Kenyans rule again

CEBU, Philippines – Irene Kipchumba felt every inch a queen after completing a grandslam feat, while fellow Kenyan Philip Ronoh finally emerged as king of the road after his fifth race here through the 2015 Cebu Marathon at the Cebu IT Park in Barangay Apas yesterday.

Kipchumba's feat was even made sweeter as she did not only retain her crown for the third straight year, but also finish second overall with a personal best time of two hours, 56 minutes and 40 seconds.

"I want to defend my title so I came back.Then, I wanted to improve my time and see how far my training goes as I prepare for a marathon in Taiwan on March. To finish second overall was such a surprise, but of course I'm so happy for it," said the 23-year-old Kipchumba.

Ultra marathoners Rhoda Oporto and Preciosa Sanchez occupied the second and third spots with the time of 3:56:53 and 4:00:17 clocking, respectively.

In the men's open division, Rohoh finally stood tall on top of the podium after his fifth try.He was second in his first entry way back in 2010, then fourth the following year. He missed the 2012 edition, placed fourth in 2013, and had his worst last year when he did not finish the race due to injury.

Finishing first this time was a sweet redemption of sort of Ronoh.

"You know in running, you just try and try until you win. Every race is different. Even if you go fast or race on your own pace, you will never know what's going to happen. But I'm happy I finally made it this time. It also helped that it didn't rain. It's hard when it rains, you know with the heat coming out from the grounds," said Ronoh, who crossed the finish line with the fastest time of 2:53:32.

Paul James Zafico wound up second with the time of 3:00:01, while Ronald Retes ended up third in  3:00:55.

In the all-Filipino 42K race, Wilbert Laurencio bagged the first place honors in 3:04:52. Alvirg Busa came out second with a 3:09:36 clocking followed by Bruce Belotindos in 3:17:41.

In the distaff side, Sandra Soliano took the top spot in 4:00:38 followed by Virginia Parajenog (4:02:21) and Mary Luz Shimizu (4:07:25 clocking).

In the women's 21K action, Mary Joy Tabal, the country's record-holder in women's marathon, successfully defended her crown with the time of 1:22:08. She was trailed by Jhanine Eve Mansueto (1:33:35) as Miscelle Gilbuena landed at third spot in 1:38:47 clocking.

Elmer Bartolo, on the other hand, topped the men's 21K battle with the time of 1:16:23 followed by John Daryl Manos (1:18:05) and Arnold Unabia (1:19:45).

In the 10K run, Prince Joey Lee and Cherry Andrin dominated their respective classes. Lee clocked in 34 minutes and 34 seconds, closely followed by Michael Largo (35:21) as Azlan Pagay was third in 37:15.

Cherry Andrin reigned supreme in the women's 10K with the time of 40:10. Ruffa Sorongon finished second (40:31), while Cherry's sister Lovely Fe Andrin was third in 44:10. (FREEMAN)