Edsel Moral and Maricar Camacho stamped their class by coming out on top one again at the Sante Barley Trilogy Run Asia National Finals on Saturday at SM Mall of Asia Complex.
Moral was on a league of his own, going on a wire-to-wire victory as he timed at 2:27:31, well ahead of men’s 42K podium finishers Welfred Esporma (2:48:11) and Edgardo Panopio Jr. (2:58:12).
Camacho was just as strong, clocking in at 3:18:56 to win the women’s 42K, in front of Amelyn Broqueza (3:29:44) and Rocel Maestro (3:30:00).
A total of 11,300 runners participated in this year’s National Finals, capping off a superb season that saw legs held in Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro and Davao with runners rallying behind the series’ theme of “Running for Love.”
“This year showed how powerful running communities can be,” said RUNRIO president and CEO Rio de la Cruz of the race which had Sante Barley as title sponsor and GOMO as co-presenter. “Our finalists earned their places through consistency, determination and passion across the entire series.”
Kenyan runner David Kipsang paced the men’s 21K, crossing the tape in 1:09:14 to get the better of James Kevin Cruz (1:10:36) and Edgar Lee (1:11:43); while Eloisa Cusi broke away from the pack with her 1:29:32 finish, followed by Jenismyll Quirante (1:32:26) and Yahchevah Daligdig (1:33:15).
Ritchie Estampador was the fastest man in the 10K race in 34:44, five seconds ahead of second placer Jeck Labrador (34:49) and six in front of third placer Bong Sentillas (34:50); as Jo Punay had a more comfortable lead in the women’s division, timing at 46:33, besting Susan Gejos (52:52) and Eliz Villaroman (52:56).
Edzel Baritua also sprung a big surprise in the men’s 5K finishing with 17:06, followed by Jevie Rebutazo (17:20) and Justwin Guerrero (17:51); while Shaira Mae Fantilaga took the pole position on the women’s division in 21:45, in front of Brizeth Dequito (24:51) and Marjorie Diangkinay (25:16).
This staging was a rousing success despite the difficulties, with elite internationals, seasoned local contenders, and weekend runners all coming together to test themselves in this famed running series which also has Gatorade as official sports drink, Le Minerale, Nature Spring, and Cristalino Spring as official hydration partners, NYXSYS Philippines as official media partner, SM Mall of Asia Complex as official venue partner, and is supported by the Department of Tourism and PAGCOR.
