ARNIE Macañeras of Strider Davao and Olive Firmeza of Philhealth emerged champion in the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) 100 Ultramarathon in an out-and-back course from SPMC along Jose P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City.
Macañeras finished the 100km course within eight hours, 45 minutes and 38 seconds to annex the male category title over Chang Palmes (9:28.55) and Jade Blade Arevalo of Team Bang Bang Shotgun (10:06.54), who placed second and third, respectively.
Bemedalled Firmeza, for her part, added another feather in her cap by clocking a total of 12:10.25 to clinch the female title of the event that celebrates SPMC's 100 years of existence.
Firmeza, in a Facebook chat with SunStar Davao, said the race was tough, running in a heavy rain was challenging but it was made fun as each and every runner supports each other.
"I believe the secret is proper training and long preparation was the key to endure the race," Firmeza said, adding that she got her motivation from her family especially the Philhealth RO XI family.
The next two runners behind Fermiza wasn't able to finish yet as of Sunday evening.