James Tallam, the 2009 Kenyan champion, won the race in 2:28.02, becoming the first foreigner to win the event that began in 1974.
Tallam, 24, brought home P300,000 despite his so-so finish, a far cry from his personal best 2:16.
Willy Rotich checked in second in 2:28.29 while Abraham Missos came in third in 2:29.27.
Rotich pocketed P150,000 while Missos took P75,000.
David Kipkoech Kipsang placed fourth (2:31.05) with the next two spots taken by Filipinos – Jeson Agravante (2:34.32) and Irinio Raquin (2:34.54).
The other Kenyan finishers were Benjamin Kipkazi seventh (2:38.39), Douglas Mwiti eighth (2:39.44), Eliud Kiprugut Kering ninth (2:40.31) and Josphat Kiptasnui 10th (2:43.02).
Because of the Kenyan domination, organizers are planning to put up two divisions next year to give local runners a chance for prize money.
“We plan to have one race for the foreign runners and another category for the locals. We want to give our runners to the opportunity to win cash prizes,” said race director Rio de la Cruz.
This year’s race drew 23,345 participants, including 200 in the premier 42-kilometer race.
Reigning champion Eduardo Buenavista quit at the halfway mark due to exhaustion.
In the women’s race, Mary Grace de los Santos, 24, from Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay, triumphed in 2:53.07, edging two-time champion Jho-An Banayag who clocked 2:55.08.
Third place went to Mary Joy Tabal who crossed the finish in 3:01.41.
The Kenyan presence was felt in other divisions.
Alex Melly topped the 21-kilometer event in 1:11.41 while Tuwei Samson was victorious in the 20-kilometer race in 31:46.
source | By CLYDE MARIANO | mb.com.ph
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