Guarte rules Stags Charity Run

Melchor Guarte took over from where brother Mervin left off as he bested the field to top the 10km run while Mae Ann Sarmiento reigned in the distaff side of the Stags Charity Run at the ASEANA City near the SM Mall of Asia and Macapagal Blvd. in Pasay yesterday.

Guarte, 17, put on a dominating performance and finished in 36 minutes, 48 seconds, way ahead of Zandrex Yumol (51.02 ) and Jerome Udton ( 59.07).

He thus kept the Guarte’s domination of the event after Mervin ruled the first three editions of this annual event held to generate funds for San Sebastian College’s apostolic and charity missions in the provinces.

“I have prepared hard for this event and want to win this just like my brother (Mervin),” said Guarte, a third year SSC high school student who hails from Oriental Mindoro.

Sarmiento timed 55.53 to retain the title against Sam Tanada (56.54 ) and Loreine Reyes ( 57.02).

Other category winners were Loreine Santos, Samantha Smith and Rostint Fulgencio and Vincent Nabong, Ronald Dante and Jonathan Bartola in the 5K run and Ronald Carana, Alex Shano and Jimbo Tolcibas and Shiela Lantana and Betina Lanotoso in the 3K..

The annual race drew over 4,000, including San Sebastian presidentrector Rev. Fr. Christopher Maspara, OAR, and overall organizing committee chairman Rev. Fr. Joel Alve, OAR and other members of the school’s religious community.

“It’s been another successful year and we thank everyone who supported our cause,” said Maspara, who awarded the prizes and trophies to the winners.