JOSEPH Emia scored his first major win in Cebu after ruling the men’s 21-kilometer race of the 2018 St. Ignatius Run at the SM City Cebu parking area yesterday.
The runner from Ginatilan, who works as production maintenance at Polyline Industries Inc., clocked 1 hour, 17 minutes and 41 seconds to finally win the title after finishing at second place last year.
Ychon Agustin finished at second place with a time of 1:20:46 followed by Paul James Zafico at 1:22:58.
“This is my first win in major running event in Cebu. I’ve been running for five years, but I only got competitive in the past two years after I started a training program,” said Emia of Rider Omega Triathlon Team.
The 29-year-old Emia, who got help from the former Milo Marathon champion Rafael Poloquit for his training program, said that he will race next in the RunRio half marathon on Aug. 19.
Cebu-based Ruffa Sorongon, meanwhile, crossed the finish line at 1:31:07 to rule the women’s half marathon for her second win in three weeks following the victory in the MegaWear Half Marathon last July 8.
Evamie Villarin of Spectrum Runners Club came in second at 1:34:08 and Angel Estillore timed 1:44:05 for third place.
Ruel Algufera took a share of the spotlight as he ruled the men’s 12K in 43:01 over formidable Kenyan Eric Chepsiror, who came in at 44:06. Azlan Pagay placed third with 48:13.
Joan Alinsunod of City of Naga continued to make waves in a weekend fun runs after clocking 51:35 to win the women’s 12K over Cherry Andrin and Geniecel Saballa, who timed 52:29 and 54:43, respectively. (RSC)