SWU, USPF runners rule youthlink run

SOUTHWESTERN University’s Ian Bernido and University of Southern Philippines-Foundation’s Joeyry Lee dominated yesterday’s 12k category of the first ever Youth Link Run held at the Park Mall in  Mandaue City.

Bernido claimed the top spot in the 12k category with a time of 44 minutes and 14 seconds while Lee topped the distaff side of the 12k with a time of 54 minutes and five seconds.

Coming at second in the 12k men’s division is Bonifacio Monjas with a time of 44 minutes and 16 seconds followed by Lee’s younger brother Prince Joey in the third spot with a time of 45 minutes and 12 seconds.

Second to Joeyry Lee was Marichu Luterte, who clocked  55 minutes and eight seconds while Gretchen Batiancila rounded off the top three female runners with  a time of 59 minutes and four seconds.

The running event highlights the nationwide culmination of the celebration of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines’ Year of the Youth set to end Dec. 16. It also aims to intensify the awareness of the youth and their importance to the life and activity of the church. The running event is also a fund-raiser for the completion of the Archdiocesan Youth Center for Spirituality and Skills-Training facility beside the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Sabate and Lovely Fe Andrin dominated the 6k category.

Lovely Fe’s other siblings dominated the 3k category with Joel Andrin ruling the men’s side while the youngest Cherry winning the female side.

Last Nov. 12, the Archdiocesan Youth Center for Spirituality and Skills-Training facility was formally blessed and inaugurated, headed by his eminence Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal, the Archbishop Emeritus of Cebu and Bishop Julito Cortes. /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL