Torregosa makes unforgettablem debut in full marathon race

CEBU, Philippines — Mindanaoan runner Artjoy Torregosa made her debut in a full 42-kilometer distance a memorable one after she snared the women’s crown in the Cebu Marathon 2024 powered by AIA Vitality at SM Seaside City via Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) yesterday.

The 24-year-old Torregosa, who hails from Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, said she went through some sleepless nights prior to race day as she only had two weeks to prepare in the full marathon, which is a big leap from the 10K category she entered into last year.

But Torregosa’s efforts paid off as the University of San Carlos (USC) student crossed the finish line first among all female participants with the fastest time of three hours, 12 minutes and 14 seconds.   

Maricar Camacho clocked in 3:14:39 to settle for second place, while Jennylyn Nobleza wound up third in 3:18:41.

In the men’s division, Eric Chipsiror of Kenya, now 40 years old, continued to defy time to clinch his sixth title with the time of two hours, 13 minutes and 50 seconds, even faster by 14 minutes than his winning time in 2023,

Florendo Lapiz trailed Chipsiror with 2:35:37, while another Kenyan Joseph Mururi bagged the third place honors in 2:42:19.

Meanwhile, Christine Hallasgo, whose name is best remembered for ending the reign of Mary Joy Tabal as the country’s marathon queen, opted to do the 24K run and won it in 1:40:14. Cherry Andrin placed second in 1:46:53 followed by Lany Adaoag in 1:52:12.

In the 12K action, the top three performers were Ritche Estampador (40:33) Rogen Aguire (40:50), and Dhem AJ Monton (41:33) in the men’s, and Joida Gagnao (47:36),  Kyung A Kang (47:54), and Karen Manayon (50:59) in the women’s side.

Mark Mahinay and Asia Paraase caught part of the spotlight after stamping their classes in the 6K battle with the time of 20:97 and 25:37, respectively.