Pescos, Lorenzo top Manila marathon

Rafael Pescos and Cinderella Lorenzo upstaged their fancied rivals to rule their respective sides in the National Milo Marathon Manila leg yesterday.

Pescos rallied to top the men’s 42km run in 2:38:27, beating Erick Panique (2:43:10), and Noel Tillor (2:47:31).

“For six months, I really trained and put in the hard work to prepare for the Manila qualifications. Even if I am not familiar with the race route in Manila, I was determined to fight and finish strong,” said Pescos, 23.

Lorenzo, competing in the 42K for the first time, clocked 3:16:15 to win the women’s division in wire-towire fashion. Lany Cardona came in second in 3:23:38 while Lizane Abella timed 3:29:48 for third.

“Training wasn’t easy, but through sacrifice, perseverance and discipline, I was able to accomplish this great achievement today, together with my kids who also ran in their first 3K race,” said the 28-year-old Lorenzo.

“I encouraged them to join me today for a learning experience through running. They are my inspiration, as well as my husband who is also my coach, and the rest of my family, too,” she added.

Pescos and Lorenzo also received P50,000 each and gained berths in the national finals set Dec. 3 in Cebu City.

Meanwhile, for the past seven years, the National Milo Marathon’s He l p Gi v e Sh o e s ad v o c a c y, i n partnership with Department of Education, has inspired 70,000 aspiring athletes to fulfill their dreams by donating brand new pairs of running shoes. This year, the Help Give Shoes advocacy will be donating 5,000 pairs to underprivileged school children.