CEBU, Philippines – The vaunted Kenyan runners led by Eric Kibiwoot Chepsiror and Monica Nieru swept the top honors in their respective divisions, but hometown bet Noel Tillor gave his fellow Cebuanos something to be proud of after winning the all-Filipino title of the 2016 Cebu City Marathon yesterday starting and ending at the Cebu IT Park in Barangay Apas.
Chepsiror, a first timer in Cebu's centerpiece marathon event of the year, completed the lung-busting 42.195-kilometer race with the fastest time of two hours, 26 minutes and 27 seconds.
His compatriots Elisha Sawe and Jackson Chipchip occupied the next two spots with 2:29:37 and 2:32:18 clockings, respectively.
The Cebuanos still have something to be happy about as Tillor came out fifth overall and in the process become the top Filipino finisher with the time of 2:43:45. He was trailed by Jeson Agravante (2:47:48) as Paul James Zafico landed third with a time of 3:01:19.
The Kenyans were also dominant in the women's side. Nieru came out on top with a time of 2:53:42 followed by Milka Chebokel (3:12:03) and Susan Chepwoky (3:21:44).
In the all-Filipina battle, Jennylyn Nobleza finally nailed her first crown after four tries. She touched down the finish line with the best time of 3:25:52. Cebu-based ultra race Ruffa Sorongon wound up second in 3:27:51 as Lizane Abella placed third in 3:46:53.
The age-group winners, on the other hand were Hanmin Lee (20-29, 2:56:09), Abraham Cheruiyot (30-39, 2:42:51), Edilberto Batiancila (40-49, 3:24:12), Michael Nielsen (50-59, 3:44:02) and Eduardo Eduria (60-above, 4:24:18).
In the 21K action, the top three performers were Prince Joey Lee (1:23:45), Azlan Dalompines (1:24:51) and John Philip Duenas (1:25:39) in the men's category and Mereeis Ramirez (1:38:49), Joan Romanos (1:43:37) and Kristy Abello (1:50:02) in the distaff side.
The fastest age-groupers in the 21K were Abelito Neiz (20-29, 1:32:11), Adonis Singson (30-39, 1:27: 53), Terso Pamaybay (40-49, 1:31:04), Monsito Tuyco (50-59, 1:50:05) and David White (60-above, 1:50:41).
The top finishers in the 5K were Arnel Florentino (16:52) and Cherry Andrin (20:14). (FREEMAN)