LOCAL elite runners Jeson Agravante and Riez Enriquez refused to get intimidated by the Kenyan runners to beat them in the Run for Rivers yesterday at the SM Northwing grounds.
Agravante, who is from Negros, surprised the city’s regular winners after he crossed the finish line ahead in 1:13:46 to win the 21K men’s title and the P10,000 prize.
Isaac Simat settled for second place in 1:14:02, while compatriot Douglas Mwiti arrived in third place in 1:15:16.
The visiting champion also beat James Mibei (1:16:46) and Abraham Missos (1:16:48) who placed fourth and fifth, respectively.
On the other hand, Riez Enriquez clocked 35:26 to rule the men’s 10K against top Kenyan contender Francis Kakui (36:05). Robert Daang got third place in 36:16.
In the women’s division, Mary Joy Tabal went unchallenged again for another women’s 21K title, checking in at 1:27:09.
Second placer Jennylyn Nobleza arrived in 1:36:52 and Christy Tutor managed to bag third place in 1:39:12.
Lovely Andrin finished eight minutes clear of the field in 46:21 to win the women’s 10K, beating Kesha Mae Delechos (46:39) and Karla Cosep (51:16).
In the 5K, Daryl Manos and Cherry Andrin bagged the titles.
Manos survived the challenge from Joel Delposo, winning by just one second in 16:20, while Kier Jie Emnace placed third in 17:28.
The youngest of the Andrin sisters, Cherry, bagged her own title in the women’s 5K in 19:11. Vlessica Jagna finished second in 20:44.