Losiaboi returns to winning form

CEBU, Philippines - After a humiliating experience in his previous race where he was disqualified for not using his own jersey number, Kenyan missionary Simon Losiaboi quickly got back on the winning track by dominating the Quota International 12K Classic starting and ending at the Terraces ground of Ayala Center-Cebu.

Losiaboi reached the finish line in 39 minutes and 37.55 seconds followed by Elmer Bartolo with a 41:05.90 clocking. Jobert Carolino came in third with a time of 42:13.41.

Rounding up the top 10 finishers in the women's class were Jess Gonzaga (42:6.46), Reiz Enriquez (43:44.67), Paul Zafico (45:03.47), Noel Tillon (45:31.39), Jordan Polpaco (46:20.41), Sherwin Managil (48:29.77) and Roger Saloo (48:50.30)

In the women's category, Mary Grace de los Santos reaffirmed her dominance after clocking in the best time of 48:29.63. She was trailed by Madelyn Carter in 50:21.42 as Joeyry Ann Lee settled for third in 55:16.80.

The rest of the top 10 cast were Merlyn Alin (58:10.28), Emily Chiongbian (59:45.41), Emily Rosas (1:38.43), Michelle Discaya (1:04:04.10), Jonefe Leyson (1:08:19.02), Annie Neric (1:10:03.48) and Rachel Limtong (1:15:00.04).

Reprinel Banzon, on the other hand, topped the men’s 6K run. He registered the time of 20:11.72 followed by Jorry Ycong with 20:24.22 and Philip Duenas with 20:53.01.

In the girls side, the top three runners were Mary Joy Tabal (24:43.57), Aiza Suwaybaguio (26:20.44) and Mary Aimec Arangulo (34:26.91).

The fourth to 10th placers in the men and women’s 6K race were Simon Dignos (22:54.27)/Lorelie Abella (35:08.04), Renzie Gabuya (23:30.15)/Gretchen Niere (35:58.45), Garry Garcia (25:29.44)/Karen Gonzales (37:01.56), Franklin Moralla (26:20.46)/Kathleen Aspera (37:45.11), Geofrey Villamor (26:23.56)/Abegail Lua (39:50.43), Mark Bergatin (27:22.76)/Sheerina Advincula (40:51.13) and Rolando Suico (27:24.17) and Penelope Ong (40:52.15).

Unfortunately, the fate of Revodem Aranas in running appeared to be uncertain after he was hit by a motorcycle along the race.

Aranas, according to his former teammate at USPF Mendel Lopez, suffered a fracture in his lower left leg that might be operated.

According to initial reports, Aranas was on the lead pack pursuing the top spot when suddenly a still unidentified "habal-habal (motorcycle for hire)" driver sped up out of a gas station near JY Square Mall even if CITOM personnel and marshals were around. Aranas was caught off-guard for the sudden entry of the motorcycle and got hit in the process.

Race director Raffy Uytiepo said runners have signed a waiver that the organizers are not liable for any injuries that may happen along the race but promised to look into the matter and seek justice for Aranas. – Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (THE FREEMAN)