Duenas, Tabal rule R399 footrace

CEBU, Philippines - He's not a certified Ironman for nothing.

John Philip Duenas, Cebu's top finisher in the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines a week ago, converted his recovery period to another winning moment in the men's 12-kilometer race of the R399 yesterday at the Terraces grounds of Ayala Center Cebu.

Duenas, the third placer in the men's Filipino elite division of the grueling Ironman, came out the fastest among male participants with the time of 43 minutes and 57 seconds, way ahead of his closest pursuer Jieter Bada who clocked in 47:24. Jeramie Real placed third in 53:02.

In the women's category of the event held in memory of the late Ramon “Ramie” Igana, Jr., a relay participant who died during last year's Ironman 70.3 Philippines, Mary Joy Tabal grabbed the top spot with the time of 48:55. Mary Jane Beboso wound up second in 55:06 followed by Lovely Fe Andrin in 57:56.

Lovely Fe's sisters Jhean and Cherry Andrin, for their part, posted a 1-2 finish in the women's 6K, while Robert Daang lorded it over in the men's side followed by Kenyan Francis Kakui and Leonardo Arellano.

Alaska Ironkids champion Shaia Uy topped the women's 3K as Issa Priagula and Ana Maximo occupied the second and third spots, respectively. They dedicated their run to Ramie's wife, Dr. Humility Igana, who still found the courage to organize the event despite all the pains she had gone through losing a dear someone.

Clint Selma ruled the men's 3K, while Marvin Ganada and Kent Nastor were second and third placers.  (FREEMAN)