Oporto, Alvarez rule 210K ultra-marathon

CEBU, Philippines - Rhoda Oporto reigned supreme in the first edition of the Cebu Southwest Ultramarathon, a 210K ultramarathon that started in Santander town in southern Cebu and ended at the Plaza Independencia.

The 44-year-old Oporto had a smooth race as she finished the lung busting ultramarathon in 44 hours and 37 seconds. She also finished sixth overall.

Oporto was second to the last among the female participants during the first 10-kilometers of the race, but took the lead after the 50th kilometer and never looked back.

Veteran ultramarathoner Bayani Alvarez became the overall champion and won the men’s class with his 26 hours and 30 minutes. He defeated multi-titled ultramarathoner Brian Guillen who wound up second in 28 hours.

Virgilio Undaloc settled for third place in 32 hours and 45 minutes, while Lorginson Gaso finished fourth with 39 hours and 35 minutes as Edwin Silagan completed the men’s top five finishers in 42 hours and 32 minutes.  (FREEMAN)