Banayag plucks win in the rain

MANILA, Philippines - Two-time champion Jho-Ann Banayag led a 1-2-3 finish for the local bets in the Metro Manila elimination of the 35th National MiloMarathon yesterday at the SM Mall of Asia grounds.

The 29-year-old Banayag left behind RP training pool teammate Mary Grace de los Santos in the first 18 kilometers along Gil Puyat Ave. to finish the full 42.195-km race in 2:53:37.

“I could not improve on my best time because of the rain. The course was slippery at times and my damp shoes made my feet heavier,” said the Philippine Army private first class.

Organizers have put a P20,000 bonus prize to the first female runner who breaks Jhoan Banayag’s Milo Marathon women’s course record of 2:48:16. With this, Banayag looks to better her performance in the finals and break her own record.

She added that the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (PATAFA) is considering the Milo Marathon as a qualifier for inclusion in the national team for the SEA Games.

 “I really hope to make it to the team and do a repeat of my 2009 Laos Sea Games marathon victory,” added Banayag, the Milo National Finals champion in 2005 and 2006.”

De los Santos of Cebu settled for second with a time of 2:55:10 while Ailene Tolentino was a far third with a clocking of 3:11:32, denying Kenyan runners, Susan Jemutai and Peris Poywo of a chance to grab the limelight.

Jemutai managed a 3:11:43 finish for fourth and Poywo finished seventh in 3:48:29.

It’s a different story on the men’s side, as 24-year-old James Tallam of Item, Kenya made his presence felt when he crossed the finish line all alone in 2:28:42 besting Eric Panique for the crown in the elite men’s category.

Panique timed 2:31:16 for second followed by Ireneo Raquim for third with a clocking of 2:32:26 and Elmer Sabal at fourth in 2:33:15. Benjamin Kipzaki also of Kenya finished fifth with a time of 2:48:14.

“My strategy was to maintain my pace on the first half of the race, then I sped up to gain my lead from there. I think my training joining different marathons across Southeast Asia helped boost my performance in the race,” said the 24-year-old Tallam.

Aside from making it to the National Finals on Dec. 11 in Manila, both Banayag and Tallam earned P50,000 cash each, while runners-up Panique and De los Santos each received P30,000. Raquim and Tolentino earned P20,000 each.

From the Manila race, organized by RunRio Inc., the 17-leg eliminations will shift to Southern Luzon in Batangas on Aug. 21, Puerto Princesa on Aug. 28, Naga on Sept. 4 and San Pablo Sept. 11. Then the Milo Marathon heads to IloIlo (Sept. 18), Bacolod (Sept. 25), Cebu City (Oct. 2), Tagbilaran (Oct. 9), Cagayan De Oro (Oct. 16), Butuan (Oct. 23), General Santos (Oct. 30), Davao (Nov. 6) with Manila Finals slated Dec. 11.