Rains blessing for Ano, Sugalan in Subic 21K

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT ZONE — The rain came as a blessing for Jessie Ano and Vannesa Sugalan as they respectively ruled the men’s and women’s 21-kilometer elimination race of 30th National Milo Marathon here yesterday.

The 21-year-old Ano finished the race in one hour, 14 minutes, 14 seconds while Sugalan completed the course in 1:38:57 to top the race and pocket P10,000 each.

Early in the race, Ano was challenged by Jefferson Valdez, a member of the national duathlon team. But when the rain poured down halfway into the race, Ano stepped on the gas and left the 27-year-old Valdez behind.

"Mas gusto ko talagang tumakbo nang umuulan, nakakawala kasi ng pagod," said Ano, who came all the way from Davao City to join the race. "Pinasali kasi ako ng kuya (walkathoner Roel Ano) ko dito kaya tumakbo ako. Mabuti naman at nanalo ako."

Ano’s brother is a member of the RP training pool billeted at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Valdez (1:19:02) came in second while perennial top three finisher Joseph Rosete (1:20:07) came in third.

Sugalan, likewise, is used to running in the rain. She has trained rigidly for two months, rain or shine, in Bulacan to prepare for yesterday’s race.

"Kahit po kasi umuulan at bumabagyo tuloy ang training ko araw-araw," said Sugalan, who ironically failed to win a title when she ran in the 3K and 5K races in the previous years.

When she turned 18 this year, she decided to jump into the 21K event.

"Marami na kasing magagaling sa 5K kaya sumubok ako sa 21K," added Sugalan, who led all the way in the race.

Placing second and third were Olive Cortez (1:41:59) and Merlyn Lumagbas (1:56:58).

Senator Pia Cayetano, a running and fitness enthusiast herself, placed fourth in the 21K race. She donated her cash purse to be equally distributed to the rest of the top 10 winners in the women’s 21K run.

Both Ano and Sugalan are first-time leg winners in this foot race held in partnership with Bayview Park Hotel-Manila, Adidas, Cebu Pacific, Department of Tourism and Powerbar.

All top three finishers in the men’s and women’s 21K race are qualified to run in the 42K national finals on Dec. 10 in Metro Manila.

The 5K fun run was dominated by Jun-jun Francia and Rea Pica while the 3K race was won by James Santiago and Monica Queco in the 6-9 age category and Jay-ar Bote and Lorymay Abrero in the 10-12 group.

A record field of 10,895 runners joined yesterday’s races.

On Sunday, Aug. 20, the 30-leg national foot race goes to Laoag City for the 15th elimination race of the 2006 season.