Mwiti, Sanchez rule Historic Resort City Marathon

CEBU, Philippines -  Kenyan Douglas Mwiti and Preciosa Sanchez etched their names in stone after winning the first ever Historic Resort City Marathon in Lapu-Lapu City yesterday.

Mwiti finished the 42-kilometer footrace, which started midnight, in two hours, 47 minutes and 43 seconds. He was way ahead of second placer Paul Zafico, who clocked in 2:52:19, while fellow Kenyan Abraham Missos settled for third in 3:08.

In the distaff side, Sanchez prevailed over Rhoda Oporto in what came to be a battle of ultra marathoners. Sanchez registered the best time of 3:53:21, while Oporto timed in 4:00:34. Mereeis Ramirez took the third spot in 4:04:18.

Rey Entera Velarde ruled the 21K action in 1:17:30. Azlan Pagay placed second in 1:19:33 followed by Bonifacio Monjas with the time of 1:22:12.

Ruffa Sorongan dominated the women's 21K, touching down the finish line in one hour, 38 minutes and 41 seconds. Kisha Mae Delechos copped the second place honors in 1:42:44 as Virginia Parajenog landed at third with a 1:50:02 clocking.

Lapu-Lapu's pride, the Adrin siblings, failed to live up to the expectations as Ronnie and Jhean both settled for only second place in their respective classes under the 10K category. Ronnie clocked in 35 minutes and 42 seconds to place second to Robert Daang, who posted the fastest time of 34:45, while  Jhean was stunned by Sarah Lee Cuizon by just two seconds. Cuizon logged in 49 minutes and 39 seconds as against Jhean's 49:41.

Another Andrin though in Cherry gave her siblings something to be happy about as she reigned supreme in the women's 8K race of the Heroes Run-A run for Social Transformation at Parkmall in Mandaue City also yesterday.

Cherry completed the race in 38 minutes and 58.41 seconds, beating Keisha Mae Delechos (39:12.47) and Maileen Conde (41:09.09).

The top three in the men's 8K were Prince Joey Lee (28:15.91), Ian Refuela (28:17.51) and Eliud Lelei (28:25.93).

Elmer Bartolo came out the top winner in the 16K with the time of 57:04.06. John Darryl Manos was second in 57:24.48, while Desederio Ingbino finished third in 59:29.21.

The first three finishers in the distaff side were Rachelle Ngo (1:32:22.50), Jewell Co (1:52:38.93) and Anne Diano (1:52:53.50), while the top performers in the 3K were Mary Joy Loberanis (10:06.23) and Ivan Santos (8:43.64). (FREEMAN)