Sotto, Avengozado top Araw ng Dabaw Phoenix marathon

DAVAO CITY – Jeffrey Sotto of Iligan City and Emily Avergonzado of Davao beat the early top-favorites to rule the 42-kilometer footrace in this year’s Araw ng Dabaw Phoenix Marathon held recently in an out and back course in SM Lanang Premier, SCOOP president Lito Delos Reyes reported in the group's Facebook page.

Sotto took an early lead from local bet Anthony Nerza and protected it all the way despite a late rally in the final three kilometers by Davao’s no. 1 runner to finish the race in two hours, 37 minutes and 48 seconds.


Nerza clocked at 2:37:52 followed by Brian Quiamco (2:47:57), Rodel Quilab (2:53:11), Jensen Lloyd Pasaporte (2:56:49), Mario Escalner (2:56:58), Ronald Pagaang (3:00:09), Lloyd Malinao (3:08:34) and Melquiades Escudero (3:21:59).

Avergonzado, on the other hand, topped the distaff side with a time of three hours, 27 minutes and 15 seconds to also pocket the cash prize of P25,000 and a trophy awarded by the executives of the Phoenix Petroleum Phils. Inc.

She bested rival Cynthia Jaro (3:33:13), who settled for second place at P15,000, while veteran Monalisa Ambasa finished third at 3:33:35 for P10,000.

The 4th to 7th placers were Cristy Sevellino (3:37:07), Michelle Batac (3:39:24), Vivian Avergonzado (3:49:55), Olive Firmeza (4:17:15), Virginia Tumapon (4:25:44), Ranara Flores (4:37:42) and Joy Mawalic (4:38:52).

More than 3,000 runners answered the starting gun according to race director Kenneth Sai of Vantage Sports. Ex-PBA superstar Benjie Paras graced the awarding ceremony hosted by his fellow AKTV commentators Lia Cruz, Mara Aquino and Jake Velasquez from Manila.

The other results:
21K – (men) 1. Rafael Poliquit (1:13:30) 2. Philip Duenas (1:14:06) 3. Joebert Carolino (1:15:29) 4. Arnie Macarenas (1:32:21) 5. Juanito Mahinay (1:36:50) 6. Alexander Fulgencio (1:39:06) 7. Francisco Veroy (1:39:11) 8. Alvin Elcana (1:39:45) 9. Bernie Delgado (1:46:13).
(women) 1. Mary joy Tabal (1:25:44) 2. Creselyn Jaro (1:36:49) 3. Ruffa Sorongon (1:38:32) 4. April Rose Diaz (1:41:38) 5. Gloria Mae Pastoren (2:04:00) 6. Karen Lou Macapagal (2:07:10) 7. Yen Flores (2:08:07) 8. 2Hao Flores (2:08:24) 9. Remalyn Guiterrez (2:09:45) 10. Joan Natividad (2:12:21).

10K – (men) 1. Sonny Wagdos (33:22) 2. Brian Lupio (35:08) 3. Jesman Lopez (35:17) 4. Elmer Bartolo (36:14) 5. Roy Quilab (37:20);
(women) 1. May Baret (42:33) 2. Richie Pala (44:10) 3. Gelie Rose Jaro (46:19) 4. Sacha Diaz (48:40) 5. Cecil Jaro (50:10)

5K – (men) 1. Rolly Paderna (15:45) 2. Michael Constantino (15:48) 3. Michael Barosa (16:05)
(women) 1. Jolly Mae Gabaisen (20:04) 2. Merlyn Ledesma (20:37) 3. Daisy Canencia (21:09)

3K – (men) 1. Jason Olan-Olan (10:45) 2. Edrian Bitulan (11:10) 3. Keciv Abrigon (11:54)
(women) 1. Rosenelyn Depillo (12:13) 2. Anne Marie Depone (13:09) 3. Marlane Dojo (15:03)