Merlita Arias-Dunkin suffers from cramps, still tops 50k All-Women’s Ultra Marathon

Multi-titled runner Merlita Arias-Dunkin simply wanted to prepare for her title-defense  in the Mount Mayon 80-kilometer run on April 21.
But she got more than just a tune-up run. Dunkin went on to win the All-Women’s Ultra Marathon held over the weekend by clocking five hours, 28 minutes and 56 seconds.
The 50-kilometer race started at Ayala Center Cebu’s The Terraces late Saturday night and ended early yesterday at the Karancho Beach Resort in Mactan Island.
Dunkin said she didn’t expect to win, especially after suffering from cramps in the middle of her run.
“I was targeting four to five hours to finish the race. I even walked a couple of kilometers because I had cramps and I never thought that I would finish first because I was not aiming to become champion. I just wanted to test myself and my limit,” said Dunkin.
The race route went through major roads of Northern Cebu, passing through Cebu City, Mandaue City and Mactan Island.
Dunkin is also expected to compete in this Saturday’s X Terra Trail Run in Liloan.  “I still need to improve because I want to defend my title in the Mayon Run.”
Virginia Parajenog placed second with a time of five hours, 30 minutes and 32 seconds followed by Tessie Escasinas, who finished in five hours, 49 minutes and 18 seconds.
Meanwhile, Dunkin was pleased on how the Cebu Ultra Runners Club (CURC) and other running clubs organized the event participated by 181 runners.