DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 06 November) — Philippine Air Force (PAF) member Sonny Wagdos and senior college student Mae Barit emerged as the 21K winners in the Davao leg of the 40th National Milo Marathon on Sunday morning.
Veteran racer Wagdos, who was last year’s champion in the same division, defended his title after he finished the race at one hour and 16 minutes.
He maintained a one-minute lead with closest rival 2nd placer, Michale Jan Echalico who clocked in at 1:17, followed by Arlan Arbois (1:19), Gilbert Maluyo (1:20) and Marcelo Ecalner (1:24).
Unlike in his previous races, Wagdos told reporters on Sunday the race was difficult this time as he had to take a rest from training for about a month after suffering from a foot injury while in Manila.
In the Women’s division, first-time 21K runner Barit, who clocked one hour and 51 mins., said the sloping terrain and the slippery road had her endurance tested to its limits.
Barit is a senior student at Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC).
The 21K racers started at SM Lanang Premier, then turned right to JP Laurel Ave., then to to R. Castillo St., then to Dacudao Ave., and then to Diversion Rd. and back.
“Medyo naglisod ko tungason ang ruta. Padulong pa lang sa (Diversion Rd.) Buhangin, medyo nagcramps ang akoang duha ka bagtak pero nakarecover man ko, nakaya naman nako sya. (I had difficulty running along the sloping route along Diversion Rd. I had minor cramps but I recovered and made it),” she said.
Madelyn Carter finished 2nd at one hour and 53 minutes, followed by Olive Firmeza (1: 54), April Rose Curato (1:59) and Hedda Piola (2:01).
Wagdos and Barit, however, failed to beat the 1:15 cut-off time to qualify for the 42 Milo Marathon National Finals on December 4 in Iloilo City.
Agustin Ychon topped the 10K men’s division, clocking 35 minutes and 20 seconds and maintaining only a few seconds lead with closest rival Joerge Andrade who clocked 35 minutes and 23 seconds.
Jorge Esquirida finished 3rd place, Gilbert Masibay 4th, and Joseph Aligarbes 5th.
In 10K women’s division, Diana Memoracion finished at 43 minutes and 37 seconds, followed by Kim Glydell Barot (2nd) Jeralden Madayam (3rd) Joylyn Quirante (4th), and Mary Joy Ramos (5th).
In 5K men’s division, Daryl Mark Daban landed 1st at 17 minutes and 10 seconds, beating Derick de Gracia who clocked 17 minutes and 21 seconds.
Kim Corbeta placed third, Fritz Clarence Lantacio 4th, and Robert Cain 15th.
In the 5K women’s dvision, Andrea Annabela Deguia took the lead at 21 minutes and 15 seconds, followed by Annie Mary Depone, Rebecca de Gracia 3rd, Suzette Jumawan 4th, and Precious Velarde 5th.
In 3K men’s division, Jayson Apostol emerged as the winner at 10 minutes and 51 seconds, followed by Jayson Vergabera, Klyder Rule (3rd), Alexis Dagaang (4th), and Joshua Dayon (5th).
In 3k women’s division, Arlene Jane Onso topped her division by finishing the race at 13 minutes and 24 seconds, followed by Sharon Gay Marcojos, Danica Ambat (3rd), Honney Retes (4th), and Clairre Marie Abes (5th). (Anthony L. Colina IV / MindaNews)