Kenyans dominate anew; De los Santos also shine in Globe Run

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu edition of the well-attended Globe Run4Home turned out to be another all-Kenyan show yesterday at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).

The Kenyans swept the top three spots in the 21K men's division led by Benjamin Kipkazi with the time of one hour and nine minutes. Jopshat Tuo came out second in 1:09:41 followed by Eliud Kering in 1:11.18.

In the women's category, reigning National Milo Marathon queen Mary Grace de los Santos ascended to her throne anew with the time of 1:25:22. She outpaced fellow veteran runner Christy Sevilleno-Tutor, who clocked in 1:38:41, while Leslen Abella finished third in 1:41:00.

In the men's 15K action, the Kenyans reasserted their supremacy also via clean sweep of the top three.

Willy Rotich claimed the top honors after registering the best time of 49:18:00, while Abraham Missos (51:18:00) and Jackson Chirchir (51:23.04) wound up second and third, respectively.

Aside from De los Santos, Mary Joy Tabal was the other saving grace for the local runners after she beat Kenyan Susan Jemutai to clinch the women's 15K crown. Tabal clocked in 1:05:53, while Jematuia completed the race in 1:28.00. Madelyn Carter landed at third in 1:48:00.

Mendel Lopez and Maryjane Beboso emerged as the fastest in the 10K bracket.

Lopez topped the men's category with the time of 34:15.10 followed by Jobert Carolino (34:44.11) and Kenyan Douglas Mbui (36:57.12), while Beboso snared the women's plum in 43:20.11 followed by Jojelyn Pepito (43:53.50) and Aiza Suwaybaguio (44:15.10).

In the 5K battle, Joel Delposo crossed the finish line first among male participants with the time of 12 minutes and 13 seconds. Alex Remedio wound up second in 17:54, while Ricardo Adolfo placed third in 19:19.

In the girls division, Lovely Fe Andrin took the champion's trophy in 20 minutes and 10 seconds, while her sister Cherry finished second in 21 minutes and 22 seconds. Verjita Soco placed third in 26:42.

Another Andrin, Jhean, topped the 3K female division with the time of 12:50, while Jorry Ycong ruled the male side in 9:48. - THE FREEMAN