DESPITE the rains and gloomy weather last Sunday, General Santos City native Eduard Flores raised his hands and pointed skyward after he crossed the finish line–blood, sweat, and tears proved to be worth it.
Flores ruled the Galaxy Watch Manila Marathon fueled by Gatorade, besting 8,000 runners at the SM Mall of Asia Grounds.
He clocked two hours, 33 minutes, and 22 seconds in his first marathon which traversed through Ayala Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, and Intramuros and showcased the beauty of the nation’s capital for the whole 42K route.
Flores beat Kenyan David Kipsang, who finished second in 2:39:05, and compatriot Edsel Moral, who ended third (2:39:38), in the men’s division of the event backed by Samsung Galaxy Watch and organized by RUNRIO, supported by the Department of Tourism, Intramuros Administration, PAGCOR, and the City of Manila, as well as official hydration partner Le Minerale and official sports drink Gatorade.
Jane Wanjiru Muriuki of Kenya was the fastest in the women’s division with a time of three hours, 11 minutes, and 34 seconds.
Maricar Camacho placed second in 3:20:54 while Jocelyn Elijeran was third in 3:29:11.
For RUNRIO president and CEO Rio de la Cruz, the event that lured runners from 30 countries, notably from the United States, Canada, Japan, China, and Australia to name a few, was a big hit.
“Natuwa iyong mga runners kasi naipakita natin iyong ganda ng Manila,” Dela Cruz said.
“We’re very happy kasi first time natin gamitin iyong route and they really appreciated the sceneries,” he added of the event that also had Grab, Move It, and Angel’s Burger as gold sponsors, Anlene and Park Access as silver sponsors, and Sante Barley, Southstar Drug, AlcoPlus, DeoPlus, iColor Plus, and Mood Food as bronze sponsors.
De la Cruz believes the warm reception that the event garnered is a first step in making the Galaxy Watch Manila Marathon as prestigious as other Southeast Asian marathons like those in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Triathlete Nikko Huelgas also gave the race plaudits.
“We get to see a lot of runners joining the event where we can promote active lifestyle and proper wellness. With the Manila Marathon, we can really position the Philippines as being a top destination for sports tourism,” Huelgas said.
Sonny Wagdos topped the men’s 21K in hour, seven minutes, and 10 seconds followed by Lowegene Aliligay (1:14:43) and Rodmar Pullido (1:16:11), while Maria Jonna Lina Abutas was the fastest female, clocking one hour, 29 minutes, and 15 seconds, followed by Jennelyn Isibido (1:35:06) and Jenalyn Galvez (1:40:32) in the race that was also backed by Fitbar, Salonpas, Decathlon, Rudy Project, hotel partners Lanson Place and Astrotel, and gym partner Co Fitness.
In the 10K race, James Darrel Orduna was the fastest among males in 32 minutes and 11 seconds, ahead of Junel Gobotia (33:04) and Jaspher Delfino (36:03), while Edna Magtubo was the top female in 41 minutes and 48 second time, followed by Melody Lantad (44:09) and Christine Andres (55:51).
In the 5K race, Alfrence Braza was the top male in 16 minutes and 11 seconds, followed by Mark Angelo Biagtan (17:33) and Cavin Vidal (17:36), while Jash Mae Dhuaylungod was the best female in 23 minutes and six seconds time, ahead of Patricia Paglicauan (25:13) and Leny Joy Gaviota (25:35).
