Delos Santos, Suazo top Lucena 21K

MANILA, Philippines - Two-time champion Mary Grace delos Santos dominated the women’s field while Ruel Suazo ruled the men’s side in the 39th National Milo Marathon Lucena leg Sunday.

Delos Santos, a member of the Air Force team, clocked 01:13:23 to match the best time in the men’s side and beat Janice Tawagin (01:38:56) and Jeanyrose Hari (01:47:39) in the centerpiece 21K event which drew 11,500 runners, including celebrities Joross Gamboa, Katya Santos, Jaycee Parker, Jamille Obispo and Zara Lopez who ran in the 5K race.

Suazo, who placed third in last year’s national finals, turned in a 01:13:23 clocking to best Alley Quisay (01:15:49) and Nimrod Cesar (01:19:26) in their side of the 21K event. 

Delos Santos and Suazo took P10,000 each and gained berths in the national finals on Dec. 6 in Angeles City.

The national champions will also earn spots in next year’s Boston Marathon.

“I was in the lead since the gun start,” said Delos Santos. “I kept my pace with the male runners but I managed to finish first well.”

Suazo, on the other hand, bucked a foot injury and took the lead for good in the last 12K of the race.

“I had minimal training because of my foot injury, but I am glad I was able to run and win,” he said.

Meanwhile, Milo’s Help Gives Shoes advocacy will provide 10,000 underprivileged youth with brand-new running shoes this year. Milo is working with DepEd in the selection of deserving public school student beneficiaries.

Action resumes in Iloilo on Sept. 20 before Bacolod hosts the next stop on Sept. 27 followed by Tagbilaran (Oct. 4), Cebu (Oct. 11), Gen. Santos City (Oct. 18), Davao (Nov. 8), Butuan (Nov. 15), and Cagayan De Oro (Nov. 22).