CEBU, Philippines - Cebuana long distance running star Mary Joy Tabal added feathers on her cap after ruling the 15K women's open division of the Gaisano Countrymall 20th Anniversary Run yesterday.
Tabal, who is warming up for a tougher challenge in the 37th National Milo Marathon grand finals this December in Manila, submitted the best time of 59 minutes and 35 seconds among female entries.
Mereeis Ramirez was a far second, clocking in one hour, eight minutes and 36 seconds as Joeyry Lee came in 50 seconds behind to settle for third place.
Mary Jane Beboso and Lenora Villamor wound up fourth and fifth with a time of 1:10:03 and 1:19:46, respectively.
Rounding up the top 10 finishers were Lucille Ruiz (1:22:26), Helen Dionson (1:26:51), Sybil Reambonanza (1:34:23), Lady Anne Ong (1:41:00) and Joanna Lozana (1:41:33).
In the men's side, the vaunted Kenyan runners swept the top four spots led by Isaac Simat with the fastest time of 51 minutes and four second. Abraham Missos placed second in 52:10 folllowed by Douglas Mwiti in 54:14 and James Mebei in 56:53.
Completing the top 10 list were Joseph Emia (56:54), Jefferson Casemilla (59:46), Jesus Rodrigo (59:52), Tajima Watanu (1:02:27), Isidrolito Salvador (1:02:48), and Noda Kohei (1:07:22).
Once again, the Andrin siblings turned the event into a family affair. Lovely and Jhean Andrin posted a one-two finish in the women's 10K battle with the time of 44:46 and 45:44, while Cherry ruled the women's 5K with the time of 20 minutes and 21 seconds followed by Rizza Bawsin (22:11) and Lynlie Cardenas (22:50). Their older brother Ronnie landed at third in the men's 5K in 17 minutes and 44 seconds.
Trailing the Andrin sisters in the women's 10K were Sarah Lee Quizon (45:53), Michelle Beboso (45:55), and multi-titled Amale Mendezona-Jopson (48:48).
Rafael Piscos reigned supreme in the men's 10K with a time of 34 minutes and 12 seconds, a comfortable 45 seconds ahead of Prince Joey Lee as Robert Daang came out third in 35:21. Kenyan Francis Kakui and Philip Maloloy-on occupied the next two spots.
On the other hand, the top two placers in the men's 5K were John Daryl Manos (16:30), and John Cliff Debulosan (17:10). (FREEMAN)