Buenavista, Martes rule Yakult run

Philippine Air Force bets Eduardo Buenavista and Christabel Martes easily retained their titles by repeating over 2,000 runners in yesterday’s 14th edition of the Yakult 10-Miler in an out-and-back course at the Cultural Center of the Philippines grounds in Pasay City.

The 24-year-old Sto. Niño, South Cotabato native took the lead at the bark of the gun and never relinquished it for a runaway triumph with a fast clocking of 49 minutes and 37 seconds.

"Pagputok ng starting gun, nasa harap kaagad ako. May nakabuntot pero hanggang bago mag-three kilometer lang ang itinagal nila at tuloy-tuloy na ako sa meta," said a happy Buenavista.

Salvaging first runner-up honors was Armyman Cresencio Sabal (53:12) followed by teammate Rey delos Reyes (53:52), Airman Jonas Bacnagan (54:10) and Armyman Rodolfo Tacadino (54:16) in the event that was backed by Yakult Philippines.

Busan Asiad veteran Martes also booked a similar win with a fast time of one hour, three minutes and 37 ticks followed by Hazel Madamba of the Philippine Navy (1:08:53) and former national walkathon titlist Melinda Manahan (1:11:23). Two new faces, Joanne Manangat (1:14:33) and Genevieve dela Peña (1:19:15) placed fourth and fifth, respectively.

In the 5-K Fun Run, Rovel Castillo topped the event in 15:58 timing followed by Eric Tauro (16:31) and Saudimar Diaz (16:31.5) while in the distaff side, Joan Erespe hogged the first place (19:11), with Luisa Raterta (20:46) and Myra Abueg (26:28) in second and third slots.

Yakult-Philippines assistant manager Michael Ong, race organizer Rudy Biscocho and media coordinator Ronald Nieva graced the awards rites for the winners.