Flores, Shimizu shine in Pink Oct.Run

CEBU, Philippines - Rey Elvin Flores and Mary Luz Shimizu topped their respective divisions in the 7th Pink October Run participated in by over a thousand runners at the Terraces grounds of Ayala Center Cebu yesterday.

Flores ruled the men's 12K open category with the fastest time of 47 minutes and 24.04 seconds. Michael Romarate was a distant second in 49:58.45, while Charlie Berberio settled for third with a time of 51:00.96.

Shimizu reigned supreme in the distaff side with a time of one hour, five minutes and 57.86 seconds  followed by Gemma Custodio (1:12:15) and Annie Balaga (1:14:42.77).

In the special category for members of the Philippine College of Surgeons (PCS) and the Philippine Society of  General Surgeons (PSGS)-Cebu Chapter, Harim Deiparine posted the best time of 1:02:47.58. Mateo Tipdos wound up second in 1:15:05.10 followed by Elmer Po with a 1:18:29.86 clocking.

Junior triathletes grabbed part of the limelight, with Ralph So ruling the men's 3K with the time of 11:45.99. Pierre Ong took the second place honors in 17:52.72 as Gregory Leyson bagged the third spot in 18:51.58.

In the women's 3K, Issa Priagola crossed the finish line first in 14:04:71. Fast-rising triathlete Aaliyah Mataragnon placed second in 14:25:33 as Althea Dy finished a far third in 18:39:65.

Agapito Baclaan Jr. and Sano Ikumi dominated the 6K action of the fund-raising event for the  victims of earthquake especially in Bohol.

Baclaan clocked in 25:08.91, while the next two spots went to Rodney Retis (26:48.83) and Aaliyah Mataragnon's dad Ritchie (26:58.01).

Ikumi led the top three performers in the women's 6K with the time of 31:41.21 followed by Russel Moreno (34:38.49) and Edefe Flores (37:19.75).  (FREEMAN)