Mizuno Shell Sinulog Half-Marathon: Bartolo, Getaruelas stamp classes

A native of Davao City who runs for a living and Cebu’s “Queen of the Road” now hold RP’s record for half-marathon after they topped their respective classes in the Mizuno Shell Sinulog Half-Marathon yesterday at the Asiatown IT Park in Brgy. Lahug, this city.

Elemer Bartolo made a memorable debut in Cebu by ruling the men’s division, while Leiszl Lumindas-Gitaruelas lorded it over in the distaff side for her first victory of the year.

Since there is no existing record for half-marathon, the sanctioning Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (PATAFA) has declared both winners as record- holders for a 21-kilometer run.

The 24-year-old Bartolo said he did not really aim for the national record as all he wanted is to make sure he doesn’t go home with an empty pocket.

Bartolo and a bunch of runners were racing close to each other until the final 10-kilometer stretch where the Davaoeño found a chance to stage a daring breakaway.

Bartolo’s lead grew wider as the race progressed, paving the way for him to cross the finish line first with the time of one hour, 10 minutes and 20.65 seconds.

Bartolo, the Dumaguete leg winner of last year’s Milo Marathon, took home P20,000. He finished just a minute ahead of the Manila-based Jujet de Asis, who clocked in 1:11:10.95.

Eugene Delposo, who won last December’s “Halad Kang Mano Amon Run”: in Danao, placed third with the time of 1:11:15.82. Jerson Agravante came in fourth with 1:11:15.82 followed by Rene Desuyo with 1:11:58.21.

Mendel Lopez, Cebu’s top long distance runner, could only make it to sixth place with the time of 1:12:02.55.

Rounding up the top 10 finishers were Dionesio Belmonte(1:15:25.50), Ramil Lumindas(1:15:54.48), Adonis Singson(1:16:10.48) and Revodem Aranas (1:17:16.21).

In the women’s division, Gitaruelas posted a personal best time of 1:28:05.21 in kicking off the year on a bright note.

Mary Jane Beboso landed at second with 1:28:15.53 followed by Madelyn Carter with 1:32:32.67. Katie Fischer was fourth with 1:36:07.37 and Merlita Arias fifth with1:38:59.60.

Completing the top 10 cast were Miscelle Gilbuena (1:41:29.14), Irish Barquera (1:44:48.55), Sugbu Half-Marathon champion Emily  Chiongbian (1:50:37.50), swimmer and first-timer in long distance running Diane Cañeda (1:56:10.42) and Doris Nudalo (2:08:19.98).

On the other hand, Eugene Delposo’s younger brother, Joel, won the 5k run in 15:58.26 followed by Rogelio Abay-Abay (16:12.85) and Riez Enriquez (16:16.83).

In the distaff side, Vlessica ruled with the time of 19:27.69. Sheena Gacayan (19:49.47) followed by Joery Ann Lee (20:01.18).