Organizers said that Martes, the Sea Games champion in 2001 and 2005, was practically unchallenged in the 42.195-km race dubbed the Enervon Activ 42K, clocking three hours, five minutes and 12 seconds to bring home the women’s crown. It was her 12th marathon title since 1999.
“It was a perfect run. No leg or stomach cramp,” said Martes, after the race that gained the full support of the running community led by loyal participants of the Run United series of Unilab Active Health (ULAH) and RunRio Inc.
Tabaco City’s Luisa Raterta (3:28.12) and Sorsogon’s Jollyann Ballester (3:40.22) checked in behind Martes, who missed breaking her personal best of 2:39:00 (2005 Manila Sea Games) in the event where the marathon entries were treated to a “red carpet” welcome at the finish line complete with marching bands, ringing cow bells, colorful balloons, personal video/photo shots for posterity and other surprises that made RUPM a one-of-a-kind race.
Organizers of the event expressed elation about the running enthusiasts’ response to the RUPM, which is part of ULAH’s Run United series co-organized by RunRio Inc. Run United started with only 6,000 runners when it was launched in March 2010 and the numbers have steadily grown in succeeding events.
“It took us nearly three years before we included a full marathon in our races, because we wanted everything to be memorable and perfect. The long wait is worth it and all our preparations paid off. This is yet another milestone for us and for the runners as well. We are overwhelmed by the support of the running community, especially how they trained and went the distance.” said ULAH head Alex Panlilio.
With Martes stamping her class in the women’s race, the Kenyans settled for the men’s division with Alex Welly (2:25.03), David Kipsay (2:31.09), and Jackson Chirchir (2:35.59) finishing 1-2-3.
Ireneo Roquin, the pride of Gloria town in Oriental Mindoro and a member of the national pool, was the best-placed Filipino with his time of 2:42.16. Next to him were Carlito Fantilaga (2:58.56) and Jujet de Asis (3:02.38).
Besides finishers’ shirts and kits, podium placers in the different race categories—Ceelin 500m dash, Hydrite 3K, Dolfenal 5K, Enervon HP Recovery 10K and Alaxan FR 21K—also received cash prizes ranging from P1,500 to P25,000.
Run United 1 on March 4 started off this year’s RunRio Trilogy, followed by Run United 2 on June 17 and Run United 3 on September 16. Besides the run races, Unilab Active Health also has a triathlon series—Tri United, the third leg, and the most beginner friendly triathlon race among the Tri United Series, will be held on November 11 at Ayala, Alabang.
No comments:
Post a Comment