Injured runner fastest in Milo elims

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Juniel Laguido wanted to defend his Milo Marathon regional title and return to the National Finals on Nov. 14 so badly that he ran on injured legs yesterday here at the Pelaez Sports Center.

Laguido, 20, was sideswept by a speeding vehicle while running one afternoon in the streets of Cagayan de Oro City last month, leaving a scar in his right leg. He showed up yesterday and ruled the 21-k race anew at 1:05:44.

"Akala ko nga hindi ako mananalo ngayon (yesterday) dahil medyo sumasakit pa ang paa ko. Pero ininuman ko ng maraming gamot para makatakbo ako," said Laguido, who, aside from booking a seat to the National Finals in Metro Manila, also pocketed the P10,000 top purse and a brand new Globe Handyphone.

"Ibibili ko ng adidas ang panalo ko ngayon," said Laguido, whose running shoes he bought after winning the Cagayan de Oro leg last year was already worn out.

Laguido, a native of Malaybalay, Bukidnon, beat arch-rival Roger Sawin-ay, last year’s runner-up here, by a mere 26 seconds. At far third was veteran runner Ronillo Sandinao (1:07:03).

Sawin-ay and Sandinao are also bound for the 42K National Finals of this annual race held in partnership with Cebu Pacific, Parkview Hotel Manila, Globe Handyphone, Adidas and the Department of Tourism.

Ailene Tolentino likewise repeated as champion in the women’s side.

She finished the race at 1:22:39, more than eight minutes ahead of second placer Cecile Topia and third placer Helen Tacling.

Tolentino handily ruled the race yesterday in the absence of her elder sister Ellen, who now studies in La Salle-Dasma. The younger Tolentino barely edged her sister by eight seconds to claim last year’s title.

"Wala ang ate ko kaya hindi ako nahirapan kanina," said the 19-year-old Tolentino, a student at the Lapasan National High School, who also claimed the leg title here in 2001. "Hindi pa ako nakakatapos ng full marathon pero susubukan ko ngayon."

Tolentino ran in the finals last year but was unable to finish. Her sister Ellen, on the other hand, placed eighth in the 2003 National Finals.

The 5K fun run, however, was dominated by Ariel Unabie and Charue Dabatian while the 3K age-group side event was won by John Kenneth Canete and Jocelyn Requerme (6-9 years old). and Arlan Podador and Annarose Boquerin (10-12).

More than 10,700 runners answered the starting gun.

The next regional race will be held in Olongapo City next week.