CEBU, Philippines - Mary Joy Tabal scored an upset over Madelyn Carter in the women's 10K division of the highly-successful 1st Eagle Run at the Cebu Doctors' University at the Mandaue reclamation area yesterday.
Simon Losiaboi, on the other hand, was seemingly unchallenged by his opponents as he claimed another title in the men’s 10K class.
The race organized by the Sacred Heart School-Boys Batch ’85 started in style, setting up fireworks at past 5am courtesy of Pyroworks even as it was drizzling as a go signal for the more than a thousand runners for the start of the run.
Tabal finished in 38 minutes and 42.52 seconds to win the women’s open crown, while Madelyn Carter placed second with the time of 39:19.68.
Little-known Mereeis Ramirez grabbed the third spot with the time of 43:55.75, while Joeyry Lee (44:45.44) and Merlyn Alin (45:24.54) occupied the fourth and fifth spots.
Florence Mata, who was adjudged the most attractive female runner, came out sixth with the time of 50:49.35. Completing the top 10 finishers were Maria Milagros Tanudtanud (51:08.17), Donna Cruz-Larrazabal placed eighth (52:14.51), Leonora Villamor (53:09.14) and Mary Ann Benedicto (53:28.32).
In the men’s open action, Kenyan Simon Losiaboi wasted no time and crossed the line first with the time of 32:32.30. Adonis Singson trailed with 33:14.77, while Riez Enriquez was third with 33:30.89.
The fourth to 10th placers were Elmer Bartolo (33:40.25), Roland Montebon (33:50.18), Alvirg Busa(35:03.58), Rolan Batiancila (35:03.58), Elvin Rey Flores (36:23.65), Robert Daang (36:45.19) and Noel Tillor (37:04.79).
In the all-SHS alumni action, Arnold Go got the top spot with a 43:47.97 clocking, thanks to the running eye doctor Yong Larrazabal, one of the organizers of the event, who gave way to his fellow SHS alumni.
Kenneth Yu placed second in 50:02:11, while Benedict Benedicto came in third in 50:21.84.
Steve Go was fourth with the time of 51:57.65, Mark Anthony Longinos fifth 52:12.70 and Manuel Zosa III sixth in 52:17.40.
The most handsome runner, Jose Francis “Joe France” Cañizares, placed seventh in 52:28.17 while the eighth to 10th places were occupied by Richard Mariano Ho (52:50.66), Sydney Carcel (53:16.58) and Neil Carcel (53:30.30). – THE FREEMAN