Kenyans, as expected, ruled the men's international 42K and 21K events of the Quezon City International Marathon (QCIM), but Filipinas Nhea Ann Barcena and Janet Agura foiled the visitors' attempt at dominating the women's category, Sunday, in what many consider as one of the country's biggest foot races.
Kib Talam minted his lead all throughout the contest, which began in front of the Philippine Coconut Authority (Philcoa) gate of the Quezon Memorial Circle, going through Commonwealth Avenue to East Fairview, passing through the La Mesa Dam and Eco Park, and the University of the Philippines in Diliman, before looping back to where the race started.
Talam, currently residing in Montalban, Rizal where he likewise trains, was only challenged in the last 150 meters by compatriot Geofrey Birgen, who eventually finished second. Completing the all-Kenyan podium finish was Philip Ronoh.
"I led all the way from start to finish. Birgen tried to overtake me in the last 150 meters but I took on the challenge. [I] Maintained the lead and won the race," said Talam.
Filipina Janet Agura (R) was on par with Kenyan women Atancha Everlyne (L) and Patrober Kembol (C). Perry Legaspi
In the women's event, Atencha Everlyne had an easier victory. She posted a clocking of 3:00:29 and was ahead by more than 30 minutes over Filipino runner Janet Agura (3:33:38). Another Kenyan, Patrober Kembol (3:40:01) bagged third place.
"Masaya ako sa second place finish na ito," said Agura, who currently works as a real estate investment consultant. "Mahirap talunin ang mga Kenyans. Pero pumuwesto pa ako."
Despite lack of real training, Elmer Sabal won the men's local 42k event with a winning time of 2:42:47, a clocking which he admitted was too far behind Talam's winning time.
"Naka-focus ako sa training sa military," Sabal, who is enlisted with the Army, revealed after the race. "Hindi pangkarera ang rhythm ko. During the run napapabilang pa nga ako eh; one, two, one, two, one, two, three, four. Next week balik training ulit. Hindi nga ako makakasali sa MILO marathon eh."
"Ang layo ko tuloy dun sa Kenyan na nanalo," added Sabal.
Completing the five in the local contest were Rene Desuyo (2:48:28), Carlito Fantilaga (3:01:20), Nelson Eligiran (3:05:40) and Edmund Corpus (3:08:06).
Elmer Sabal (L-most) poses with the rest of the top five of the men's 42K local event, namely (L-R) Rene Desuyo, Carlito Fantilaga, Nelson Eligiran and Edmund Corpus. Perry Legaspi
Luisa Raterta, meanwhile, posted a 3:25:32 clocking in the distaff side of the local 42k category, a better finish than that of Agura and Kembol.
"Gusto ko talagang makalaban 'yung mga Kenyan. Kaso sa local category pala ako naisali," said Raterta, who just a week ago placed second to two-time Southeast Asian (SEA) Games gold medalist Christabel Martes during the Run United Philippine Marathon.
Placing second behind Raterta was Kathryn Salangsang (4:07:47) followed by Lyza Valerio (4:21:36), Jenny Aggangan (4:34:27) and Tess Leono (4:38:26)
While Kenyan's Johndan Maru (1:08:21), John Kipkosgeirotich (1:11:32) and Bet Moses (1:12:02) topped the men's international 21k event, Nhea Ann Barcena was just too good for the Kenyan female runners.
Barcena (1:31:48) was ahead of the pack the entire race and was never challenged for the top post with Kenyan Iring Kipchuma (1:35:20) and Susan Jemutan (1:48:53) just too far back to put up a decent fight.
Alley Quisay (1:12:39) led the finishers in the local 21K men's race with Jujet de Asis (1:12:50), Wilson Maningkil (1:16:43), Ramie Lacson (1:16:46) and William Villasenor (1:16:49) joining him in completing the cast of the top five finishers.
Jannette Lumidao (1:3130) was almost unchallenged in bagging the women's local 21K crown with Adjenie Delos Santos (1:37:46) entering the finish line a far second and Mary Grace Parcon (1:50:11) salvaging a third place finish. Completing the top five spots were Janelle Ong (1:55:00) and Jane Ong (2:00:41)
In the men's 10K, Martin Balaybo went home with the top spot after posting a time of 34 minutes and 40 seconds. Following him to the finish line for the top five spots were Ruel Dela Torre (35:06), Jordan Girano (36:04), Art Thomas Fronda (36:04) and Orson Quisay (36:11).
Wilma Santa Ana (46:04) likewise was almost unchallenged in winning the women's 10k race. Finishing behind Santa Ana were Mae Ann Laureta (46:52), Jul Kara Camposano (49:32), Analyn Sankus (50:10) and Jomari Elison (50:40)
Rudifer Hernandez (16:16) took home the men's 5k title while Kimbert Sarmiento (16:32) bagged the second spot and Derek Amarante finished third. Fourth placer was Philip John Gongob (17:07) and Michael John Marfil (17:32).
Teenager Catherine Bristol of St. Francis of Assisi showed anew why she is one of the upcoming Filipino athletes to keep an eye on with a victory in the women's 5k race.
The 16-year-old Bristol finished the 5,000-meter race in just 19:59 minutes to relegate Norizza Sumaria 20:34 to second spot. Third place went to Leonalyn Raterta (21:02) while Joselinda Galo (21:53) and Michelle de Vera (22:34) completed the top five spots. - AMD, GMA News
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