Kenyans take 1-2-3 in Yakult 10-Miler; Buenavista fourth

MANILA, Philippines - Kenyans Benjamin Kipkazi won the men’s competition and Irine Kipchumba the distaff side of the 23rd Yakult 10-Miler (16-kilometer) that started and ended yesterday at the Cultural Center Complex in Pasay.

Kipkazi clocked 49 minutes, 35 seconds and Kipchumba clocked 1:02.27.

Kipkazi and Kipchumba, both professional runners, each won P7,000 each plus trophies.

The Kenyans made a 1-2-3 finish in the men’s division with Willy Rotich and Samson Tuwie second and third, respectively, in 49:39 and 49:43.

Veteran Eduardo Buenavista came in fourth in 50:09, ahead of another Kenyan Eliud Kering, (50:59). He pocketed P1,000.

“It was a perfect run and the weather condition was ideal,” said Kipkazi.

Irine Kipchumba and compatriot Susan Jemutai made a 1-2 finish for Kenyans in the female division, clocking 1:02.27 and 1:04.39, respectively. Former marathon queen Christabel Martes came in third (1:05.18), edging Miscelle Gilbuena (1:06.30).

The Kenyans also dominated the 5K with Philip Rono winning in 13:31, beating Joycer Lacno (15:15) and Junrel Bendoy (15:29).

Lovely Moreno won the distaff side in 20:08, followed by Angelica David (22:39) and Edina Villanueva (24:01).

Yakult plant manager Mitsuo Taniguchi awarded the prizes and trophies to the top three placers of the 16K and 5K races. He was assisted by sales manager Michael Ong.

More than 3,000 runners competed in the annual race supervised by Rudy Biscocho.