Tillor upstages Kenyan in men’s 21k category

The Keynans are starting to give way to local runners as Noel Tillor beat Isaac Simat to win the men’s 21-kilometer title in the Alphan’s Run yesterday at the Ayala Center Cebu’s The Terraces.

Tillor clocked one hour, 13 minutes and 46 seconds, outrunning the Kenyan Simat, who finished second with a time of 1:16:25. Third place went to Robert Daang (1:18:38).

Kenyan runners used to dominate local races in Cebu the past couple of years, forcing organizers of other road races to put up a separate category for foreign participants.

In the women’s side, Mary Joy Tabal finished the 21k race in 1:29.36 to win the crown while Mereis Ramirez clocked 1:35.45 for second place followed by Sandra Sollana (1:40.55).

Meanwhile, the vaunted Andrin siblings put up sterling performances yesterday.

The eldest among the siblings, Ronnie, and their youngest, Cherry, claimed the crowns in the 12k race.

Ronnie won with a time of 41:56 while Cherry clocked 53:16 for the win.

Lovely Fe and Jhean Andrin finished one-two in the women’s 6k race. Lovely Fe clocked 25:59 for the top spot while Jhean placed second with a time of 26:27. Margie Villarta placed third (35:25).

Jobert Carolino topped the 6k men’s side with a time of 20:03 followed by Rafael Piscos (20:10) and Jodel Batarilan (21:29).

Lynle Cardenas and Ando Mejares ruled the 3k run.

Around 1,200 runners took part in the running event organized by the Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity and Sorority. Joel Baring of the Sport and Fitness Enthusiasts (SAFE) handled the race.