Kenyan, Cardenas rule Mano Amon

ERIC Chepsiror and Lynly Cardenas conquered the 38th edition of Halad Kang Mano Amon Run, running away with the men’s and women’s 12-kilometer title at the Plaza Mano Amon yesterday in Danao City, northern Cebu.

Chepsiror, a Kenyan runner based in Cebu, finished the 12K course in 33 minutes and 32 seconds. Cebuano runner and duathlete Michael Largo came second with a time of 37:02, while Jeboy Magbologtong finished third in 37:07.

Cardenas ruled the women’s side as she finished in 51:28 and was about six minutes ahead of the closest pursuer. Lucille Ruiz nabbed second place in 57:24, while Joy Roca snagged third place with 58:28.

Harold Kim Guiao topped the men’s 6K in 23:31; he was followed by Richard Magbologtong who clocked 24:19. Rhena Rose Curaza won the women’s top honors in 31:13, beating Aubrey Losanta and Necil Perez who timed 34:08 and 35:40.

In the 3K Danao City Residents category, Ritchel Magbologtong came on top in the men’s division with a time of 14:30. Rey Mangas finished second in 15:20 and Esteward Pepito took third place in 15:40.

Rocel Ramos was the fastest in the women’s class with 19:40, beating Jane Elaine Capul and Carla Jean Calzada who clocked 20:08 and 21:16, respectively.

The other winners were Alfredo Tabago (16:30) and Daisy Preglo (18:33) in the men’s and women’s 3K collegiate; Richard Villama (15:11) and Jea Taoy (19:16) in the 3K high school; and Justine Hortillano (16:42) and Vivian Carl Peralta (18:76) in the 3K elementary.

The running event which was a tribute to the late Ramon “Mano Amon” Durano Sr. drew about 700 participants. A total of P34,000 cash prizes were given to the winners.

Olympian Mary Joy Tabal and her long-time coach John Philip Duenas were the special guests in the event. Tabal talked about her humble start in running to the aspiring runners in Danao City.

The Danao City Sports Commission chairman Oscar “Boying” Rodriguez Jr. said that the run’s registration was for free because they want to encourage the kids in the grassroots level to get into running.