Warizal, Dela Rosa rule 21K

MANILA, Philippines -  Four-time winner Norlan Warizal and returning champ Jila Dela Rosa dominated the 21K events in the Puerto Princesa leg of the 38th National Milo Marathon eliminations yesterday.

Warizal, a 29-year-old native of Sta. Maria, Puerto Princesa, clocked 01:19:13 to defeat Ben Alejandrino (01:21:26) and Nicko Cortes (01:22:42) for the men’s crown while the 20-year-old Dela Rosa, also a local of Puerto Princesa, turned in an impressive clocking of 01:39:24 to beat Bernardita Mag-aso (01:47:56) and Michelle Anne Tibagacay (01:51:37).

The event lured more than 7,000 runners with Warizal and Dela Rosa leading 19 other runners to the national finals set Dec. 7 at the MOA grounds in Pasay City.

The men’s and women’s champions will also win an all-expense paid trip to the 2015 Tokyo Marathon.

Warizal and Dela Rosa received P10,000 in cash and a trophy each for topping their respective sides.

“I prepared for only two months, but I couldn’t really focus on training because my job comes first. I really love my job, and of course I love running, but work is my priority,” said Warizal.