Latina, Abueg clinch 20k crowns

LIPA City — Frederick Latina and Myra Luz Gomos-Abueg ruled yesterday’s regional elimination race of the 29th National Milo Marathon in an out and back course at the Lipa City Hall here.

Latina, a student taking up education at Philippine Christian University, topped the men’s 20-kilometer run in one hour, 11 minutes and 53 seconds while Abueg, a professor and track and field coach at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, dominated the distaff side with a clocking of one hour, 47 minutes and 39 seconds.

"Talagang pinaghandaan ko itong Milo Marathon na ito. At talagang gusto kong manalo dito sa amin sa harap ng mga kababayan ko," said the 23-year-old Latina, who lives just a few hundred meters away from the finish line. "Kagagaling ko lang sa injury kaya hindi ako sumasali sa ibang marathon dahil dito ko gustong tumakbo."

Latina, who placed seventh in the Lipa City leg last year, injured his knee during the last National Open in May. He rested for two months before going back to training for yesterday’s race.

Placing second was 41-year-old Rogelio Andenig (1:12:57) and third Esmeraldo Ondoy (1:13:05).

A marathon champion in the past decade, the 34-year-old Abueg placed third in the 5-kilometer run here last year. She decided to return to long-distance running to see if she still has what it takes to become a champion. On Oct. 19, she, along with the other top three finishers in the 20-k run, will race in the 42.195-kilometer grand finals of the Milo Marathon held in partnership with Cebu Pacific, ADIDAS, MyGlobe, Bayview Park Hotel, Powerbar and the Department of Tourism.

"Huli akong nag top 3 dito sa Milo Marathon noon pang 1997-98 pero regular pa rin akong sumasali sa mga marathon. Sa 5-k nga lang ako tumatakbo," said Abueg, whose 11-year-old son also joined the Kiddies 3-k run yesterday.

Placing second was Analiza Roxas (1:52:57) and third Elicia Domingo (1:54:13).

The biggest revelation of the race, however, was in the women’s 5-k run where Jinky Calusa, 12, won in 17:36. She is only 12 years old.

"In the last four months, sa limang race na sinalihan niya nasa top 3 siya lagi," said coach Gerome Divina of his protégé. "May potential itong batang ito. Kung tutuusin pwede siyang sa 3-k muna sumali pero kayang-kaya naman niya ang 5-k kaya dito ko siya isinali."

Placing second was Jane Aguilar (19:01) and third Mary Grace Caritas (19:02) who are both 14 years old.

The top three finishers in the men’s 5-k were Joey Decaries (15:21), Jhun Samson (15:35) and Frankie Trinidad (15:49).

The winners in the 3-k run were Miguel Caritas Jr. and Janice Caritas in the 6-9 age group and Mervin Ladip and Vanessa Reyes in the 10-12 bracket.

Meanwhile, Lipa City Public Colleges took home the plum for the cheering competition and the biggest delegation.