Abello, Duoton rule 1st Run UP High

CEBU, Philippines - Leo Abello, a staff of Runnr-Cebu, flashed the skills he learned from their company-initiated running clinics on the way to dominate the men's 12K division of the 1st Run UP High yesterday starting and ending at the Oblation statue of the University of the Philippine Visayas-Cebu College in Brgy. Lahug, this city.

Abello crossed the finish line first with the time of 44 minutes and 52.46 seconds, while policeman Emelyn Duoton of the Philippine National Police's Regional Training School came out the fastest among female entries with the time of 59:18.39.

In the 6K action of the race spearheaded by the UP High School Alumni Association, Inc. (UPHSAAI) led by its president Atty. Mark Tolentino, Ramie Lawas topped the men's group in 20 minutes and 17.9 seconds, while Rose Caballero lorded it over in the distaff side with the time of 28:16.42.

Dann Anthony Astillero dominated the men's 3K in 9:01.79, while Myrna Magdayao ruled the distaff side in 14:40.69.

In the introductory 'Barkada Run', an adaptation of London’s caterpillar run, the group of Hope Kho, Mary Sol Malasomma, Cecilia Seniedo and Marget Villarica grabbed the first place honors.

Kho and company completed the 3-kilometer run of this Sports and Fitness Ethusiasts (SAFE)-officiated event in 16 minutes and 35.02 seconds.

Meanwhile, majority of the seasoned runners opted to race in the 2011 Mayor’s Cup in Mandaue City, with John Philip Duenas and Mary Joy Tabal topping their respective divisions.

Tabal won the women’s open over Madelyn Carter and Leonora Martus, while Duenas outsmarted the more experienced Mendel Lopez in the men's bracket as Arnold Unabia wound up third. – (FREEMAN)