Manangquil, Loyd dominate Big Gorilla Challenge

CEBU, Philippines — Sherwin Mohammad Manangquil and Yana Loyd led the cast of winners in the 'Big Gorilla Challenge', Cebu's biggest obstacle course race, yesterday at the Gorilla Boot Camp in Latasan, Barangay Labogon, Mandaue City.

Over a hundred of  fitness buffs and adrenaline junkies joined the race. The participants stamina and strength were tested as they deal with a 6-kilometer route with 23 obstacle challenges.

Manangquil, a veteran long-distance runner, reached the finish line first with a time of 35 minutes and 32 seconds to claim the men's elite title. Alexis Fernandez placed second in 38:35, while Christopher Recto landed at third with 39:53, clocking.

Loyd, for her part, emerged as the women's elite champion with the time of 58:24. Daisy Batuc settled for second with a time of 1:03:00 followed by Jennifer Lastimosa in 1:04:41.

The elite champions pocketed P20,000 plus a slot in an international Spartan Race this month.

In the open category, Richard Buar and Januce Areja reigned supreme in their respective division.

Buar won the men's title with a time of 49:30 followed by Nonoy Zapata (49:49) and Jerome Sabiono (51:50) at second and third place, respectively.

Areja (56:16) was joined by Leah Mainye (1:01:33) and Naomi Mainye (1:01:34) as the top three finishers in the women's action. (FREEMAN)