Abellana ascends throne as Cebu’s new ultra queen

CEBU, Philippines - The bubbly Odiza “Jade” Abellana is bridesmaid no more after being crowned the 2nd All-Women’s Ultra-Marathon queen yesterday at the Cebu White Sands in Lapu-Lapu City.

Abellana, a member of IGAT Runners Club, finished the grueling 50-kilometer race in five hours, 14 minutes and 41 seconds, way ahead of the event’s cut-off time of 10 hours.

The event kicked off at Plaza Independencia at 10 pm last Saturday and ended early yesterday morning at the picturesque resort in Mactan Island.

Merlita Arias-Dunkin, the first winner of the AWUM race, did not join the second edition but appeared during the awarding ceremonies, fully made up with a long gown and literally turned over her crown and scepter to Abellana.

Preciosa Sanchez came out second with the time of 5:26:21 followed by Janice Beth Vamenta (5:30). Mary Luz Hermosa was fourth in 5:36:02, while June Marq Ocana occupied the fifth spot in 5:39:41.

Rounding up the top 10 finishers were Rhodora Oporto (5:49:52), Sandra Soliano (5:53:58), Maria Glen Pontanar (6:10:57), Melchomelda Kitane (6:14:32), and Maripol Tecson (6:15:36). (FREEMAN)