Villarin reigns as new AWUM queen

CEBU, Philippines — The All Women’s Ultra Marathon has a new queen in Evamie Villarin.

Villarin of Spectrum Runners Club topped the eight edition of the 50-kilometer race that started and ended at the Terraces of Ayala Center Cebu yesterday, with a time of four hours, 12 minutes and 27 seconds.

It was a historic win for Villarim as she became the youngest AWUM queen. She also broke the all-time best record of 4:21:04 previously held by Lizane Abella.

“I am so happy. I know to myself that i really have a great chance of winning the race because I trained and worked so hard for this, but being able to break the record of my Spectrum teammate ate Lizane (Abella) was not something that I expected,” said Villarin , who was also recognized as AWUM’s sexiest runner.

“In my heart, I can feel that I can also achieve great things like my idol Mary Joy Tabal someday because that is my dream. I want to be like my idol.”

Villarin is now more determined to train as she sets her sights on the upcoming Milo Marathon. Last year, Villarin finished second place in the women’s 21K race of the Butuan leg of Milo Marathon but was not able to compete in the national finals because of an injury.

Villarin’s closest pursuer was Stephan Marie Jayson, who clocked in 4:31:20 followed by Kay Razel Cundangan at third place with a time of 4:50:00.

Rounding up the top 10 finishers were Sandra Soliano (04:50:06), Preciosa Sanchez (05:04:15),Marivic Mari (05:09:07),

Chiqui Limpangog (05:10:31), Elynn Mira (05:13:15), Jessie Ejoc (05:16:02) and Cheryl Raro (05:20:28).

Meanwhile, Team ADR got the AWUM 50K special award for biggest delegation while Skeptron was recognized as the best aid station. (FREEMAN)