Amateur boxer keeps winning ways in running circuit

CEBU, Philippines – To be an elite runner can easily be an alternative career choice for amateur boxer Ian Refuela if he doesn’t want to be part of the national team or  enter the pro ranks someday after he bagged another top honors in road running through the World Heart Day Run yesterday at Parkmall grounds in Mandaue City yesterday.

Refuela topped 6-kilometer men's open race with the time of 21 minutes and 9.67 seconds. He was way ahead of his closest pursuer Carl Borinaga, who clocked in 22:13.21, while Charlie Berberio wound up third in 22:43.53.

In the distaff side, Sarah Lee Cuizon timed 28 minutes and 43.82 seconds to go on top of podium. She bested the comebacking Madelyn Carter (28:46.29) as Sam Young was a distant third in 35:18.77.

Agapito Baclaan dominated the men’s 3K race in 9:30.45 followed by Joey Oacan (9:41.06) and Lorenzo Tabage (11:29.20). The top three in the women's division were Ena Velasco (19:07.39), Regina Piezas (20:05.53), and Monica Young (20:11.37).

In the special category for doctors, Mitty Igana reigned supreme in the women’s 6K with the time of 36:36.25.

Lelarias Gado came out second in 37:26.14 as Kerstein Moralde finished third in 38:03.30. Vince Cabahug ruled the men's side with a 27:58.95 clocking followed by Ernesto Pobre (35:38.54) and Jerry Mayo (37:15.31).

In the 3K doctors division, the men's top three were Jose Antonio San Juan (20:52.18), Mario Manuz (20:56.93), and Paul Dumdum (24:11.72),  while Gladys Napigkit (22:27.16) led the winners in the women's class that also include Lerma Noval (22:59.35), and Daryll Ratunil (26:10.69).

In the all-Pharma 6K battle, Jojo Santiago surged to the top with the time of 34:42.06. The next two spots were occupied by Chester Cabibil  and Ryan Miro with the time of 34:50.02 and 39:53.94, respectively. Sheryl Chan was unopposed in the distaff side with a 51:01.76 clocking.

The top three in the 3K were Vince Capistrano (14:15.77), Parco Jedilla (14:33.55) and Harold Laurenti (15:35.17) in the men's division and Aileen Alvarado (21:42.35), Wowee Yap (21:47.69), and Ella Mercado (22:30.03) in the women's side. (FREEMAN)