Penales, Adan snatch top honors in Milo race

Joseph Penales of Bohol warded off the tough challenge of visiting runners as he romped off with the men's open title even as Cebuana Gina Adan stole the limelight to win the women's tiara in the debut of the Milo Marathon Regional Elimination in Tagbilaran City yesterday.

Penales, a veteran long distance runner, exploited his familiarity of the race route to win the 21-kilometer race and snatched a ticket to the Milo National Finals to be held in Manila later this year.

He was followed by Riez Enriquez of Camotes Island, finishing the race in one hour and 22 minutes while Cebuano Rodolfo Aguspina completed the top three in 1:23 minutes.

Both Enriquez and Aguspina will join Penales in the Milo National Finals which is a 42-kilometer race.

Another Cebu bet Aaron Decena was seventh, clocking 1:37.

In the distaff side, Cebuana Adan was off to a breathtaking start to stun the opposition, registering a time of one hour and 47 seconds to take the championship title.

Bohol bet Genalyn Jaum was second, Cebuana adventure racer Mylene Jarina was third and Cynthia Arnaiz was fourth.

All the winners receive cash prizes and trophies from Nestle Philippines, Inc. the makers of energy drink Milo.

The next stop of the Milo Regional Elimination will be in Dumaguete City on February 19.