Africans turning off ace local runners

MANILA, Philippines—While they always welcome a challenge, elite Filipino runner Eric Panique Monday said the growing number of Africans joining local races are turning off top local runners, who feel their chances of winning are reduced.

Panique, a Southeast Asian Games marathon silver medalist, failed to finish Sunday’s 35th National Milo Marathon finals won by Kenyan James Tallam, the first time a foreigner won the annual event in 35 years.

But while Panique said he pulled out of the race after 5 km to avoid injuries—he was on his fifth full marathon for the year— there’s a palpable feeling that Filipinos are uncomfortable with the presence of the African runners.

Eight runners from Africa occupied the Top 10 places in Sunday’s men’s race.

“We always welcome the challenge,” said Panique, who was the best Filipino finisher in the 2nd Camsur Marathon last September. “The races are a source of income for Filipinos, but now we have to compete against foreigners for the prize money.”

Known for their prowess in long-distance running, Africans have been campaigning all over the globe and monopolizing the top purses offered for the top finishers.

Three-time Milo Marathon champion Eduardo Buenavista also did not finish the race as he has yet to regain full fitness after the SEA Games last month.

source by Cedelf P. Tupas Philippine Daily Inquirer

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Finisher runs off with biggest prize, a bride-to-be

MANILA, Philippines - Running enthusiast Albert Mendoza didn’t land on the podium of the 5K race of the 35th National Milo Marathon but that’s the least of his concerns yesterday for he ran off with the biggest prize of ‘em all – the love of his soon-to-be-bride.

Mendoza, a network engineer for an online gaming company, navigated the route starting and ending at the Mall of Asia Complex with his long-time girlfriend, Venus Olga Santos, but as soon as they crossed the finish line made a U-turn to the event’s stage area for a surprise act.

Borrowing the mike, he knelt down, took out the diamond ring he stitched up on his singlet, and popped the question in front of some 23,000 runners and spectators. Santos, his beau for five-and-a-half years, cried unabashedly in joy.

“I chose to propose during this event because I felt it would be unique, just as she always likes unique things, be it clothes or food. Much better than going to a restaurant and fishing the ring from a wine glass,” said Mendoza, who approached event organizers beforehand to set up his proposal.

“I didn’t expect that he would make his proposal here,” an overjoyed Santos said.

The couple has been participating in running events regularly, usually waiting for each other near the finish line so they could cross it together.

This time, there’s no running away from each other.

source by Olmin Leyba The Philippine Star

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Kenyans dominate 35th Milo Marathon

MANILA, Philippines — All eight runners from Kenya landed in the top 10 of the 35th National Milo Marathon Sunday, prompting a change in the format next year.

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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