Friday, October 06, 2006 Arias cops 6th spot in Kinabalu run By Marian C. Baring Sun.Star Correspondent
CEBUANA racer Merlita Arias hurdled a lot of challenges before coming up with a decent finish in the 20th Mt. Kinabalu International Climbathon, last Saturday in Malaysia.
Despite being hounded by worries, the former teacher finished sixth place to join the ranks of Olympian runners and world series record holders, who finished the race ahead of her.
Though she was not satisfied at placing sixth, Arias said she is nonetheless happy as it is an improvement to her ninth-place finish last year.
Arias could have finished fifth, if not for cramps which had her virtually running on one foot in the final four kilometers, allowing Vassali to overtake and eventually take the fifth place.
Arias not only had to deal with the 21-kilometer of uphill terrain, the sharp rocks on the trail and altitude in the mountain race, which claims to be the world’s toughest, but also with financial difficulties.
“Two weeks before the race, I flew to Malaysia with only P7,000 given by a friend doctor Abraham Manlawe, who is a mountain runner himself. I was confident because an agency promised to sponsor me and send me money when I’m already there. But nothing came,” Arias said.
Sardines
The 32-year-old single mom had to tag her eight-year-old son along and could only weep when the financial aid did not come.
“Nihilak nalang ko. For two weeks I had to feed on vegetables and sardines because my money is not enough. And I’m supposed to be well-nourished for the race,” she said.
Her son and her coach of three years Francis Cosgrave became her motivations for the race.
“My coach has never lost confidence in me,” she said adding that she and her Irish coach will try again next year, aiming for a better finish.
“If we get sponsors, I could train right away so I can continue with my training. If not, I would have to go back to teaching,” she said.
The Women’s division attracted more than 80 runners from all over the world, but only 32 managed to cross the finish line.
Aside from bragging rights, Arias, who represented Cebu City Team Philippines Skyrunners club, earned $700, plus medals and memorabilia.
The top plums went to Olympians Anna Pichrtova and Iva Milesova of the Czech Republic. Angel Mudge of France—-the record holder of the world series—-came third, while France’s Favre Corinne took the fourth place.
Cosgrave, a Cebu-based Irishman, finished second in the Veterans division, while another Cebuano, Charlie Berberio finished 41st in the Men’s Open. Leizel Gitaruelas, failed to finish in the Women’s Division after collapsing in the final kilometer.
