Missos, Paterson stamp classes

CEBU, Philippines - Like Ben Allen, Kenyan Abraham Missos also got lost along the way, but immediately figured his way back to successfully defend his men's open crown in the 21-kilometer Vaseline Men Xterra Philippines Trail Run yesterday in Liloan, Cebu.

Missos, together with Bonifacio Monjas, broke away from the pack in the early goings of the race but was caught up by Philip Duenas when they started to negotiate the second loop.

Duenas recalled seeing Missos and Monjas going on a separate direction from him, but they met somewhere along the loop and decided to go on a straight path on their way to finish line. However, one marshal told them to go straight, while another escorted them going down.

“Yeah, we got lost.They (marshals) may be confused. I’m happy I decided to join here over the other races today and defend my title,” said Missos.

Because of the confusion with instructions, from the marshals, Missos victory did not come in handy as he did it via sprint finish in the last 100 meters with Duenas.

Missos finished in one hour, 38 minutes and 10 seconds, just two seconds ahead of Duenas as Monjas landed third in 1:38:32.

Lesley Paterson of the United States, who described the route as “crazy and ridiculous”, topped the women's division, making it a resounding double victory in her debut race on Philippine soil.

Paterson, who bagged the women’s pro open tiara during the off-road triathlon the other day, had enough energy left to do the trail run and survived a very hard course wherein participants had to traverse a cliff with only a rope to hold on.

“It was so hard. It was not simple. It was extreme running. I’m tired but I wanted to do this. I didn’t get lost, but you know, I felt like running in the middle of nowhere,” said Paterson.

Paterson completed the race in 2:02:39 followed by the returning Irish national Aileen Breen 2:20:38 and Cebu’s pride Merlita Dunkin Arias took the third place honors in 2:27:35.

In the men's 10K action, Michael Largo claimed the top spot in 39 minutes and 21 seconds. Ronie Andrin placed second in 41:28, while the comebacking Adonis Singson settled for third in 42:07.

Carina Wasle of Austria lorded it over in the women's side with the time of 49:07, way ahead of second placer Marichu Luterte (1:01:31). Jackielyn Calong occupied the third spot with a 1:02:42 clocking.

The winners in the 5K category were Path Torromoro (31:16 ) and John Cliff Debulosan (22:47). (FREEMAN)