Marathon debutant rules Galaxy Watch Manila run

MANILA, Philippines – Eduard Flores bested more than 8,000 runners in the Galaxy Watch Manila Marathon over the weekend. 

Flores, a runner from General Santos City, finished the 42-kilometer race with a time of two hours, 33 minutes and 22 seconds in his first-ever marathon. 

He edged out Kenyan David Kipsang, who finished with a time of 2:39:05 and fellow Filipino Edsel Moral, who finished 33 seconds after. 

The race’s route went through Ayala Avenue, Roxas Boulevard and Intramuros.

Meanwhile, Kenya’s Jane Wanjiru Muriuki topped the women’s division with a time of 3:11:34. 
Coming in second is Maricar Camacho (3:20:54) followed by Jocelyn Elijeran (3:29:11).

RUNRIO president and CEO Rio dela Cruz is hoping that the event’s success, which saw participants from 30 countries, turns out to be a good step toward putting the Galaxy Watch Manila Marathon in the same level as other run races in Southeast Asia. 

“Natuwa yung mga runners kasi naipakita natin yung ganda ng Manila. We’re very happy kasi first time natin gamitin yung route and they really appreciated the sceneries,” he said.

This was echoed by triathlete Nikko Huelgas. 

“We get to see a lot of runners joining the event where we can promote active lifestyle and proper wellness. With the Manila Marathon, we can really position the Philippines as being a top destination for sports tourism,” he said. 

Sonny Wagdos topped the men’s 21K with his time of one hour, seven minutes, and 10 seconds followed by Lowegene Aliligay (1:14:43) and Rodmar Pullido (1:16:11).

In the women’s 21k division, Maria Jonna Lina Abutas was the fastest female clocking in at one hour, 29 minutes, and 15 seconds followed by Jennelyn Isibido (1:35:06) and Jenalyn Galvez (1:40:32).

In the 10k race, James Darrel Orduna was the fastest, clocking in at 32 minutes and 11 seconds, ahead of Junel Gobotia (33:04) and Jaspher Delfino (36:03), while Edna Magtubo was the top female with her 41 minutes and 48 second-time, followed by Melody Lantad (44:09) and Christine Andres (55:51).

In the 5k race, Alfrence Braza was the top male with 16 minutes and 11 seconds, followed by Mark Angelo Biagtan (17:33) and Cavin Vidal (17:36); while Jash Mae Dhuaylungod was the best female with her 23 minutes and six seconds time, ahead of Patricia Paglicauan (25:13) and Leny Joy Gaviota (25:35).