Kenyans rule 3rd Cebu City Marathon

CEBU, Philippines - The Kenyan runners dominated the 3rd Cebu City Marathon at the Cebu IT Park yesterday morning.

The only consolation for the Cebuanos was Mary Grace delos Santos, who won the women’s half marathon over Kenyan Irene Kipcumba.

Eight of the top 10 cast in the men’s 42km run were all Kenyans, with CCM first timer Richard Mutisya leading the winners’ list. Mutisya crossed the finish line in two hours, 28 minutes and 41 seconds.

“It was a nice race.The cheering, support of the people here is great," said Mutisya.

The second to seventh spots were all occupied by Kenyans including David Kipuang (2:28.41), Frederick Mathiu(2:31.49), Philip Rono(2:32.56), Josphat Kiptanui(2:35.31), Abraham Misos(22:41.51), and Francis Kakui (2:43.15).

Cebuano Noel Tillor became the best placed Pinoy entry at eighth place with the time of 2:49.44 while another Kenyan James Mibei wound up ninth in 2:56.14. Dandy Maturan placed 10 in 2:56.34.

In the distaff side, Joan Jeruto took the top spot in 3:13.28. “The race was very competitive but I enjoyed a lot,” said the 22- year-old Jeruto.

Jeruto beat Davao's Cynthia Jaro, who clocked in 3:14 effort.

Kenyan Susan Jemutai settled for third in 3:23.17 as Cebuana elite runners Christy Sevilleno and Madelyn Carter occupied the next two spots followed by Rhea Macaluso, Peris Paywo, Helen Palma, Virginia Parajenog and Janette Legaspi.

The 21km run saw another Kenyan Samson Tuwei and Milo Marathon reigning champion Mary Grace delos Santos on top of their respective classes.

The Kenyans actually had a 1-2-3-4 finish in the half marathon with Tuwei on top in 1:31, 10 minutes short of his personal best.

Behind Tuwei were Willy Rotich, Eliud Kipkering, and Stanley K Ting.

Mendel Lopez was the top Pinoy 21km entry at fifth spot followed by Kenyan Willy Tanui.

The rest of the top 10 cast were all locals including Elmer Bartolo, John Philip Duenas, Alvirg Busa and Ramil Neri.

In the distaff side, De los Santos prevailed over Kimchumb as Stephanie Pumatong wound up third.

Rounding up the women’s 21km top 10 were Lheslen Abella, Aileen Breen, Lezette Albarote, Emily Rosas, Jenefer Paloma, Mary Ann Tan Benedic and Marjorie Ellen Jone. - THE FREEMAN