Ex-national athletes top Auto Review run

MANILA, Philippines –  Former national athletes Bernardo Desamito and Nhea Ann Barcena posted contrasting wins in ruling the men’s and women’s 10-kilometer divisions of the fourth Auto Review Run for Road Safety and Courtesy at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig yesterday.

The 36-year-old Desamito, who captured the 42K Botak Marathon last year, nosed out Ramie Lacson to cop the men’s 10K crown in 31 minutes, 48 seconds, just two seconds faster than his closest pursuer, to pocket P5,000.

The event, which aims to promote responsible driving, is backed by Goodyear, Accel, Caltex, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Isuzu, Volvo, Great Wall Motors, Ford, Kia, Chevrolet and One-Tagaytay Place.

Lacson (31:48) earned P3,000 for placing second while Arlata Fantina (33:09) was third and got P2,000 in the race also sponsored by Goodyear, Automobile Association Philippines, AGC Glass, Manila North Tollways Corp., Pocari Sweat and Maynilad Water, Toyota, Honda, Land Rover, BMW, Jaguar, Bluewater Day Spa, 7-Eleven, Walter Bread and Tapa King.

On the other hand, Barcena, who used to be an RP middle distance runner, finished way ahead in the 10K women’s contest with a time of 39:08, a minute, 21 seconds in front of closest rival Merian Miranda, to also pocket P5,000.