Ramirez rules Marathon for Humanity

CEBU, Philippines - Meirez Ramirez basked in the limelight anew after topping the women’s 42K race during the Red Cross 143: Lapu-Lapu Marathon for Humanity yesterday starting and ending at the Hoopsdome in Lapu-Lapu City.

After winning the premier division of the Elizabeth Hotel's Royal Run last Saturday, Ramirez conquers a tougher challenge winning the Red Cross-organized and supervised by Coco Running-event.

Ramirez touched down the finish line in three hours, 33 minutes and 40 seconds.

Sandra Sollano timed 3:51:23 to settle for second place, while former Cebuana running queen Christy Sevilleno-Tutor and ultra-marathoner Virgie Parajenog grabbed the third and fourth spots with the time of 4:06:21 and 4:26:43, respectively.

In the men's side, Bonifacio Monjas stamped the 42K men’s class with the fastest time of two hours, 55 minutes and 37 seconds, followed by Michael Largo in 2:58:07, while Kenyan Francis Kakui wound up third in 3:04:44.

The vaunted Kenyan runners stamped their classes with Isaac Simat and Abraham Missos posting a 1-2 finish. Simat recorded the fastest time of one hour and 15 minutes, while Missos came in at 1:16:06. Lapu-Lapu City’s very own, Ronnie Andrin came in third with 1:19.

Two other Kenyans who opted to do the 21K action ended at 1-2 with Isaac Simat on top with 1:15:39 and followed by Abraham Missos with 1:16:06 as Lapu-lapu's very own, Ronnie Andrin came out third with 1:19.

Ronnie's sister Jean won the women's 21K with 1:44:44 over Kisha Delechos' 1:46:51 as Carla Cosep wound up third in 1:46:51 clocking.

Darrel Manuz for his part ruled the men’s 6K action with a time of 20:28 as Joel Delposo placed second in 22:47. Joel Andrin came in third with 22:48.

In the distaff side, Irish Delechos (24:05), Mary Joy Castor (32:08) and Maylene Conde (32:47) were the top three finishers in the women’s 6K class. (FREEMAN)