Sabal runs away with ‘Takbo Para sa Kalikasan’ title

Environmentalists got a big shot in the arm yesterday with the fourth staging of dzMM’s "Takbo Para sa Kalikasan," a 10-km race won by Palarong Pambansa standout Crisenciano Sabal at the Quirino Grandstand..

Sabal stamped his class over the 2,700-runner field and won in 32 minutes and 20 seconds.

Robel Canillo emerged runner-up at 33:01 while Ramil Capio (33:05) came in four seconds behind for second runner-up honors. Rounding out the top five were Jonas Bacnagan (35:09) and David Himor (35:10).

The real surprise came in the distaff side where veteran marathoner Hazel Madamba only finished third place (42:18) behind winner Joan Erespe (38:38) and Liza Yambao (39-58).

Government officials, Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel and running enthusiasts answered the starting gun fired at 6 a.m. by Sen. Loren Legarda.

The race, which was also supported by Sharp, Bayantel, McDonalds, Circulan, Filmal Realty Corp., the Sagip Foundation, Civicom, MMI and organized by RACE, aims to raise funds in the rehabilitation of Philippine mangroves.

Also in attendance were Local Government Sec. Joey Lina, Defense Sec. Angelo Reyes, Tourism Sec. Richard Gordon, Rep. Ted Failon and Senators Manny Villar and Noli de Castro, who initiated the unique running event for the environment in 1999 when he was still vice president of dzMM.

Legarda promised organizers that she is donating a seedling each on behalf of all the participants next year via her Luntiang Pilipinas project.

Winners in the 5k fun run (men) were Jojit de Asis, first 16:53; Adonis Lobaton, second, 17:01; Rio dela Cruz, third, 17:07; (women) Nhea Ann Barcena, 1st, 18:01; Maricar Gamad, second, 24:21 and Ma. Lourdes Diaz, third, 27:29.

Completing the list of winners in the 3k Kiddie Run were (6-9 years old, male) Jaymar Danofrata, 11:42; Jaymon Dee, 11:45; Miguel Caritas Jr., 12:53; (6-9 female) Darlyn Danofrata, 11:11; Janice Caritas, 17:24; Margarita Dionisio, 18:29; (10-12 female) Rodel Orbong, 11:03; Jerome Riveral, 11:14; Ruben Villegas, 11:45; (10-12 female) Grace Caritas, 14:37; Mary Grace Cruz, 15:29; Christine Aclo, 17:54.

The Marikina City Runners Club was awarded with the Biggest Contingent Award.