Lopez tops 5k division of Run Forward 2011

Mendel Lopez returned to Cebu with a bang, dominating the 5-kilometer race of the Run Forward 2011 yesterday at the Persimmon Plus in barangay Mabolo, Cebu City.

Lopez is coming from the Philippine national team’s training grounds in Baguio. He is hoping to qualify for the Philippine Marathon Team.

He managed to win the 5k race in 15 minutes and 46 seconds but was not satisfied with his official time. This is because the qualifying time for Philippine Team in the 5k race is 14 minutes.

“I am doing my best to qualify for the national team,” said Lopez, who will be flying back to Baguio on Tuesday. “I know that I have a big chance to become a member of the national team, I will just have to do better back in Baguio.”

In the distaff side of the 5k race, Southwestern University’s Mary Joy Tabal won with a time of 18 minutes and 38 seconds.

Tabal will be trying to make it two titles this weekend when she competes in today’s Armscor Run of y101 FM.

She is actually preparing for Cebu’s third marathon this year, the Run To Reduce of Aboitiz Equity Ventures set on Aug. 14 at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).

Meanwhile, Tabal’s teammate Ian Bernido finished second with a time of 16:01 followed with by Jess Gonzaga at third with a time of 16:02.

University of Southern Philippines-Foundation’s Joel Delposo claimed another easy win after topping the 3k run with a time of 9:52.53. Jorry Ycong clocked 9:52.77 for second place.

Delposo’s teammate Rose Suaybaguio finished first in the 3k women’s class with a time of 12:17:58. 12-year-old Lovely Fe Andrin clocked 12:33.16 for second place while Crizel Diongson came in at third with a time of 12:59.17.

Only around half of the 800 registered participants showed up for the race because of the rain.