Kenyan, Filipina top 21K run

MANILA, Philippines - Kenyan William Kipyego and national team mainstay Mirasol Abad topped their respective divisions to share the spotlight in the San Pablo leg of the 34th National Milo Marathon in San Pablo City yesterday.

Kipyego, 26, blazed past his rivals to rule the men’s division of the 21K in 1:10:53. Bernardo Desamito Jr. nipped Wenly Maulas in a down-to-the-wire battle for runner-up honors, turning in a 1:14:08 clocking. Maulas timed 1:14:44.

Abad, on the other hand, clocked 1:31:41 to capture the women’s crown in the event which drew 5,190 participants.

The 25-year-old Abad beat Divine Tapit (1:40:04) and Melanie Malihan (1:50:37).

The top finishers in the event will join the other regional qualifiers in the national finals set Dec. 12 in Manila.

Meanwhile, some 120 pairs of shoes were donated to the students of Col. Lauro Dizon Memorial High School as part of Milo’s advocacy aimed at helping the youth fulfill their dreams of going into sports.

The regional elims shift to Batangas City next week while Puerto Princesa will host the next leg on Oct. 31. Tarlac City will take its turn on Nov. 7, before Olongapo hosts the next leg Nov. 14, followed by Butuan on Nov. 21 and Cagayan de Oro on Nov. 28.

For results and other details, visit the Milo website at www.Milo.com.ph