CEBU, Philippines - Mindanao runners Elmer Bartolo and Mary Grace de los Santos etched their names in stone after dominating the first ever Great Lapu-Lapu Run yesterday.
Bartolo clocked in one hour, 11 minutes and 19.33 seconds to clinch the men's open title, while Cebuano John Philip Duenas placed second in 1:11:45.09. Angelito Sibayan, another Mindanao footracer, copped the third place honors with the time of 1:12:24.08.
De los Santos, who hails from Zamboanga City, topped the women's division with the time of 1:24:21.22.
Madelyn Carter wound up second in 1:29:52.66, while Estella Mamac-Diaz, a Davaoeña, landed third in 1:30:36.92.
In the executive division, little-known Rammie Lawas won the top spot in 1:24:21.74, while former RP triathlon team member Gerrie Calinawan finished second in 1:24:34.21.Elberto Banzon came in third in 1:24:42.27.
In the distaff side, Camilla Luterte outsmarted former singer/actress Donna Cruz-Larrazabal for the crown. Maria Rosan placed third followed by ABS/CBN TV Patrol news anchor Haide Acuña.
On the other hand, Joel Delposo lorded it over in the six-kilometer action of the Lapu-Lapu City Sports and Events Bureau-spearheaded event. Delposo edged out Jess Gonzaga as Revodem Aranas ended third.
In the girls class, Aiza Suaybaguio came out the fastest, while Lorna Olarita and Haziel Retavale occupied the second and third spots.
The 3K race saw Prince Joey Lee winning the title with the time of 26 minutes and 39.11 seconds, just two seconds ahead of Titing Dignos. Alex Loloy took the third place honors in 26:51.33.
The top three performers in the girls 3K were Jona Encorporado, Mary Joy Taong and Adela Canillo. – Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (THE FREEMAN)