MANILA, Philippines - Davao’s Monalisa Ambasa pulled one big surprise in the women's division, while Kenyan Benjamin Kipkazi ruled the men’s open in the premiere 42-kilometer action of yesterday's 2nd Cebu City Marathon, which started and ended at the Asiatown I.T. Park in Brgy. Apas, this city.
Though she just finished fourth in the National Milo Marathon finals last December in Manila, the 27-year-old Ambasa stunned the rest of the pack including Cebu’s own Mary Joy Tabal and Kenya's Susan Jemutai Kiptoo.
It was a hard-fought battle for the two Filipina runners until they reached the last two-kilometer mark of the race, but the more experienced Ambasa outsmarted the Southwestern University (SWU) runner to claim the title.
Ambasa crossed the finish line in three hours and 14 minutes, a good one minute ahead of Tabal. Kiptoo placed third with a 3:16 clocking.
“Usa ni sa mga lisud nga lumba gawas pa nag-cramps sad ko sa last five kilometer,” said Ambasa who pocketed P60,000 for his feat. “Layu ra gyud sa akong huna-huna nga mag-expect nga mudaog ko.”
Like Ambasa, Kiptoo also suffered a hamstring injury. She said she could have won the race if not only for the injury she sustained in the last 300 meters of the race.
In the men's division, it was clean sweep by the Kenyans led by Kipkazi with the time of two hours and 35 minutes. Phil Renoh (2:37.35) came in second followed by Abraham Missos (2:37.42) and Anthony Nerza (2:39).
“I have already raced in different parts of the world and in Asia like Taiwan, Thailand and Malaysia and I can say that this race is very good,” said Kipkazi who promised to defend his title next year.
Former National Milo Marathon champion Cresenciano Sabal was the lone Filipino runner to get close to the Kenyans as he landed at the fifth place with a time of 2:39.10.
In the men’s 21K, Ian Bernido (1:13.57) outpaced Kenyan Willy Kepkemoi Roticia (1:14.11) for the top honors, while Adonis Singson wound up third with a time of 1:14.17. Mendel Lopez (1:14.33) and Joebert Carolino (1:15.20) occupied the next two spots.
Mary Grace de los Santos proved too much for her rivals to snatch the 21K tiara with the time of
1:11.20. Christy Sevilleno Tutor (1:35.18) ended up second followed by Jojilyn Pepito (1:14.08). Joeyry Lee (1:51.28) was fourth, while Milette Chiongbian captured the fifth place with the time of 1:52.47.
The 5K category of the Cebu Executive Runners Club (CERC) and ASAP-organized event saw Joel Delposo (16:10.22) and Crizel Diongson (21:20) dominating their respective classes. (FREEMAN)