Dunkin, Berberio withstand tough Columbia Eco Trail 12k route, emerge winners

Multi-awarded mountain and trail runner Merlita Arias-Dunkin and ultra marathoner Charlie Berberio showed the stuff they’re made of as they conquered the tough 12-kilometer route of the 5th leg of the Columbia Eco Trail Run yesterday in barangay Mulao, Liloan town, northern Cebu.

Dunkin, who topped the 2011 The North Face 100k trail run in Camarines Sur, clocked one hour, 57 minutes and 43 seconds to rule the women’s race.

Berberio crossed the finish line with a time of 1:25.39 for his second win in the grueling race. He also topped the second leg last year.

The entire route covered 12.6 kilometers of rough terrain. It went through two river systems, a mountain in Mount Lanigid, two-storey high boulders, a hanging bridge and a muddy trail.

Road runner Christy Tutor also took the challenge in trail running and managed to finish second to Dunkin with a time of 2:05.07. Era Villacorta finished third with a time of 2:21.45. Gwen Aranas settled for fourth (2:35.34) while Judith Tayco placed fifth (2:46.58).

Trailing Berberio in the second spot was Jiete Bada, who finished in 1:27.53. Veteran road runner Adonis Singson placed third by clocking 1:32.26. Noel Tillor claimed fourth spot (1:32.59) while Paul Zafra settled for fifth (1:37.32).

A total of 420 trail runners joined the fifth leg of the race organized by the Primer Group of Companies and the Philippine Adventure Consultant.