Kenyan dominates Yakult 10-Miler

MANILA, Philippines - Kenyan Daniel Coringgo dominated the Yakult 10-Miler from start to finish yesterday to become the first foreigner to win the annual footrace at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The 22-year-old, 6-foot-1 Kenyan from the capital city of Nairobi led from the starting gun and went on to win in 50 minutes, 21 seconds to rule the race which drew some 2,200 runners.

The win was Coringgo’s fifth in three months, including his victory in the Subic Bay Trail Run last week.

Another Kenyan, Philip Ronoh, came in second in 50.37, some 200 meters behind, while 2008 champion Alley Quisay clocked 53.38 for third.

The 29-year-old Quisay outsprinted Roger Denolo (54.09), followed by Rey Sanvictores (1:01.16).

“When I heard the starting gun, I spurted right away and never looked back. I’m happy I made it in my first try in this race,” said Coringgo.“I ran trouble free. No leg or stomach cramps. The weather condition was perfect.”

Coringgo won P7,000, Ronoh P3,000, and Quisay P2,000 plus trophies and Yakult Energy Drinks from Yakult plant manager Mitsuo Taniguchi.

Michelle Gilbuena, a runner from Cebu, shared top honors with Coringgo by ruling the distaff side in 1:05.19, outpacing Cavite-based Ailene Tolentino (1:07.39) and Meriam Miranda (1:15.52).

Gilbuena, Tolentino and Miranda won P7,000, P3,000 and P2,000, respectively.

Aver Sister won the 5K in 19.08, edging Ronald Pelayo (20.18). Edenia Villanueva reigned in the female side in 23.49, seconds ahead of Jennybave de la Cruz and Rain Tan.

The top three male and female finishers in the 5K received prizes from special project manager Kenji Egabi.

Jayson Ang won the 3K in 11.57 and Trishia Ramirez ruled the girls’ side in 11.55. They received their prizes from assistant technical manager Koji Kuroda.