REIGNING champion Diana Mae Memoracion of Emar Human and Environmental College (EHEC) defended her female 10k title for the fourth time while Arlan Arbois of Rizal Memorial Colleges (RMC) regain the male 10k crown at the close of the 41st National Milo Marathon Davao leg held at SM Lanang Premier Parking Lot on Sunday, October 22.
The unbeatable Memoracion, who first won the title in the 38th edition of the country's grandest running event, checked in at 43 minutes and 25 seconds, besting 10th Infantry Division (ID) bets Crisselyn Jaro (47:37) and Joylyn Quirante (56:54), and unheralded Alemie Tenajora (58:09), who occupied the next three places.
Arbois, a 2015 10k event champion who settled with a bronze finish in the 21k event last year, clocked a total of 34:50 to beat Dante Baay from South Cotabato (35:17), Germar Marcelo (35:49) and Spectrum Runner teammate Agustin Ychon (35:51).
"Wala naka-qualify akoang time para sa National Finals pero sponsoran mi sa Spectrum Runners para maka participate (I didn't qualify for the National Finals but Spectrum Runners will sponsor us)," Arbois said in an interview with Sun.Star Davao yesterday.
According to him, it will be his first time to compete in the National Finals, thus, he will prepare for it.
Meanwhile, Tagum City bet Judelyn Miranda lived up to expections after finishing the female 21k category in just 1:32.07.
The 21k queen outraced Vivian Avergonzado (1:41.38), Lalaine Payricio (1:42.22) and Emely Avergonzado (1:47.07), who settled with runners-up honors.
Since rated-runner and 21k defending champion Sonny Wagdos was out, Richiel Languido of Bukidnon City took his throne after clocking for a total of 1:15.14.
Trailing behind him were Michael Echalico of Davao City (1:18.29), Arnie MacaƱeras of Panabao Runners Club (PRC) (1:20.19) and Edwin Zapanta (1:26.24), respectively.
In the 5k event, Andrea Deguia ruled the distaff side with a total time of 17:20, outclassing Julia Laranjo and Analyn Perales who timed 19:00 and 19:29, respectively.
Daryl Mark timed a total of 14:18 to govern the male 5k event over Fritz Lantaco (14:35) and Reymark Sorianosos (14:42), who placed second and third, respectively.
The top three female 3k runners were Danica Ambal (13:45), Crisanto Jay Bondoc (14:30), Gernabel Tabog (15:04) and Banilyn Nagal (15:17) while Aaron Gumban (11:06), Jerick Juyo (11:41) and Dominic Jhon Gorre (11:53) were the top three male finishers.