Corpuz outclasses Antoque in Milo elims

OLONGAPO City — Mamerto Corpuz outpaced veteran runner Rey Antoque yesterday to win the 20-kilometer regional elimination leg of the 27th National Milo Marathon here.

In bagging his first leg championship, Corpuz was timed at one hour, eight minutes and 12 seconds. Antoque, a winner of nine legs and one national title here, was clocked at one hour, nine minutes and 11 seconds.

"Malakas talaga itong batang ito. Sinubukan ko siyang habulin sa may hulihan pero kinapos ako," said the 47-year-old Antoque of his fellow Armyman.

Antoque also placed second here last year behind Romeo Marquez.

The 26-year-old Corpuz will return to the national finals in Metro Manila on Oct.19 along with the top three finishers in the women’s division. He placed fifth in last year’s 42-kilometer finals.

"Kung ganito ang itatakbo niya (Corpuz) sa Maynila, papasok ito sa top three," said Antoque. "Nilapitan nga niya ako at tulungan ko raw siyang i-train. Okey lang dahil may potential naman siya at tumatanda na ako."

Corpuz added that he will train rigorously in the next two months in preparation for the finale of this annual marathon held in partnership with Bayview Park Hotel, Adidas, Cebu Pacific, Department of Tourism, MyGlobe and Powerbar.

The distaff side was ruled by back-to-back winner Hazel Madamba of the Philippine Navy stationed in Olongapo City. She finished the 20-k race in one hour, 24 minutes and 22 seconds.

"Medyo mahirap ang course dahil maraming akyatan pero okey lang dahil wala namang humahabol sa akin," said the 26-year-old Madamba, who crossed the line 10 minutes and 58 seconds ahead of second placer Enate Sayrol also of the Navy.

Norma Maranion placed third with the time of 1:48:42.

The men’s and women’s 5-kilometer race was ruled by Frederick Valencia (16:27) and Aira Cos (21:12).

The winners in the 3-k Kiddies run were Ferdinand Arojo and Angeline Valenzuela in the 6-9 age group and Jansen Dacumos and Venessa Sugalan in the 10-12 category.

More than 8,300 runners answered the opening gun in front of the Olongapo City Hall. The gun for the 20-k and 3-k events was fired by Olongapo City Councilor Gregorio Elane. The 5-k run was opened by Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Bayani Fernando who was accompanied by wife Marides Fernando, Mayor of Marikina City.