with runners describing it as a “roller coaster” of uphill and downhill sections.

Borja identified the stretch between kilometers 24 and 34 as one of the toughest portions, with gradual inclines giving way to steeper climbs.

Organizing the race was done within a tight two-month preparation period, during which the team had to plan and conceptualize the event, prepare logistical materials and conduct online and onsite registration.

Safety was among the organizers’ primary concerns. Borja said coordination with every barangay and local government unit along the route was necessary, but he also recognized that unexpected problems could arise during the race itself.

Aside from coordinating with barangays and LGUs, organizers deployed their own race marshals and medical personnel to help ensure the safety of participants.

With the inaugural event now completed, the organizers are already looking toward a possible second edition. Borja said requests for “Kampanaryo Dos” began coming in shortly after the first race ended.

He hopes the event will eventually become an annual tradition, with future editions further improved based on what organizers learned from the inaugural race.

For now, Bombon has its first Kampanaryo in the books. What began as an effort to support the parish has opened a new avenue for showcasing the town, its landmarks, local businesses, artists and products—leaving behind not just a race, but a new way for Bombon to introduce itself to the world.