Bartolo, Tabal dominate 2nd Talisay City 12K footrace

CEBU, Philippines - Elmer Bartolo and Mary Joy Tabal emerged as the fastest in their respective divisions in the 2nd Talisay Run 12K Year-End Chase yesterday.

In the absence of Kenyan Simon Losiaboi and Mendel Lopez, Bartolo frolicked his way to the 12K men's open title with the time of 41 minutes and 6.87 seconds. He finished way ahead of Ian Bernido, who clocked in 41:11.74 while Riez Enriquez placed third with the time of 42:04.55.

Tabal ruled the distaff side in 51 minutes and 53.07 seconds. Joeyry Lee wound up second in 53:13.9 followed by Emily Chiongbian in 55:11.64.

Merlita Arias-Dunkin, on the other hand, topped the women's 5K race with relative ease over Mary Ann Alforque, while Joel Delposo outsmarted Reprinel Banzon for the top honors in the men's class.

In the media category, real-life couple Max and Marlene Limpag swept the titles. Max lorded it over in the men's side after negotiating the five-kilometer route in 24 minutes and 57.11 seconds. Allain Cortes was second in 26:20.42 followed by Juvy Veloso in 28:07.12.

Marlene duplicated her husband's feat in the women's bracket with the time of 29:19.78. She beat Irene Lou Llego by seven seconds, while Andreama Llerin came in third with a 35:03.20 clocking.

Jhean and Lovely Fe Andrin, on the other hand, posted a one-two finish in the girls 3K run followed by Criselda Alianec, while the Lee brothers - Prince Joey and Jey Jr. - also racked up the top two spots in the boys class, with Marlon Beboso finishing third. — Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (THE FREEMAN)