Kenyans reign in Kennon marathon; Pinay bet wins

BAGUIO, Philippines – The Kenyans bucked the local runners’ challenge and went on to rule the inaugural Philex Mining Kennon Global Marathon here last Sunday.

Benjamin Kipkazi, a 36-year-old native of Nairobi, topped the 21k Conqueror’s Race of the all-uphill marathon which started in Camp 3 in Tuba, Benguet, passed through the Kennon Road and ended in Burnham Park to lead the Kenyans’ domination of the men’s event.

Kipkazi clocked one hour, 21 minutes and 40 seconds and pocketed the champion’s purse of P40,000.

But Jhoan Banaya foiled Kenyan Irime Kimchumba’s bid in the ladies side, winning by seven minutes.

Josphat Kiptani Too came in second to Kipzaki four seconds behind while Samson Tuwei finished third to claim P30,000 and P20,000, respectively.

Another Kenyan, Philip Ronoh, wound up foruth in 1:25:59 and received a consolation prize of P2,000.

Filipino bet Eric Panique, a member of the Philippine team, placed fifth with a clocking of 1:26:34. He was followed by Julius Sermona, also a member of the national team, who crossed the finish line at 1:27.09. The two, however, beat two other Kenyans – David Kipsang and Eliud Kering, who came in two minutes behind.

Filipinos Modesto Madalang and Arnold Galap rounded up the top 10. Panique received a bonus of P10,000 from El Cielito Hotel as the first Filipino finisher while the rest of the top 10 got P1,000 as consolation prize.

7250In the ladies’ event, Banayag, a gold medalist of the 2007 Southeast Asian Games, was simply a sight to behold as she effortlessly ran side-by-side her long-legged rival from Kenya through Kennon Road. She capitalized on her familiarity with the terrain and sprinted in the last three kilometers, leaving behind the Kenyan. She clocked 1:41:26, while Kimchumba registered 1:48:37.

Banayag took home P40,000 while Kimchumba received P30,000. Another Filipina runner, Misrelle Gilbuena placed third at 2:00:06. She received P20,000.

Local runners were not to be completely outdone.

In the 9K Lionhearts Race, which started in iconic Lion’s Head, Hernanie Sore of the University of Baguio made the mammoth crowd that gathered at the finish line proud when he beat Kenyan James Mebei for the top prize.

Sore finished the 9k event at 37:08:07, more than a minute faster than the Kenyan. Another local bet, Marson Tarcelo, placed third. The three received P10,000, P6,000 and P4,000 as prizes.

Other University of Baguio runners who bagged prizes in the historic event were Mercy Taypoc, Flordeliza Donos and Johan Caido. The three topped the 9k women, 5k women and 3k men. Former marathon queen Cristabel Martes placed second in the 9k while University of Cordillera stalwart Cesar Castaneto ruled the 5k division.

Baguio Mayor Mauricio Domogan and Baguio Rep. Bernardo Vergara have already declared that the Kennon Global Marathon will be an annual event supported by the city. The two predict that the marathon will be the “next big thing” in Baguio and will become as big as the Panagbenga.

A total of 900 runners joined the event sponsored by Philex Mining Corporation, LBC, Tiong San Department Store, Fortune General Insurance, Smart Communications, El Cielito Hotel, Villa Mia Inn & Apartelle, and supported by the municipal government of Tuba, Benguet, the Department of Public Works and Highways, Philippine National Police, Boy Scouts of the Philippines, National Institute for Information Technology, Baguio Emergency Communications Group, Spectrum Bag-iw, 911 On Call, Baguio General Hospital, and jeepney drivers associations in Baguio and Benguet.

For detailed results and pictures, log on to www.kennonmarathon.org <http://www.kennonmarathon.org>  or www.facebook.com/kennonglobalmarathon <http://www.facebook.com/kennonglobalmarathon> .