Cebuano runners shine in relay

CEBU, Philippines - Former University of Southern Philippines’ top running varsity athlete Mendel Lopez and former Southwestern University bet Miscelle Gilbuena, who combined forces with three other seasoned runners in Manila, bagged the championship crown of the just-concluded grueling Laguna de Bay Challenge: 200-km Ultra Marathon Relay at the Laguna de Bay.

Lopez and Gilbuena together with Eric Panique, Ben Alejandrino and Ireneo Raquin defeated the equally-aggressive Air Force squad while the Bald Runners landed third.

Lopez was second to Eduardo Buenavista in their heat, but he and his teammates managed to overcome the setback and made up for lost ground.

The race lasted for two days, with the first leg starting at the Fontera Verde in Pasig City and finished at the Laguna Provincial Capitol in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

Lopez’s team was already leading after the first day.

Lopez and the rest never looked back and widened their lead as the second and final leg took place from Sta. Cruz passing through the Rizal Province and end at Fontera Verde.

All the pain, exhaustion and hard work paid off as Lopez’s team got the P350 thousand top prize.

Cebu’s queen of the road, Mary Grace de los Santos’ team wound up fifth. Aside from that, de los Santos also was the best in her heat.

De los Santos’ team received P50 thousand plus an additional P10 thousand for the former after winning her lap. – THE FREEMAN