Kenyans struggle but manage to win in NegOcc 42k run

KENYAN runners, usually a dominating force in Cebu long-distance races,  faced a tougher task in Silay City, Negros Occidental last Saturday during the Mount Patag Eco-Adventure Endurance Challenge 42-kilometer marathon event.

The Kenyans failed to sweep the top  three spots but Abraham Missous still emerged victorious as he finished the high-altitude marathon in two hours, 52 minutes and 58 seconds.

Only Missous managed a podium finish as the rest of his compatriots struggled. Douglas Mwiti (3:02.42) was at fourth place while Francis Kakui (3:08.09) settled for fifth.

Two other Kenyans were even not able to finish the race. Elluid Kering surrendered in the 30-kilometer  mark while newcomer Moses Bett collapsed in the last five kilometers and had to be taken by an ambulance to the finish line.

“We know that the Kenyans’ weakness is high-altitude races and we proved that again last Saturday,” said race consultant Raffy Uytiepo. “Actually, it was also a very challenging route for our local runners because most of the race was uphill and was at 2,400 feet above sea level.”

Milo Marathon Manila leg champion and Patag town native Jason Agravante led the Pinoy charge as he finished second with a time of 2:56.43.  Maclain Sadia rounded off the podium with a time of 3:01.20.

The 42k race was exclusive to male runners. The female runners were made to only run 34 kilometers. Organizers have yet to release the names of the winners in the distaff side.

Cash prizes, medals and trophies were awarded to the winners by Mayor Jose “Oti” Montelibano, race director Bob Ledesma, technical assistant Boyet Rentoy and Uytiepo./CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL