As if she’s in a hurry to watch the Manny Pacquiao-Oscar Larios showdown, Ambasa, 23, made sure she would grab a piece of the limelight as the part-time clerk took the lead right away to notch her fourth straight win.
Not only did she annex her sixth title in the fabled event — counting her two victories in the Davao leg during her college days at the Rizal Memorial College in Davao City – the part-time clerk also won the leg in grand fashion.
She clocked a career-best of 1:27.09 to beat second placer Vivian Avergonzado by almost 15 minutes in the out and back course of the city’s Oval Plaza. Due to lack of training and support, she managed only 1:33 last year.
"Nasa kondisyon lang kaya maganda ang oras ko ngayon," said the 5-foot runner from Surallah, South Cotabato who plans to train rigorously this time for the National Finals slated in December in Manila. Wilson Maningkil topped the men’s side after unleashing a blistering run in the final five kilometers.
For city residents, the event, held in partnership with Bayview Park Hotel-Manila, Adidas, Cebu Pacific, Powerbar and the Department of Tourism, was just their appetizer for the much-awaited fight of Pacquiao — the city’s favorite son.
Ambasa and Maningkil received P10,000 each from Milo sports executive Pat Goc-ong, who was assisted by race director Rudy Biscocho.
While it was a breeze for Ambasa, Maningkil, who finished second in last year’s Tarlac leg, encountered a big scare from Rey Mondonedo, last year’s runner-up.
He trailed Mondonedo in the first 10 kilometers before making his move halfway through the grueling race to seize the initiative. For good measure, he kicked to another gear in the last five kilometers to finally scuttle the challenge of Mondonedo.
John Brana ruled the 5K side after beating Anthony Tupas and Jaman Makasaehe in a heated showdown while Marieth Delima reigned supreme in the distaff side. Jullibee Gumera wound up second while Fe Concepcion settled for third.
Other winners were Christy Capaniarihan of Koronadal City (girls 10-12 years-old), Anda Dojo (boys 10-12), Keth Karen France (girls 6-9) and Darlo Dojo (boys 6-9), General Santos City High School (team event, 5K and biggest delegation) The ninth leg of the event will be held in Roxas City next Sunday.