Sorongon back on track, tops Centcom footrace

SORONGON

RUFFA Sorongon bounced back from an unsuccessful campaign in the recent 40th National Milo Marathon Finals after she dominated the first-ever CENTCOM RUN that was held at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Central Command, better known as Camp Lapu-Lapu in Cebu City last Friday night.

Sorongon qualified to the National Milo Marathon Finals that was held in Iloilo City last Dec. 4 after she ruled the women’s 21k division of Milo Marathon-Cebu leg.

However, the runner from Sultan Kudarat had a forgettable stint in Iloilo after she collapsed in the final stretches of the 42k run. She was rushed to a hospital where she later recovered.

Yesterday, Sorongon was back in her old solid form, pocketing his 21st win this year with a time of 44 minutes and 45 seconds. She beat Lovely Andrin, who finished second at 45:38.

Continuing to dominate local races was Kenyan Eric Chipsiror, who topped the men’s 10k race for his 12th win this year. He crossed the finish line in 33:42 to beat compatriot Joseph Mururi, who timed 34:43. Michael Largo ranked third with a time of 38:48.

In the 5k race, Cherry Andrin and Arnel Florentino were crowned the women and men’s champions by clocking in 21:09 and 17:11, respectively.

Michelle Beboso and John Cliff Debolusan went home with the 3k women and men’s titles at 13:48 and 10:03, respectively.

Race director Joel Juarez of Coco Running said the race drew around 300 runners, composed mostly of AFP personnel. Cebuana Olympian Mary Joy Tabal and her trainer John Philip Dueñas were the event’s special guests.