CEBU, Philippines – Multi-titled Cebuano ultra racer Desederio Engbino was simply unstoppable, averaging four minutes and 43 seconds per kilometer on the way to dominate the inaugural Speed 50 Ultramarathon in Mactan Island yesterday.
Meanwhile, Preciosa Sanchez reigned supreme in the distaff side.
The 45-year-old Engbino topped not only the 40-49 age group but also the overall standings with the fastest time of three hours, 55 minutes and 41.26 seconds.
Jose Baguio of Infinitea and North Road Runner's Club finished second with a time of 4:20:00.53 followed by Rey Berbesada in 4:54:08.04. They ruled in their age groups, with Baguio winning the the 20-29 class and Berbesada topping the 30-39 division. Eduardo Eduria came out the fastest in the 60-69 bracket.
Rounding up the top 10 cast in the men's division were Dalinsong (5:03:28.03), Ronald Entrolezo (5:05:03.52), Pedro Alcosero (5:28:01.97), Bernard Roy Tipan (5:31:19.20), Jan Ray Yadao (5:33:12.61), Eduria and Jerry Naya (5:53:23.08).
In the women's category, Sanchez of NRR took home the champion's trophy. She also snared the title in the 40-48 class with a 4:58:42.65 clocking.
Evangeline Balazuela was a distant second in 6:00:21.96 followed by Rona Lacanlale (6:23:13.414) and Hannah Huang (6:38:19.82) at third and fourth, respectively.
Jennifer Zabala settled for fifth in 7:32:32.37. (FREEMAN)