Rain or shine, Kenyans unstoppable; gamely brave gloomy weather to rule rain-soaked Cebu Marathon 2014

CEBU, Philippines - Not even the unfavorable weather conditions could stop the Kenyans from dominating the Safeguard-backed seventh edition of the Cebu Marathon, with Jackson Chirchir and Irine Kipchumba stamping their respective classes in the premiere 42K open division of the lung-busting race yesterday starting and ending at the Cebu IT Park grounds in Brgy. Apas, this city.

Chirchir finally got the title denied of him last year after he crossed the finish line with the fastest time of two hours, 27 minutes and 16 seconds among the over 3,000 runners who took part in the rain-soaked event.

"I really made sure I'd go back here and win this year. Last year, I was second or third, so I prepared harder for this and I'm happy I did it," said the 26-year-old Chirchir, who pocketed P100,000 as well as Kipchumba for their feats.

It was actually a clean sweep by the Kenyans as Julius Kiptalam finished second in 2:31:31, while John Samoei copped the third place honors with a 2:35:42 clocking.

In the women's side, Kipchumba successfully defended her crown with the time of 3:12:04 followed by her compatriot Susan Jemutai in 3:14:03.

Jennylyn Nobleza felt like a champion herself as she emerged as the best-placed Pinay finisher after landing third in the open category with the time of 3:16:28.

In the all-Filipino women's full marathon, Mona Liza Ambasa came out on top with a 3:24:27 clocking. Sandi Abahan timed 3:32:09 good for a second place honors as Mereeis Ramirez wound up third in 3:44:16.

In the men's bracket, Cebuano long distance runners stole the show, with Noel Tillor taking the top spot in two hours, 44 minutes and 43 seconds followed by Paul James Zafico (2:48:03) and Jobert Carolino (2:48:37).

It was the same story in the 21K open battle as the Kenyans still lorded it over. Benjamin Kipkazi snared the men's crown in 1:09:02 followed by Eliud Kering (1:09:57) and Simat Isaac (1:11:43).

In the distaff side, Kenyan Jackline Nzivo reignined supreme in 1:24:53, besting Milo Marathon queen and national record-holder Mary Joy Tabal, who finished only second in 1:26:46. Christy Sevilleno-Tutor completed the top three list in 1:50:08.

Tabal opted to race in the 21K as she don't want not push herself too hard as she is currently preparing for the Paris Marathon this summer.

In the 21K action among locals, Arnold Unabia and Amale Mendezona-Jopson ruled in their respective divisions with the time of 1:17:07 and 1:52:01, respectively. (FREEMAN)