Ramil Neri of Tri SND (Sultan Naga Dimaporo) Barracuda Team and Davao City-based Madelyn Carter emerged 42K champions in the Davao International Marathon 2023 held in an out-and-back course from People's Park in Davao City over the weekend.
Neri, born in Misamis Oriental, checked in at two hours, 43 minutes, and 09.5 seconds to rule the men's 42K class over Rodel Salbane and Alvirg Busa, who finished second and third, respectively.
"Wala ko magdahum nga mudaug kaluy-an nga kondisyon akong lawas (I didn't expect to win, it's fortunate that my body is in good condition)," Neri, currently residing in Cagayan de Oro, said in a Facebook interview.
Salbano clocked 2:47:13.9, while Busa finished in 2:47:44.5 in the race organized by veteran Roel Ano as part of the 86th Araw ng Dabaw sports festival funded by the City Government of Davao through the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor's Office.
On the distaff side, Carter of Talandang, Calinan timed 3:54:14.3 to outshine former marathon queen Maria Estela Mamac Diaz (4:03:04.1) and Rosalyn Agatia (4:07:56.1).
Coach Ano said cash prizes of P8,000, P6,000, and P4,000, respectively, in the 42K event, which attracted 315 participants.
"Sobra 2,000 runners nangapil karon. Mas daghan pa sa miapil atong 2019. Naghinayhinay na sila'g balik. After pandemic, namalik na sila og exercise (Over 2,000 runners participated, more than our participants in 2019. They have returned to running. After the pandemic, they have started to exercise again)," he said.
The men's 21K title went to Arlan Arbois, who registered a time of 1:15:00.3.
Arbois, who hails from Tupi, South Cotabato, outclassed fellow seasoned long distance specialist Elmer Bartolo (1:20:46.5) and Jonard Saim (1:29:54:9), who settled for second and third, respectively.
Lyka Catubig (1:39:21.3), for her part, clinched the women's 21K title over Darie Daban (1:42:27.5) and Belinda Ortiz (1:58:36.4).
The rest of the winners:
Male 10K - Jimboy Lugay (0:34:11.9) first, Mark Hubag (0:34:13.2) second, and Fritz Lantaco (0:37:49.2) third;
Female 10K - Kayle Arbado (43:11) first, Kate McDowell (44:49) second, and Arra Magsicop (50:46) third;
Male 5K - Romnick Tongkaling (16.59) first, Kyle Ryoichi Cayog (18.07) second, and Genry Saladen (20.02) third;
Female 5K - Kyrsthel Mallorca first, Andre Decenia second, and Ronalyn Maranon third. MLSA