Policeman rules 100-Mile ultramarathon

CEBU, Philippines - Brian Guillen, a policeman assigned in Lapu-Lapu City, emerged as the winner of the 2014 H1 Hardcore 100-Mile Ultramarathon yesterday that started and ended in Bogo City.

A native of Surigao Del Norte, Guillen puts on a brave face running and finishing the race as typhoon Basyang hits Cebu.  He completed the lung-busting race in 24 hours and seven minutes.

"I really didn’t expect this (victory). I joined the race just for fun and not to compete because I knew that there are many veterans who will join, “said the 25-year-old Guillen.

Guillen finished the race way ahead of the 30-hour cut-off imposed by race organizer Jonel Mendoza.

"It’s not easy to run because of the strong winds and debris flying all around the route. I learned that many of the participants did not finish the race,” he added.

Early favorite, Noel Tillor failed to finish the battle saying he was after his safety rather than winning the race.

Tillor was going out fast, leading by a large margin after 15 hours or about 78-kilometers while Guillen was running fourth on that time. However, after 130-km, Tillor decided to stop and called it quits.

For his part, veteran ultramarathoner Rhoda Oporto was the first female to finish the race.  (FREEMAN)