Amputee wins kick-off leg of 2005 Milo Marathon

GEN. SANTOS City – Isidro Vildosola yesterday proved that his disability could not prevent him from achieving his goal.

Vildosola, who lost his right arm in a rice mill accident 13 years ago, dominated the men’s 21k race of the opening leg of the 29th National Milo Marathon at the Oval Plaza here.

"Sa wakas nanalo na rin ako," said the 28-year-old Vildosola, who placed fourth in his first Milo race in 2003 and finished third last year.

Vildosola, who is slated to compete in the 800m, 400m and 1,500m events in the Asean Para Games in Manila right after the 23rd SEA Games in December, won in one hour, 16 minutes and 15 seconds.

Second was Rey Mondonedo in 1:18:57 and third was Boyet Basi (1:19:57).

Vildosola, Mondonedo and Basi, along with the top three finishers in the women’s race are qualified to run in the National Finals on Oct. 9 in Metro Manila.

Perennial leg winner Hernane Sore failed to compete yesterday because he is currently training with the RP track and field pool in Pasig.

The women’s 21k elimination race of the country’s longest-running foot race held in partnership with Bayview Park Hotel Manila, Adidas, Cebu Pacific, Smart Kid, Department of Tourism, Addict Mobile Prepaid and Powerbar was dominated anew by Mona Lisa Ambasa.

In claiming her fifth straight regional title, Ambasa received little resistance in the race but had a difficult time running because she just recovered from flu.

"Last Sunday lang ako gumaling at tatlong araw lang akong nagpraktis para dito," said the 22-year-old Ambasa, who clocked 1:33:31. Her record here last year was more than five minutes faster.

Placing second was Grazel Jane Nulla (1:38:59) and third April Rose Diaz (1:42:38)

Likewise, Vildosola and Ambasa each brought home trophies, the P10,000 top purse and brand new Smart cellphones. The second placers pocketed P6,000 and the third placers P4,000 each.

A record number of runners of more than 5,800 was posted in yesterday’s race.

The top three finishers in the men’s 5k race were Stephen Brania (15:53), Edmer Jerome Geraldez (15:56) and Marlon Oracion (15:58) while the distaff side was topped by Daisy Queen Luna (22:02), Christy Penuela (22:28) and Nichiren Panerio (22:36).

The kiddie 3k run was won by Dario Dojo and Ivy Dizon in the 6-9 age group and Rolando Dojo and Christy Joy Capaniari in the 10-12 category.