Edsel Moral and Maricar Camacho stamped their class by coming out on top one again at the Sante Barley Trilogy Run Asia National Finals on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Complex.
Moral was on a league of his own, going on a wire-to-wire victory as he timed at two hours, 27 minutes and 31 seconds, well ahead of men's 42K podium finishers Welfred Esporma (2:48:11) and Edgardo Panopio Jr. (2:58:12).
Camacho was just as strong, clocking in at 3:18:56 to win the women's 42K, in front of Amelyn Broqueza (3:29:44) and Rocel Maestro (3:30:00).
A total of 11,300 runners participated in this year's National Finals, capping off a superb season that saw legs held in Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro and Davao with runners rallying behind the series’ theme of “Running for Love.”
“This year showed how powerful running communities can be,” said RUNRIO president and chief executive officer Rio de la Cruz of the race which had Sante Barley as title sponsor and GOMO as co-presenter.
“Our finalists earned their places through consistency, determination and passion across the entire series.”
Kenyan runner David Kipsang paced the men's 21K, crossing the tape in 1:09:14 to get the better of James Kevin Cruz (1:10:36) and Edgar Lee (1:11:43); while Eloisa Cusi broke away from the pack with her 1:29:32 finish, followed by Jenismyll Quirante (1:32:26) and Yahchevah Daligdig (1:33:15).
Ritchie Estampador was the fastest man in the 10K race in 34:44, five seconds ahead of second placer Jeck Labrador (34:49) and six in front of third placer Bong Sentillas (34:50); as Jo Punay had a more comfortable lead in the women's division, timing at 46:33, besting Susan Gejos (52:52) and Eliz Villaroman (52:56).