Lopez tops Earth Day 10-k run

CEBU, Philippines - Mendel Lopez ruled the I Run for Earth Day 10-kilometer race that started and finished at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex yesterday morning.

Several racers lost their way when wrong directions were given.

Lopez, who is still fresh from competing in a 21-kilometer race, took it easy yesterday, but still managed to win.

Contributing to the little pressure was probably the absence of Kenyan Simon Losiaboi, who did not join.

The event, which was meant to celebrate Earth Day, was also believed to be one that pushed the reelection bid of Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes.

Lopez was clocked 32 minutes and 35.8 seconds and took home the top prize of P4,000.

Second place went to Elmer Bartolo while John Philip Duenas was third.

In the distaff side, Mary Grace de los Santos edged Madelyn Carter for the crown.

Engr. Lhoriz Echavez placed third.

In the 5-K action, Jobert Carolino placed first while Roland Montebon and Reiz Enriquez occupied the second and third spots respectively.

In the women’s 5-K, it was Mary Joy Tabal who finished first with Clarisse Diongson and Merlyn Alin trailing her.

In the 3-K run, it was unfortunate for the leading runners as they got lost in the route paving the way for Ninvingan Ancero to win the top spot while the veteran Ruth Banzon was second and Leo Crisanto placed third.

In the distaff side, it was Crizel Diongson, who took the first place honors while Nora Martus placed second and Rochelle Rica ended third.   (FREEMAN NEWS)