Monday, August 04, 2008 Carter wins first title; Reli takes men’s crown By Rommel C. Manlosa Sun.Star Staff Reporter
MADELYN Carter bucked all the odds and after finishing first among the women in the 21K division, broke into tears for her very first running title.
Carter was just one of the 24,270 participants in yesterday’s 32nd National Milo Marathon Cebu City eliminations.
“I cried when I crossed the finish line because my dreams of becoming a champion has finally come true. I trained for one month but that was not enough. But still I won and I’m very happy about it,” Carter told Sun.Star Cebu yesterday.
But she could have finished second anew had year’s winner Leszl Gitaruelas not decided to join a trek in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
“Leszl talked to me and said that this is my time to shine. She told me that I can do it. But if she was here, I know I can’t win,” she said.
Her hopes of winning the women’s title faded briefly when she had a fever last Wednesday and Thursday.
“I got it during training I guess. Nauwanan ko, nainitan during training. So my hopes faded. But after taking medicines to go with some prayers I got back on my feet last Friday and Saturday I did my final conditioning,” the 28-year-old runner from Siargao Island in Surigao.
Carter finished the race in one hour, 37 minutes and two seconds and was followed by American Katie Fischer, who checked in four minutes and 24 seconds later.
The most impressive finish yesterday was made by Emily Chiongbian of Maria Luisa Estate in Banilad.
Fourth
Chiongbian, who used to rule the women’s side in the Executive Division, finished third in the Women’s Open category with 1:43:32. She finished fourth in last year’s edition.
Meanwhile, Private First Class Rogelio Reli left all competition behind by at least 500 meters to top the Men’s 21K Division.
Reli, a former University of Cebu Webmaster, crossed the finish line at 1:20:19 to lead all the winners.
“I am happy. I am not in my tip-top condition but thank God I still won the race,” Reli said.
Reli last raced for Cebu in 2006 and had not tried the route before yesterday’s race.
“My goal now is to win the national finals for Cebu. So I need to train harder when I will be back in Manila,” Reli added.
Eugene Delposo finished behind Reli (1:22:12), veteran Tirso Pamaybay showed he still had the knack to win after finishing third (1:23:53).
Completing the top 10 winners in the Men’s 21K Division were Jess Gonzaga (1:24:55), Adonis Singson (1:25:35), Miljune Luterte (1:26:12), Joel Delposo (1:26:23), Charlie Berberio (1:27:52), Mikael Nykvist (1:29:07) and Tomas Nuñez (1:31:38).
Those who made it to the Women’s Open top 10 were Camila Luterte (1:53:49), Doris Nudalo (2:01:38), Divina Grace Cutanda (2:03:40), Mary Claire Maranga (2:08:49), Ma. Cristina Lamparas (2:10:20), Marivic Beboso (2:12:10), and Marina Lipardo (2:17:05).
The top 5 winners of the 5K Male were Ian Bernido (17:36), Carl Jeanette Malazarte (17:42), Reprinel Banzon (17:59), Ryanzel Ledamo (18:21) and Ramie Lawas (18:33).
In the women’s side, the winners were Ulessica Jagna (20:41), Mary Jame Beboso (21:13), Sheena Gacayan (22:07), Honeylyn Jubay (22:34) and Haziel Retavale (22:47).
The top three winners in the 3K Age Group (6-9 yrs old) Boys division were Relmark Dignos, Teodulo Beboso Jr. and Nestor Ngujo Jr.
