Kenyan tops Globe Run

MANILA, Philippines - A runner from Kenya and a diminutive Filipina dominated Globe Run4Home 2011 recently at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Benjamin Kipkasi clocked one hour, eight minutes, 16 seconds in the premier 21K, while Jho-An Banayag ruled the women’s side in 1:25:43 on a route that covered areas within the Bonifacio Global City and the Makati central business district.

James Tallam came in second in 1:09:04 while Eliud Kering was third (1:10:42). In the ladies side, Nhea Ann Barcena was second in 1:28:20 followed by Mirasol Abad (1:32:42).

The first placers won P15,000, second P10,000 and third P7,000.

The 15K winners were Josphat Too (48:32), Rudy Tikiko (55:46) and JC Nayve (1:06:55) in the men’s side and Mercedita Fetalvero (59:09), Flordeliza Donos (1:00:20) and Irine Kipchumba (1:03:07) in the women’s side. The top three finishers won P10,000, P7,000 and P5,000, respectively.

“We’re happy that, above everything else, the Globe Run4Home 2011 participants ran not just because they wanted to stay fit and healthy or wanted the cash prize but more importantly, they all wanted to help the race’s beneficiaries in whatever small way they can,” said Ernest Cu, president and chief executive officer of Globe Telecom, who ran in the 5K category.

“We’re happy they responded and we hope to see them again, hopefully for next year’s edition,” he added.

The beneficiaries of Globe Run4Home 2011 are Gawad Kalinga, Habitat for Humanity Philippines, Haribon Foundation and Virlanie Foundation.

Running coach extraordinaire and Globe Tattoo endorser Rio de la Cruz of Runrio is race director for Globe Run4Home 2011, with Eventking Corporation as event manager. Major sponsors were Alaska and 100 Plus with minor sponsors Airphil Express, Air21, Intel and Timex.