INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines - Two-time Olympian Eduardo Buenavista and Christabel Martes lived up to their lofty billing in the Microsoft Internet Explorer 8-Mile Run on Sunday by dominating the men's and women's race, respectively, in the out-and-back course at the Fort Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Buenavista, 30, coasted to a trouble-free victory in the 12.87-kilometer event in 43 minutes and 11 seconds, finishing more than two minutes ahead of runner-up finisher Darwin Lim, who clocked 45:21.

Veteran Bernardo Desamito Jr. came in third just six seconds behind Lim in the race that drew more than 2,000 runners.

Buenavista earned P8,000 for his feat with Lim getting P5,000 and Desamito P3,000.

The 29-year-old Martes ruled the women's division in 51:31, close to four minutes clear of her closest pursuer Ailene Tolentino (55:59). Monica Torres finished third by clocking 55:59 in the event backed by Pocket Rocket, Mizuno and Fitness First.

Microsoft Philippines client product manager Chay Saputil said funds raised from the event will be donated to the Child Protection Program of the United Nations Children's Fund.

Topping the 4-Mile side event was Christopher Ulboc Jr. (20:05) who bested Alquin Bolivar and Michael Balong. Nhea Ann Barcena won the women's race in 25:24, followed by Analiza Yambao (26:38) and Hazel Madamba (21:46).

National team member Nelbert Ducusin ruled the 2-Miler in 10:03 with Michael Embuedo (10:05) and Patrick Gongob (10:39) finishing second and third, respectively. Serenata Saluan won the women's race in 12:59, followed by Annie Lyn Rivas and Katherine Pijuan.

Norman Apolinar (12:49) and Carmela Sugalan (14:03) ruled the 2-mile kids races.