Repost from KOTSE.com After riding 24 hours non-stop on a 1,200 gruelling kilometer loop around Luzon, only 160 of the 250 starters successfully crossed the finished line on January 15, 2012 at the 7th edition of the BOSS Ironman Challenge. Organized by the BMW Owners Society of Saferiders (BOSS), the only club in the Philippines recognized by the BMW Clubs International Council, the Ironman Challenge is not a race, but there is undeniably an unspoken achievement to finish at the final stop in first. Still, finishing the 1,200 kilometer jounrney proves to be equally satisfying.
The Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW vehicles and BMW Motorrad in the Philippines, awarded the finishers of the challenge. In the car category, Elbert Cuenca in a diesel powered BMW X1 was the first to reach the destination with a total time of 14 hours and 19 minutes - a welcome improvement over his second place finish last year in a gasoline powered X1. Meanwhile, Joey Almeda, Enteng Gonzales, Max Kienle, Hubert Soriano, and Nani Pascoguin were the first four riders to arrive in the motorcycle category. All four men were riding BMW R1200 GS Adventure's, except for Nani who was on a S1000 RR.
The annual gathering began is 2006 as a pure motorcycle event, but eventually opened up to car entries after gaining popularity. The ride started from the Balintawak Home Depot with several checkpoints through Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Viscaya, Isabela, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Baguio, Pangasinan, Tarlac before finally ending in the Stotsenberg Hotel in Clark, Pampanga.
“There are neither trophies given nor rankings announced, but to successfully be named a BOSS Ironman is a priceless feat. It’s a display of endurance and impeccable riding/driving techniques. It is no surprise after all that among the 250 entries, only 160 made it to the final destination,” said Teng Sorreta, BOSS Ironman Challenge VII Committee Chairman.
Special awards were also presented to exceptional participants who finished the challenge.
Long Distance Award: For riding all the way from Ormoc, Leyte to participate and consequently finish in the 2012 BOSS Ironman Challenge VII
Victor Espina Jr.
Luis Alfonso Fran Jr.
Ironfamily Award: For having the most family member participate and consequently finish in the 2012 BOSS Ironman Challenge VII
The Tuscano Brothers
Biggest Automobile Group Award: For having the biggest automobile group to participate and consequently finish in the 2012 BOSS Ironman Challenge VII
The Strada Club
Lonely Driver Award: For being the only participant without a passenger/navigator in the automobile category to participate and consequently finish in the 2012 BOSS Ironman Challenge VII
Raymond Figuerres Jr.
Iron Couple Award: For participating and consequently finishing in the 2012 BOSS Ironman Challenge VII as husband and wife
Rami Villavicencio and Guinevere Villavicencio
Guillermo Nadunop and Mary Ann Nadunop (from TSCP also)
Group of 20 Award: For successfully starting and finishing as a group of twenty, within twenty four hours in the 2012 BOSS Ironman Challenge VII
CLUB PK (spearheaded by their President, Jotle Viray)
The BOSS Ironman Challenge VII is sponsorsed by Flying V, St. Peter Life Plans, Touratech, Dupont, Hotel Stotsenberg, Destiny Air Cargo, GNC, Motospray, Givi, Motoworld, Vigan Kite Center, and Motorcycle Philippines.