Miranda, Mahinay rule footrace

PANABO CITY, Davao del Norte -- Seasoned trackster Judelyn Miranda and Awe Mahinay ruled the 1st Banana Night Run held Saturday at the ARF Covered Court in Barangay New Pandan here.

Mirdanda checked in at 20 minutes and 15 seconds to clinch the women's 5k title. Miranda bested Lara June Gayamara (25:11) and Princess Joy Robles (26:17), who finished second and third place, respectively.

Mahinay, meanwhile, pocketed the men's 5k crown at the expense of Erwin Gubal and Ronald Dagaang, who placed in the next two spots.

Roselyn Depillo shared the limelight by winning the women's 3k title after finishing at 9:21. Depillo outpaced Vivian Avergonzado (9:46) and Annie Mary Depone (9:49), who occupied the next two spots.

Gasper Jun Dominado clocked 7:56 to annex the men's 3k crown. Azlan Pagay (8:03) settled for second place while Jomer Bacalso (8:06) landed third.

The champions in each category went home with P3,000, while the next two placers received P2,000 and P1,000, respectively.

A special award was also given to six-year-old Jespher Amper as the youngest runner while Ma. Fe Talaboc, 63, was the oldest participant.

Save our Sagingan (SOS) Movement chairman Renante Bangoy said proceeds of the event will be used for the procurement of modules for the Alternative Learning System of the different barangays in Panabo City.

Bangoy said the SOS Movement will also donate P10,000 to the City Government of Panabo to support the city's medical outreach programs.

The event also served as the third anniversary celebration of SOS Movement.

The footrace, which drew 1,2000 runners, was organized by SOS Movement, in partnership with the City Government of Panabo, Anflocor, Tadeco, Trade Union Congress Party (TUCP), Philippine Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA).