Melly, Chemutai dominate SM2SM Run 4

CEBU, Philippines -  Foreign runners stole the spotlight in yesterday's SM2SM Run 4 starting and ending at the SM City-Cebu carpark.

Kenyan Alex Melly posted a personal best as he ruled the 21K men’s premier open. Melly crossed the finish line in one hour, five minutes and 50-second better than his past record of 1:06:29 that he did two years ago in Malaysia.

Fellow Kenyan Benjamin Kipkazi fell to second place with the time of 1:06:05, while Eliphiz Kipngetich ended up third in 1:08:16.

In the women’s division, Uganda’s Immaculate Chemutai lorded it over with the time one hour, 20 minutes and 40 seconds to beat Cebu’s Marathon queen Mary Joy Tabal who posted the time of 1:22:22, while Susan Jemutai of Kenya came out third in 1:27:05.

It was an all Kenyan show in the men’s division of the 12K division, as Willy Tanui (36:54), Isaac Simat (36:55) and Abraham Missos (39:11) occupied the top three spot.

In the distaff side, Lovely Andrin finished first in 50:45. Keisha Delechos placed second in 50:47, followed by Christy Sevilleno-Tutor in 57:20.

Noy and Amale Jopson topped the couples 21K category with a 1:43:38 clocking, while power couple Mendel and Lorhiz Lopez (58:58) won the title in the 12K race.

Lovely's sisters Cherry (24:53) and Jhean (25:49) had a 1-2 finish in the 6K women’s division while Rafael Piscos (19:16) won the men's class.

Persons with disabilities also had their chance to shine with Kit Reguero (21:05) winning the 3K action over Rene June Quinones (23:25) and Joel Quinones (23:40).  (FREEMAN)