INQUIRER Sports

National Team member Mendel Lopez clocked 32 minutes and 51 seconds to rule the 2009 Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. (DSOS) 10K Run yesterday.

The annual run, held in celebration of the 130th birth anniversary of Cebu?s Grand Old Man, started at the corner of Lapu-Lapu St., and Osmeña Blvd., and wrapped up at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Lopez defeated a crack lineup of long distance runners including Ben Alejandrino who finished second (33 mins, 14 secs) and third placer Crifrankreadel Indapan (33 mins, 15 secs.).

Pre-race favorites Angelito Sebayan of Davao, University of Southern Philippines Foundation's (USPF) Joel Delposo and seasoned runner John Philip Duenas finished 6th, 8th and 11th respectively.

Meanwhile, multi-titled Mary Grace Delos Santos of Zamboanga reaffirmed her status as the newest toast of running when she ruled the women?s 10K race in 38 mins and 25 secs, soundly beating Madelyn Carter (42 mins, 16 secs) and Maria Estella Diaz (43 mins, and 24 secs).

Leiszl Getaruelas, who was earlier picked to give Delos Santos a run for her money, limped home in 8th place with a time of 46 minutes and 38 seconds.

Allan Polinar dominated the Masters-A category in 37mins and 23secs followed by Jesie Misa (40 mins and 37 secs) and Edgardo Carabuena (42 mins and 13 secs.)

In the Masters-B category, Tomas Nunez Jr. timed 40 mins and 6 seconds to win followed by Virgilio Belecario Sr. (42 mins and 19 secs) and Eleazar Oporto (43 mins and 5 secs).

Ruth Banzon on the other hand, ruled the Masters C Category in 40 mins and 32 secs followed by Marcos Pelare (45 mins and 9 secs) and third placer Prudencio Igot (48 mins and 47 secs) while Adolfo Camello Sr. topped the Masters D category in (45 mins and 41 secs) followed by Democrito Branzuela (47 mins and 24 secs) and Jun Taneo (48 mins and 2 secs).

Almost 500 runners competed in the event this year which offered P200,000 in prizes.