Desamito, the reigning Pasig River International Marathon champion, and Sabal, the recently crowned Milo Marathon king, broke away from the main pack early in the 16-kilometer race. However, Desamito distanced himself from Sabal with four kilometers to go and hang on to the lead even as the latter tried to reverse the outcome in the final meters of the race.
"Nagpalitan lang kami ng pacing niyan (Sabal) pero nung nakuha ko ang harapan, dina siya nakahabol," said Desamito, who completed the course in 52 minutes and four seconds. Sabal crossed the finish line two seconds behind.
Desamito pocketed the P7,000 purse while Sabal settled for P3,000.
Completing the top five were veteran runners Alquin Bolivar (53:28), Reynaldo delos Reyes (54:46) and Rio dela Cruz (54:56).
The distaff side was topped by the comebacking Baguio bet Flordeliza Carreon who led all the way in the race to finish in 1:04:11.
After ruling the 42K Manila leg of the Milo Marathon last year, Carreon took a break from running to embrace motherhood. She started competing again last month and after two races, she claimed her first title since her return.
Liza Delfin came in second while Mila Paje placed third. Rounding the top five were Librada Tamson and Genalyn Canete.
All finishers in yesterday’s race received Yakult running singlets and a bottle of Yakult, the unique health drink with lacto-bacili shirota strain.
The top three finishers in the men’s 5K run were Jerome Baredo (16:59), Jaime Canillo (17:14), and Roy Ocon (17:44).
The women’s 5K run was ruled by Mary Ann Bucog (20:15), who also led all the way. Placing second and third were Maricel Yambao (23:51) and Carmina Bernardino (25:28).
The winners in the 3K age-group run were Michael Dichoso, David Chadder and Anthony Villaceran in the boys 6-9 and Michelle Devera, Dada Bugnon and Marian Labadan in the girls 6-9.
The boys 10-12 was topped by Michael Seville, Bernard Dulnuan and Mervin Arbas while the girls 10-12 category was dominated by Macrose Dichoso, Melinda Dilla and Jennelyn Bruce.
Supporting the organizers in this run are the city governments of Manila, Pasay, and Parañaque; the Philippine National Police; the Metro Manila Development Authority; Philippine National Red Cross; Philippine Center for Sports Medicine; and the SPECTRUM Communications. Mayor Lito Atienza’s MASCO headed by son Ali is also giving its full backing for this race.