Kenyan Eric Chepsiror leads the 21k race of the Hunat Sugbu 7. He went on to win the men’s 21k title.
Christian Maningo
KENYAN runners continue to break the hearts of local runners as they dominated three distances in the Hunat Sugbu: Dagan Para ni Maning 7 yesterday.
Eric Chepsiror, Joseph Mururi and James Mbei won the 21-kilometer, 12k and 6k distances, respectively, of the race that started and ended at The Terraces of Ayala Center Cebu.
Chepsiror has won his second consecutive 21k race in this month alone. He defeated Cebuano rival Prince Joey Lee by clocking one hour, seven minutes and 55 seconds to take the crown. Lee finished in 1:14.39.
Argie Tillor completed the top three in the half marathon race in 1:21.09.
Chepsiror also topped the 21k race of the DYAB Kapamilya Run last June 11 at the Parkmall in Mandaue City.
Mururi, meanwhile, clocked 41 minutes and 24 seconds to win the 12k race. Ian Refuela finished in 43:48 to finish second place while Raymund Ababan placed third with a time of 49:27.
Mbei dominated the 6k race after cruising to the finish line with a time of 21:13. Earl Peonela wound up second place (21:21) while Ruel Algufera settled for third at 21:32.
In the 21k distaff side, All Women’s Ultra Marathon (AWUM) reigning champion Lizane Abella finished the race in 1:30.07 to claim the top spot, edging Canadian runner April Mae Flynn, who finished second with a time of 1:40.38, and Reah Garrucho, who placed third with a time of 1:41.26.
Abella has won seven titles in local footraces this year. Last June 18, she topped the 16k race in the Baybay City Bubble Run in Baybay City, Leyte.
Cherry Andrin topped the 12k female division with a time of 55:28. Lea Ethel Tampus (55:28) and Jelma Monsanto (58:50), were second and third placers, respectively.
The 6k female champion was Karen Andrea Manayon, who finished the race in 26:16. Melody Perez (26:39) and Charisse Encarnacion (27:24) completed the top three in the division.
Harold Kim Guiao (10:34) and Jeneda Arcuino (13:08) topped the 3k race.
Around 2,000 runners took part in the annual running race that pays tribute to Cebu Parklane International Hotel’s late president Manuel Ting.
The proceeds of the running event will be used for a medical mission with Jesu Christi. A portion of the proceeds will also be donated to Cebu UltraRunners Club (CUC) president Tony Galon for his environmental advocacy.