Torregosa defends throne, third time lucky for Lapiz

Torregosa defends throne, third time lucky for Lapiz

Caecent No-Ot Magsumbol

CEBU, Philippines — Artjoy Torregosa successfully defended her throne while it’s third time lucky for Florendo Lapiz in the men’s 42-kilometer division of the AIA Cebu Marathon 2025 at the SM Seaside City grounds yesterday.

Despite having fever two days before the event, the 25-year-old Torregosa managed to complete the grueling race with a personal best of three hours, six minutes and 52 seconds, more than five minutes off her 3:12:14 clocking last year.

With her rousing triumph, the pride of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur got an added boost to push through her plans of joining the tryouts for the Philippine team via the National Open this March in Manila.

Kaye Candangan was a distant second with a time 3:21:24 followed by Lizane Abella with 3:29:09.

In the men’s side, Lapiz, a shipyard welder from Bukidnon who also dreams of making it to the national team someday, finally bagged the coveted title after his third attempt with a time of 2:38:27.

Mark Kevin Revilla landed at second place in 2:49:51, while Andy Toniacao placed third in 2:58:19.

In the 25K battle, Prince Joey Lee narrowly beat Gimar Magdalino for the men’s crown with a time of 1:27:15. Magdalino posted 1:28:28 while James Palma settled for third in 1:35:23.

Cherry Andrin reigned supreme in the women’s category in 1:47:03. Stephanie Cadosale (1:55:02) and Lijeaven Noay (1:56:26) occupied the next two spots.

On the other hand, Ricky Organiza and Jessa Mae Roda topped the 12K action.

Organiza snatched the men’s title with the best time of 39 minutes and 11 seconds. Franklin Ferdie Yee (39:57) and national triathlete Andrew Kim Remolino (40:21) came out second and third, respectively.

Roda lorded it over the women’s 12K in 50:01 followed by Afjeel Clampiano (51:09) and Raven Alcoseba (51:56).

In the 6K, the Top 3 finishers were Noli Torre (19:56), Janry Pelones (20:20) and Jayve Duha (21:15) in the men’s and Asia Paraase (25:08), Cathy Lingcong (26:05), and Jane Pangalao (26:29) in the women’s class.