Kenyans, De los Santos dominate SM Run

CEBU, Philippines - The Kenyan runners once again invaded Cebu by storm, while Mary Grace de los Santos scored a sweet redemption of sort after clinching the women's 21K crown of the 2nd SM 2 SM Run yesterday. De los Santos placed only third during the inaugural edition of the race, but bounced back bigtime by finishing first this time with the time of one hour, 24 minutes and 34.52 seconds.

Mary Joy Tabal wound up second with a 1:29:26.29 clocking followed by Kenya's Susan Jemutai in 1:30.15.40.

In the men’s division, the Kenyans occupied the first six spots led by Samson Tuwei with the time of 1:08:31.27. David Kipsang came out second in 1:09:10.40, while Benjamin Kipzang took the third place honors in 1:09:15.85.

The fourth to sixth placers were Joshua Kipzarol, Richard Chelimo and Jackson Chirchir. Cebuano Adonis Singson emerged as the best placed Pinoy at seventh followed by Paul James Zafico, Dandy Maturan and Alvirg Busa.

In the women's 12K action, Christy Sevilleno-Tutor dethroned Madelyn Carter after registering the best time of 53 minutes and 23.66 seconds. Carter clocked in 53:47.49 as Merlita Arias-Dunkin landed third in 54:36.59.

The top three in the men's bracket were Kenyans Willy Rotich (39:43.67), Abraham Missos (39:57.79) and Douglas Mwiti (41:14.07).

The Andrin sisters Lovely, Jhean and Cherry scored a clean sweep the women's 6K category, while

Jobert Carolino outsmarted Mendel Lopez for the top spot in the men's class.

Dr. Yong and Donna Larrazabal, the power couple in Cebu running, stole part of the limelight after dominating the 12K couples category with the time of 58 minutes and 20.64 seconds. Jeffrey and Leonora Villamor wound up second in 1:04:30.72, while Celso and Cecilia Cabahug ended third in 1:07:49.59.

The tandem of Noy and Amale Jopson opted to race in the 21K. They went on to top their decision with the time of 1:45:30.24. Nemie and Tessie Escarinas finished second in 1:56:13.16 followed by Rhyz and Mae Ann Bu-ac in 1:56:41.17. - THE FREEMAN