Cebuanos rule 102-Km. Bataan death march ultra

CEBU’S Desiderio “Sano” Engbino made his presence felt anew, winning back-to-back titles in the 11th edition of the Bataan Death March 102K Ultra Race on Sunday, Jan. 20, in Bataan.

Engbino proved that he was one of the country’s top ultramarathoners after clocking 10 hours, 11 minutes and 35 seconds in a grueling 102-kilometer race, beating Luzon’s Thomas Combisen by more than three minutes.

Engbino, the 48-year-old ace ultrarunner of Spectrum Runners Club, was in a close battle with Combisen, as the two runners were neck-and-neck for most of the race. Engbino built a 500-meter gap only in the final 5K.

“This was the most thrilling race so far of all his races,” Spectrum Running Club president Dr. Gerry Mayo said of Engbino. “This was an epic encounter for him. This was the first time he was able to face a runner like Combisen, who’s much younger and also an ultra champion.”

MAKING CEBU PROUD

Engbino’s long-term preparation spelled the difference in the 102K race that’s dubbed as one of the most prestigious ultra running events in the country.

“He really prepared for this competition because he wanted to defend the title. He logged 180K mileage per week on his training. He never missed practice and even added 50K mileage on Sundays,” said Mayo.

It was a double victory for Cebuanos and the Spectrum Runners Club as Preciousa Sanchez, 49, nabbed the overall title in the women’s side. The time, however, was not yet released, as of press time.

Mayo called this feat a sweet victory for the growing Cebu ultra running community.

“They don’t only represent Spectrum Running Club but the entire Cebu ultrarunning community. It makes me proud as a Cebuano, especially that the marathon queen (Mary Joy) Tabal is also from Cebu,” said Mayo. “This is good for our running community in Cebu.”

Mayo said that despite the work schedules and other challenges, Engbino and Sanchez were able to continue with their training and stayed focus on their goal to win the title.

“They’re (Engbino and Sanchez) are very humble and dedicated runners. They have exceptional athletic ability, and even with their age they were able to stay in shape because of discipline,” he said. (RSC)

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