Southwestern University’s running queen Mary Joy Tabal and Kenyan Josphat Kiptanui ended 2011 on a high note as they both won in yesterday’s 2nd Sinulog Fun Run at the Cebu City Sports Center.
Tabal, who was out of the spotlight in the local running scene lately, returned with vengeance as she completed the 5k race in 19 minutes and 30.10 seconds.
Unilab Run 21k winner Cristy Tutor claimed the second spot, finishing in 20 minutes and 12.14 seconds while Lovely Fe Andrin grabbed third place honors by clocking 20 minutes and 43.34 seconds.
Fourth and fifth placers were Madelyn Carter (20:52.95) and Marichu Luterte (21:14.04).
Kiptanui, meanwhile, breezed through the finish line in 15 minutes and 54.65 seconds.
He outran Philippine team member Mendel Lopez, who placed second by clocking 16:29.25. Jobert Carolino of Davao placed third by finishing in 16 minutes and 39.25 seconds.
Robert Daang (16:46.06) and Joel Delposo (16:55) placed fourth and fifth, respectively.
The JRA Surplus team, composed of top runners Joel Delposo, Adonis Singson, Noel Tillor, Meljun and Marichu Luterte, Tutor, Jarold Estrella, Rolan Olmilla and Raymart Montecalvo, were among the teams that joined the race.
More than a thousand runners joined the event organized by the Cebu City Sports Commission and the Sinulog Foundation Inc.
Among the thousands in attendance was Nino Carmino Cerita, who was awarded the best costumed runner with his Sinulog-inspired running outfit.