Under gray October skies, two unlikely champions emerged in the inaugural ASICS META: Time: Trials (MTT) Philippines on Sunday, Oct. 19.
Artjoy Torregosa of Butuan and Kenya’s Kelvin Kiplagat emerged as surprise winners in the women’s and men’s 10K events, respectively, besting a stacked Open field of elite and up-and-coming runners at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite Sunday.
What began as a performance-driven, data-centric race ended as a deeply human story of emotion, adversity and the power of heart over hype.
Torregosa, in particular, delivered one of the most stirring moments of the race. Running not just against the clock but against grief, the unheralded athlete stormed past more favored contenders – including national team standout Joida Gagnao – to claim the women’s overall crown with a time of 36 minutes and 23 seconds.
“Hindi ko po talaga ini-expect (I really didn’t expect this),” said Torregosa. “May mga Philippine team na kasali at hindi naman ako part ng team. Strategy ko lang ay sumabay sa kanila. Pero nung last lap na, nung tinanong ko sa sarili ko kung kaya ko pa, doon ko binuhos lahat ng power ko.”
Despite being drenched and drained, Torregosa held back nothing in the final lap, drawing on reserves of strength and sorrow to push past the finish line.
On the men’s side, Kiplagat, a first-time Philippine competitor, defied both unfamiliarity and a crack field to post a victorious 30:32 finish, holding off local aces Richard Salaño (30:41) and Sonny Wagdos (31:22), who had recently won in Thailand.
“It felt kind of funny and exciting at the same time,” said Kiplagat, who hails from the high-altitude town of Eldama Ravine. “This is my first time racing in the Philippines, and the weather was challenging, my body was hurting. But I gave it everything.”
Like Torregosa, Kiplagat was not among the pre-race favorites. But his grit and composure allowed him to keep pace with the leaders before making a decisive move in the final stretch. His goal, he said, is to follow the path of greatness carved by compatriots like Eliud Kipchoge and Daniel Simiu.
Both champions walked away with ₱100,000 each – but more than the cash prize, they left an imprint of perseverance on a day when the rain tried but failed to steal the spotlight.
Despite the weather, the event – part of the global ASICS META: Time: Trials series – was hailed as a resounding success.
Over 3,000 runners of all backgrounds turned out for the precision-focused loop course, energized by hydration stations, elite pacers and a cheering crowd that braved the storm to support every stride.
From elite competitors to weekend warriors, all shared a common goal: to beat their personal bests. But it was Torregosa and Kiplagat who went above and beyond, reminding everyone that sometimes, the most powerful performances come from the most unexpected places.
Rounding out the Top 10 in the women’s division were Christine Hallasgo (37:07), Jessa Mae Roda (38:45), Nicole Diloy (38:57), Michelle Zamora (39:22), Macrose Dichoso (40:18), Melljoy Gonzales (40:35), and Maricar Camacho (40:54).
In the men’s division, Dickyias Mendioro (31:25), Eduard Flores (31:32), Mark Mahinay (31:38), Arlan Arbois (31:47), Junel Gobotia (32:02), Roy Laudit (32:14), and Corsino Satinitigan (32:19) completed the Top 10.
