Kenyans rule anew in Cebu Marathon

CEBU CITY -- Kenyan nationals David Kipuang and Irene Kipchumba won the men's and women's divisions, respectively, of the Cebu City Marathon 2013 on Sunday.

Kipuang breasted the tape in two hours, 30 minutes, and 38 seconds, while Irene Kipchumba swept the women’s event in 3:28:28. Each winner took home the P60, 000 winner’s cheque.

The men’s category was once again dominated by Kenyan runners, as eight of the 10 top spots went to Kenyans Jackson Chirchir (2nd place), Douglas Mwiti (3rd place), Philip Kipkemei (4th place), Abraham Missos (5th place), Albert Omboga (7th place), James Kidrop Mibei (8th place), and Eliud Lele (9th place).

Filipino core runner Noel Tillur landed in the 6th place, climbing two spots from his win at 8th place in last year’s marathon.

Another local runner Robert Daang managed to land in the 10th place.

In an interview with Sun.Star, Kipuang said he will use his prize for future travel engagements.

He also said he is set to join a marathon in Thailand.

In the women’s category, all Kenyan nationals landed in the top 3 spots, Patroper Kemboi (2nd place), Susan Chepkwong (3rd place).

Elite triathlete Amale Jopson, who joined Cebu Marathon for the first time, finished fourth.

Filipina top finishers are Rhodora Oporto (5th place), Path Torremoro (6th place), Virginia Parajinog (7th place), Lizabeth Ocampo (8th place), Corazon Quiamco (9th place), and Odiza Abellana (10th place).

Jackline Nzivo (1st), Mary Grace Delos Santos (2nd), Joy Tabal (3rd), Christy Sevilleno (4th), Lucille Ruiz (5th), Jennifer Red Sabela (6th), Geraldine Bartolata (7th), Mechelle Mancera (8th), Rochelle Tan (9th), and Virgita Soco (10th).

In the half-marathon female category, Kenya national Jackline Nzivo emerged as champion, while Filipino runners Mary Grace delos Santos and Joy Tabal bagged the second and third place, respectively.

On the other hand, the male event was ruled by six Kenyans. Willy Rotich finished first with 1:07:12-elapsed time.

In the 5-kilometer event, local runners and sisters Lovely Fe, Jhean and Cherry Andrin landed in the first, second, and third titles, respectively, in the female category, while Jobert Carolino took home the male title.

Both Lovely Fe and Carolino won the female and male title of the Cebu Marathon last year.

Approximately 3,000 runners joined this year’s competition, organizers said.

When asked on the domination of Kenya nationals in the local event, head organizer John Pages said Cebu Marathon has always been open for all nationalities.

Pages challenged Filipino runners to try harder to outrun the Kenyans in the future competitions.

He also mentioned this year's positive feedback on the improved route, specifically the beautiful spots that showcase the beauty of Cebu.

Meanwhile, Dr. Rosan Trani, head of the medical team from Perpetual Hospital, said there were no major injuries, stating 'cramp' as the common minor case.

Trani said they have received less number of patients compared to last year.

She also advised aspiring runners to undergo proper training and have proper dehydration before joining a competition.

The Cebu Marathon is one of the highlights of Sinulog Festival, an annual celebration held seven days prior to Sinulog in honor of Señor Sto. Niño. (Nera Mariz Puyo and Jolina Ylaya, USJR MassCom Interns/Sunnex)