Sevilleno is top bet

Cebu's road running princess Christy Sevilleno of the University of Cebu Webmasters is expected to score a walk in the park victory when the 2006 Milo Marathon Elimination 21-kilometer race visits Cebu on August 27.

This developed as chief rivals Leizle Lumindas-Getaruelas and Merlita Arias already booked seats to the National Milo Marathon Finals slated in Manila in December this year.

A school teacher, Arias took the top plum in the women's division during the elimination leg in Dumaguete City last February 19 while fitness-instructor Getaruelas-Lumindas snatched a ticket to the 42K National Finals by also taking the championship prize in the Davao City leg over the weekend.

Both Arias and Getaruelas-Lumindas are in Davao City wrapping up their preparations for the coming 21K Mt. Kinabalu Climbathon this coming September in Malaysia. They are using the rugged and treacherous terrains of Mt. Apo in Davao City as their training ground.

Also in for the final is Gina Adan of Lapu-Lapu City, who topped the women's division in Tagbilaran City last February 5.

Yesterday, Sevilleno enlisted herself to the premier 21K elimination race at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC), eyeing to run away with her fourth consecutive Cebu-leg elimination title in many years.

A graduating student of UC, Sevilleno is a consistent top finisher in the National Finals, with a second place finish in the 2003 edition as her highest achievement so far.

On the other hand, it is also an open race for the title in the men's open with top bets Joseph Penales of Bohol and Roland Montebon of UC already snatching slots to the national finals.

Penales topped in his hometown in Bohol over Riez Enriquez of University of Southern Philippines-Foundation (USP-F) and another Cebuano Renato Aguspina.

Montebon ruled the men's division in Dumaguete City over Mendel Lopez of USP-F and another UC stalwart Miljune Luterte was the third placer.

Left to battle it out for the Cebu title are Adonis Singson and the fast-rising Eugene Delposo, both from USP-F.

Two other Cebu-based runners are also set for the National Finals. They are Madelaine Carter, who finished second behind Arias in Dumaguete City and adventure racer Mylene Jarina, the third placer in Tagbilaran City.