DAVID Giannelli of Italy outclassed rivals to clinch the male 100-kilometer title of the Visit Davao Summer Festival (VDSF) Mt. Apo Sky and Vertical Race that came to a close last April 21 at the foot of Mt. Apo in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.
Giannelli checked in at 14 hours, 44 minutes and 15 seconds to book an all-expense paid trip to the Vietnam Mountain Marathon (VMM).
Filipino Jorge Alyn Gil Lanante finished second with 14:44.15 while 2017 champion Pablo Diago Gonzalez failed to defend his crown as he finished third with 15:56.15.
Agustoralin Sabanal, however, captured the female 100K title being the lone woman finisher of the race.
Race director Romualdo "Doi" Calbes, meanwhile, addressed the rumored gunfighting incident between the rebels and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, saying: "I forced to stop some of the 50-K runners on course and cut the distance short for the 100-K runners. Yes, there was a gunfight in neighboring barangay called Bayungon, near Siminto Tubison Astorga. This is few kilometers away or above from Siminto church, not on the trails of Mt. Apo Skyrace."
The tribal leaders, however, called Calbes around 2 p.m. on April 21 to inform him about the hostility in Bayungon.
"I immediately gave them instructions to secure the seven runners and take them to Barangay Astorga. From there a call was made to AFP and Philippine National Police (PNP)," he said, adding that the runners were safely transported to the venue afterwards.
"I know they heard the gunfight. My sincere apology, we don't have any intention to cause distress," Calbes apologized to all racers affected especially the 100K runners.