HERE come the Kenyans again. After failing to take the top spot of the podium in the past months, the vaunted Kenyan runners made a huge comeback statement by dominating the 15-kilometer race of the 2nd Recoletos Run dubbed “Dagan Para Sa Iskolar ni Jose” yesterday.
Douglas Mwiti led the Kenyan domination as he topped the 15k race by crossing the finish line at the Plaza Independencia in 51 minutes and 37 seconds .
Compatriots James Mibei (54:49) and Abraham Missous (55:43) trailed him at second and third places, respectively.
Locals Michael Largo and Joey Wacan settled for fourth and fifth, respectively, with times of 59:53 and 1:00:51.
Meanwhile, Mereis Ramirez edged Christy Sevilleno Tutor to clinch the title in the distaff side of the 15k race.
Ramirez clocked 1:09.38 while Tutor, a former running queen here in Cebu, finished in 1:16.02.
Emily Rosas of Danao City rounded off the top three runners with a time of 1:24.09.
Archimar Baynos and Nerissa Umbay topped the 5-kilometer run employee-faculty category.
Baynos clocked 22:45 to win the men’s race while Umbay finished in 34:04 to win the women’s crown.
The 5k students category was won by Larry Villordon and Jahara Marie Ouano.
Villordon topped the men’s race in 22:44 while Ouano breasted the finish line in 32:10 to take the women’s title.
In the 5k alumni category, Joshua Canada (22:30) placed first in the men’s race while Helen Dionson topped the 5k female category with a time of 26:38.
The race was organized by Josenians Inc., the alumni association of the University of San Jose-Recoletos. It aims to raise funds to support the school’s academic scholars. Joel Juarez was the race director. /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL