MANILA - Cebuana Mischelle Gilbuena topped the women’s division of the 2009 Philippine International Marathon-A Run for Pasig River yesterday at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta.

Gilbuena, who also finished third in the Milo 42K last month, earned the P30,000 top purse.

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Monaliza Ambasa settled for second and P20,000, while Geraldine Sealza got P10,000 for her third place finish.

In the men’s division, the invasion by the Kenyans relegated the Filipinos to curtain raisers as Vncent Chepsiror, Johnson Tarus and Kiberes Kember completed a 1-2-3 finish.

It was the third straight race dominated by the Kenyans as they also ruled both the 1st Quezon City International Marathon and 2nd Subic International Marathon last month.

The 29-year-old Chepsiror outraced compatriot Tarus in the final four kilometers to win the 42.195-km. run in 2:25:43.

Tarus finished second with a time of 2:27:05, while Kember settled for third at 2:27:17.

“I’m in good shape and I’m very happy to win my second marathon here. And I’m willing to come back next year to defend my title,” said Chepsiror, who also ruled the Subic race last Oct. 25.

No less than ABS-CBN Foundation managing directress Gina Lopez handed Chepsiror the top purse of P30,000 and P20,000 for Tarus.