Cebuanos make grade in Milo Marathon

CEBU, Philippines - Four Cebu-groomed runners make high grades in the 2009 Milo Marathon National Finals yesterday in Manila.

Mendel Lopez, despite suffering a foot injury, managed to take home the third place honors in the premiere men’s open class won by Cris Sabal of the Philippine Army. Lopez finished the lung-busting 42-kilometer race with a personal-best time of two hours and 35 minutes.

Mary Grace de los Santos, Cebu’s most dominant female runner this time, placed second in the women’s open. Southwestern University’s Miscelle Gilbuena landed at third place overall, while Madelyn Carter made it to the top eight.

De los Santos reached the finish line behin RP Team member Cristabel Martes.

The other Cebuano finalist Eugene Delposo barged into 12th place in the men's bracket. – Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (THE FREEMAN)