MANILA, Philippines - Kenyans lost their way up in the mountains of Itogon, Benguet, but came back on track to win the first Pilipinas Akyathlon – Philippine International Skyrace, run at an altitude of over 2,000 meters above sea level, Saturday.
Eluid Kering timed three hours, 42.36 minutes in the 34K out-and-back race of the Philippine Skyrunning Association, while compatriot Jackson Chirchirfomo was second in 3:46. Both led the race all the way at the scenic Mt. Ugo despite getting lost in the last two kilometers.
Kering Mario Maglinao momentarily took the lead when the two Kenyans lost their way but could not sustain the lead against heavy opposition and finished third in 3:59.4. Malaysian Saffrey Sumping finished fourth.
The event drew support from Barangay Tinongdan, Municipality of Itogon, Province of Benguet and the Department of Tourism–Cordillera.
Malaysian Danny Gongot won in the distaff side in 4:29.16 followed by Australian Julie Green in 4 :44.39.
Baguio-based athlete Maritess Bitbit, a multi-medalled biker in the Southeast Asian Games, came in third in 5:11.44 . Maglinao and Bitbit, despite placing third in the event, will represent the country in the 26th Mt Kinabalu International Climabathon in Sabah, Malaysia in October.
Local runners were also up to par in the first-ever sky run. Josiah Ballagan, 16, was fifth while Marcelo Bautista finished sixth (4:6:13) followed by Joel Bengtay and James Tellias.
“We are encouraged by the performance of the Filipino runners. This race helped us identify local talents who can compete with the world’s best, ” said PSA president Nina Dacanay.
Sen Pia Cayetano, a seasoned triathlete, made her debut in mountain running and placed second in her age group, while Mt. Everest summiter Leo Oracion finished 40th overall.
The race was sponsored by Salomon outdoor gear, R.O.X, Burlington socks and Summit water. The next Akyathlon will be on Feb. 9, 2013 on the same venue. Inquiries: www.philskyrunning.com <http://www.philskyrunning.com/.