Kenyans dominate SM 2 SM Run

CEBU, Philippines - Kenyan runners stole the spotlight in yesterday's SM 2 SM Run starting and ending at the SM City-Cebu carpark.

Susan Jemutai succeeded in avenging her loss to Mary Joy Tabal during the 2nd Cebu City Marathon early this year by winning the women’s 21K action.

Jemutai crossed the finish line in one hour, 29 minutes and 20.004 seconds, while Tabal fell to second place with the time of 1: 29:32.637.

Mary Grace de los Santos ended up third in 1:29:57.542.

Another Kenyan, Irine Kipchumba, placed fourth with the time of 1:31:41.535, while the Christy Sevilleno wound up fifth in 1:34:53.379.

Rounding up the top 10 finishers were Lorhiz Echavez (1:50:27.11), Milette Chiongbian (1:50:48.61), Geraldine Bartolata (1:55:39.573), Helen Palma (1:57:03.973) and Donna Cruz-Larrazabal (1:58:59.591).

In the men's division, Kenya's Benjamin Kipkazi lorded it over with the time of one hour, 10 minutes and 8.128 seconds, just a couple of seconds ahead of Eric Panique who posted the time of 1:10:54.163.

Anthony Nerza from Davao came out third in 1:11:53.366 followed by Kenya's Kering in 1:12:46.535. Philip Ronoh came out fifth in 1:13:48.176.

Completing the top 10 cast in the men’s 21K run were Arnold Unabia (1:17:28.256), Adonis Singson (1:21:00.844), former Olympian Roy Vence (1:24:55.362) and Harold Estrada (1:27:59.964).

Another Kenyan, Willy Potich, outpaced Mendel Lopez for the top spot in the men’s 12K. Potich clocked in 39 minutes and 50.37 seconds, while Lopez registered the time of 40:14.350. Jordan Bacon settled for third in 40:50.35.

In the distaff side, Madelyn Carter finished first in 51:01.4. Jojelyn Pepito placed second in 51:02.76 followed by Alyssa Lagahit in 53:42.87.

Noy and Amale Jopson topped the couples 12K category with a 58:37.250 clocking, while Jessie and Anabel Quipit won the title in the 6K race.

Joel Delposo won the men’s 6K crown, while Aiza Suwaybaguio dominated the distaff side. – THE FREEMAN