26TH Halad Kang Mano Amon: Lopez, Getaruelas reign

Mendel Lopez and Leizsel Lumindas-Getaruelas went home with the bacon as they ruled the 26th Halad Kang Mano Amon10-kilometer Run in Danao City last December 24.

Lopez, an athletics varsity at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation emerged the fastest in the men's open while Lumindas-Getaruelas topped in the distaff side.

Lopez, who is a native of Sta.Catalina in Oriental Negros, took the early lead as soon as DOT Secretary Ace Durano fired the starting gun and he sprinted in the last 100-meter to secure the title.

This is the first Mano Amon title Lopez got as he missed it by only two seconds during his first try last year to Gilbert Luterte, who did not show up, like the women's open defending champion Christy Sevilleno.

Joel Delposo, a high school student from Badian, wound up second and Adonis Singson ended third.

In the distaff side, Lumindas-Getaruelas got no less than the women's open title over Merlita Arias and Madelyn Carter.

In the 5K executive division, Hermilito Plaza grabbed the title over TF assistant sports editor Rafael Alas III, who wanted to have some fun while a far third was Dominador Borinaga.

In the all-Danao race,which was also a 5K run, together with the collegiate and secondary battle, it was 2006 Milo Marathon-Cebu leg runner-up John Philip Duenas of Danao, who won the topped as his coach, Mendrica Villarubia won the distaff side.

Duenas opted to race in the 5K after seeing a strong opposition in the men's open.

Behind Duenas was Venerando Arresgado as Gilbert Cimafranca ended third.

Villarubia, for her part, relived her golden moments as she stepped on top of the victory stand for first place. Cynthia Bataluna was second and Sheila Batoon on third.

Leo Abello of Southwestern University was the fastest among collegiate runners and he was followed by Richard Vincent Sabas and Jesus Calumpag.

The top three in the distaff side were Fe Compra, Leilani Almario and Maritess Mondido.

In the secondary level, Kim John Roble was declared the champion following over Kenneth Robert Peñas and Rodolfo Cabahar.

The secondary girls'action was won by Jennifer Montero with Concesa Roble and Monalisa Medalla as runners up.

In the 3K run for elementary, the top three finishers were Niño Rey Giangan, Jacob Capoy and Eric Lavador.

The 1-2-3 finishers in the 3K girls were Mailen Laurente, Janice Ponce and Angelina Barcoma.

Joel Juarez, who was wearing a Santa Claus costume was adjudged as the funkiest runner over pirate Albert Suarez and Francis Edad, who was donning a bagobo costume.

The event highlighted the commemoration of the birthday celebration of Danao City's grand old man Ramon Durano, Sr. Had he lived to this day, he would be 101 years old.

Before the awarding, was the blessing of Plaza Amon and unveiling of Mano Amon's new monument led by his son, Mayor Ramon "Nito" Durano III along with Congressman Red Durano and DOT Secretary Ace Durano.