Spectrum runners dominate
Spectrum Runners Club’s Rafael Pescos and Lizane Abella topped their respective divisions in the all-Filipino class of the Cebu Marathon 2018 at the Cebu Business Park yesterday morning.
Pescos successfully retained his men’s 42kilometer title. He crossed the finish line in two hours, 42 minutes and 54 seconds.
"I did not expect to win at all. In my mind I was telling myself to push further and give my best until I reached the finish line," said Pescos. “Actually, I was preparing for another run next month and I am happy that I already managed to win the title.”
Pescos beat Azlan Pagay, who clocked in 2:55:16 effort, while Paul Zafico settled for third with a time of 3:03:17.
In the women's division, Abella took the top spot in 3:16:25. “I was really aiming for the title. This is my third time in this event and I am happy that I finally made it,” said Abella.
BehindAbella were Ruffa Sorongon (3:32:13) and Judycel Reducto (3:33:46) at second and third place, respectively.
Meanwhile, Kenyan Eric Chepsiror and Japanese Kyoto Otsuka emerged as the fastest in the 42K foreign division.
Chepsiror claimed his third straight title with a time of 2:28:50 followed by Japan’s Kojo Shinizawa in 2:37:56, while Henrik Stark wound up third with 2:40:21, clocking.
“This race is a memorable one because I don’t know when I am coming back here,” said Chepsiror who dedicated his victory to his compatriot and fellow marathoner Douglas Mwiti who passed away last year due to illness.
Otsuka, for her part, claimed the women’s crown with a time of 3:47:09.
Spectrum runners' Prince Lee also completed a grand slam in the 21K men's after finishing the race in one hour, 13 minutes and 42 second. Trailing him were Joseph Arnel Emia (1:19:13) and Augustin Ychon (1:22:21).
Lovely Fe Andrin topped the women’s side with a time of 1:39:34. She is followed by Jennifer Paloma (1:49:37) in second place and Rue Pañibon (1:49:38) in third.
Spectrum also swept the 10K women’s through the efforts of Melody Perez (43:18), Cherry Andrin (45:47) and Geneda Arcuino (46:02).
In the men’s side, Ruel Algufera won the championship with a time of 35:00. He outpaced Arnel Florentino (35:58) and Beggy Sanjorjo (39:11), who placed second and third, respectively.
Mary Joy Loberanis and Earl Pionela stole part of the limelight after winning the 5K titles.
John Pages of the organizing Cebu Executive Runners Club said that the event was an overall success and he expressed his gratitude to those who helped them.
"Thanks to the help of the Cebu Province, Cebu City, volunteers, running clubs and companies, we had one of the best and entertaining editions of the Cebu Marathon. It was Cebu volunteerism coupled with the Sinulog spirit at its best,” said Pages.