INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines ? Veteran local runners led by Allan Ballester and Bernardito Desamito will try to break the Kenyan stronghold during the 2nd Smart Subic International Marathon Saturday at the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

Alquin Bolivar, Alley Quisay and Elmer Sabal are also entered in the 42.195-kilometer race, which fires off 4:30 p.m. instead of the usual 4:30 a.m. gunstart. Top prize is $5,000 (about P235,000).

Defending champion Nelson Kirwa Rotich of Kenya will be back, along with compatriots Hillary Kipkemboi Lagat, Vincent Kipchirchir Chepsiror, Samuel Taurus Too, David Kipkoech Kipsang, Willy Kipkemoi Kipsang and Daniel Kipkemei Koringo.

Rotich clocked 2:27:00 to beat Eduardo Buenavista who came in 55 seconds later. Another Kenyan, Sammy Kiprono Kosegei, was third in 2:28:17.

Lagat was the 2008 Clark Marathon winner while Too placed second in last Sunday?s inaugural Quezon City International Marathon, which had the Kenyans sweeping the top three spots in both men?s and women?s full marathon.

Buenavista is not running this time as he is preparing for the December Southeast Asian Games in Laos.

The all-Filipino women?s field last year was ruled by Estela Mamac-Diaz in 3:22:13. This year, the female Kenyan bets will be led by QCIM runners-up Lydia Jerotich Rutto and Sarah Jepchirchir Maiyo.

Runners from the United States, Malaysia, China, Singapore, Taiwan and New Zealand have likewise confirmed their participation.

The 10K race will also be held today while the 21K, 5K and 3K runs begin at 5 a.m. tomorrow.

Members of the Smart Gilas RP developmental squad led by team captain Chris Tiu and the Pampanga Buddies of coach Allan Gregorio will join the fun runs along with singers Leo Valdez, Luke Mijares and other movie stars.