SEAN Ebenezer Rentuma, 21, won the 10-kilometer race at the RunRio Pride Run Davao on Sunday, June 29, finishing in 40 minutes and 58 seconds to claim his first-ever championship title at SM Lanang Premier grounds.
The run gathered hundreds of participants, but it was Rentuma of the Run Bart Club who crossed the finish line first, marking a breakthrough moment in his young athletic journey.
Rentuma outran Kheay Jay Sismar (43:46) and Gino Carlo Adolfo (46:03), who finished second and third, respectively.
“I feel very happy and overwhelmed,” Rentuma told SunStar Davao on July 1. “This is my first time winning. In my previous races, I only managed second place or lower, so this win means a lot to me.”
Despite aiming only for a top-three finish, Rentuma exceeded his expectations and clinched the championship.
“God made me a champion that day!” Rentuma, a graduate of South Philippine Adventist College and an incoming freshman at the University of Mindanao–Matina, said.
He began training seriously in August 2024. “Running feels like an adventure to me. I get to explore new places and breathe in fresh air, although there are times during intense training when I feel like I’m gasping for air too,” he added with a laugh.
Before running, Rentuma played casual basketball. Now, with a title and a growing passion for distance running, he’s proving that it’s never too late to start chasing your dreams.
In the 5K race, 21-year-old Kyle Andrei Drama of Run Bart topped the category with a time of 19:49. Ramon Lingatong followed in second at 21:31, while Faith Marie Ocon placed third at 21:56.
Nick Anthony Etic led the 3KM category, finishing in 15:01. Adnan Canapia trailed closely at 15:04 for second place, and Eloy Golben came in third at 17:11.
In the 1K race, Angeli Gonzales clocked 6:02 to take first place. Rochelle Marie Solis-Carpio followed at 6:12, and Lorraine Grace Samohan placed third with 6:48. Dia Mae M. Pandolo, Spamast Intern and Rovie Ann Remolleno, Davao del Sur State College Intern