THIS year’s SM2SM Run attracted 4000 runners making it one of the biggest running event in Cebu. The run which happened last February 16, was for the benefit of the Cebu News Workers Foundation, Inc., Children of Cebu Foundation, Inc., and the house building efforts of the SM Group for typhoon Yolanda survivors.
Cebu City Councilor Margot Osmeña and Dr.Pureza Oñate led the gun start of the 21K, 12K, 6K, and 3K categories. Runners passed the South Road Properties going to SM Seaside Complex and the Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod. Water stations were provided by the Philippine Spring Water Resources, Inc. Banana and chocolate stations were also provided for the 21K runners.
Kenyans Immaculate Chemutai and Alex Melly topped 21K division. Chemutai, crossed the finish line in 1:20:40 and beat reigning champion Mary Joy Tabal by more than two minutes (1:22:22). Susan Jemutai got third place in 1:27:05. Kenyan Alex Melly posted a personal best as he ruled the 21K men’s premier open. Melly crossed the finish line in one hour, five minutes and 50-second. Fellow Kenyan Benjamin Kipkazi fell to second place with the time of 1:06:05, while Eliphiz Kipngetich ended up third in 1:08:16. Kenyans Willy Tanui (36:54), Isaac Simat (36:55) and Abraham Missos (39:11) occupied the top three spot of the 12K men’s division. Lovely Andrin won the 12K title in the Women’s Division crossing the finish line in 50:45. She was followed by Keisha Mae Delechos (50:47) and Christy Tutor (57:20).
Triathlete couple Noy and Amale Jopson captured the 21K couples title in 1:43:38 over Raphael and Wilma Lugay (1:50:16) and Joffrey and Leonora Villamor (1:57:52). Couple Mendel and Lorhiz Lopez (58:58) won the title in the 12K couple’s category.
Lovely Andrin’s sisters Cherry (24:53) and Jhean (25:49) won 1st and 2nd place respectively in the 6K women’s division while Rafael Piscos (19:16) won the men’s division.
The race also included the persons with disability in the 3K category. Kit Reguero (21:05) winning the 3K class and was followed by Rene June Quinones (23:25) and Joel Quinones (23:40).
Premium items from sponsors were raffled off during the awarding at the Northwing Atrium. These include a Kodak camera, Trans-Asia travel certificates, Acer Iconia tablets, a trip for 2 to Shanghai by Cathay Pacific, a Suzuki scooter, and Devant 50 inch TV plus a Galaxy Note 2 and Acer Iconia tablet for the grand prize.