Heat Stroke Likely Caused Fatalities in Davao Norte Race
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—Heat stroke likely caused the tragic deaths of two runners during the Bukindaw x Santo Tomas Mountain Trail Run Ultra 2025 held last weekend in Santo Tomas town, Davao del Norte. The intense heat and rugged mountain terrain posed serious challenges for the participants.
Major Eduardo Corpuz, Santo Tomas police chief, confirmed that one of the victims was Klent John Mesiona Brua, 39, the husband of New Bataan Mayor Bianca Cualing-Brua. Sources identified the second runner who died as Eric Joseph Taping, 33, a councilor from Montevista town in Davao de Oro province.
Race Details and Conditions
The Bukindaw x Santo Tomas Mountain Trail Run Ultra 2025 featured four race categories: 50-kilometer, 21-kilometer, 10-kilometer, and a 3-kilometer run for kids accompanied by a parent. All courses wound through the scenic mountains of Santo Tomas, offering stunning views but also demanding endurance.
The 50-kilometer race began at 11 p.m. on Saturday with a total cutoff time of 14 hours. Runners had to reach an intermediate checkpoint at 31 kilometers within seven hours to continue. The 21-kilometer race started at 4:30 a.m. on Sunday with a seven-hour cutoff, the 10-kilometer race began at 5 a.m. with a four-hour cutoff, and the 3-kilometer kids’ run started at 5:20 a.m. with a two-hour cutoff. The start and finish lines were at the same location.
Search and Rescue Efforts
Local leaders noted that one runner was reported missing around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. A search team was quickly organized, including soldiers from the Army’s 56th Infantry Battalion and the Santo Tomas Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
At around 3:30 p.m., rescuers found Brua unconscious on a trail-side cliff where he had fallen. He was immediately taken to Santo Tomas Medical Health Center but was declared dead upon arrival. The police cited a medical report indicating Brua died from traumatic brain injury, internal bleeding, and a cardiovascular attack likely triggered by heat stroke during the race.
According to local accounts, Brua lost consciousness while running on elevated terrain before falling off the cliff.
Second Runner’s Collapse and Death
Meanwhile, Taping managed to finish the race but suffered seizures shortly after. He was rushed to a health facility but later died at home in Montevista town on the same day. Authorities suspect heat stroke as the cause of his condition during the competition.
Race Safety Measures and Organizers’ Response
Race organizers required all participants to carry trail food, hydration belts or vests, and sufficient water. Despite these precautions, the extreme heat and physical demands proved overwhelming.
In a statement, the organizers expressed deep sorrow over the deaths, extending their thoughts and prayers to the families, friends, and colleagues affected by this tragedy.
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