Indapan, De los Santos top maiden Rotary footrace

CEBU, Philippines - Crifrankredel Indapan and Mary Grace de los Santos, two Mindanao-based runners who turned regular competitors here, added feathers on their caps by dominating the 1st Cebu Rotary Run at the Cebu Business Park yesterday.

Indapan edged Mendel Lopez in a tight race to clinch the men's open title. Philip Duenas finished third, while the fourth to 10th placers were Reprinel Banzon, Riez Enriquez, Jimmy Lindayao, Fernando Lubas, Angelito Sibayan, Ruth Banzon, and Garry Garcia.

In the distaff side, De los Santos remained undefeated in all races she joined here. She was trailed by Madelyn Carter followed by Gerly Rae Baylon. The fourth and fifth places were occupied by Melinda Ponce and Jane Ong, respectively.

Rounding up the top 10 cast were Maria Christina Lamparas, Marina Lipardo, Irene Ong, Galil Nacario and Emely Estrada.

On the other hand, Leizsl Lumindas-Gitaruelas was right on her decision not to race in the 10K division as she is still trying to get back her full form after joining the Hong Kong Marathon early this month.

Gitaruelas, instead, competed in the 5K and won the women’s division crown. Mary Jane Beboso and Haziel Ratavale wound up second and third.

Erstwhile RP weightlifter Emily Rosas continued to enjoy running and landed fourth, while former singer-actress Donna Cruz-Larrazabal came out fifth.

The men’s 5K action saw the Delposo siblings, Joel and Eugene, coming up with a 1-2 finish. Jess Gonzaga placed third

In the men’s 3K class, Michael Veloso seized the title as Ethan Decena ended up second and Jed Decena third. The top three finishers in the women's side were Bethina Veloso, Fabby Borromeo and Christine Martinez.

Among the Rotarians, John Pages, the Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC) president, emerged as the fastest. He was followed by Anthony Queblatin and Jet Neric, while Annie Neric was unopposed in the distaff side.– Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (THE FREEMAN)