Yakult race: Lorenzo, Tolentino avert PH shutout

MANILA, Philippines — Cindy Lorenzo and Ailene Tolentino prevented an all-Kenyan show in the 25th Yakult 10 Miler Sunday at Cultural Center of the Philippines grounds in Pasay City.

The 24-year-old Lorenzo pulled away from Susan Jemutai in the last six kilometers to prevail in one hour, 2 minutes and 27 seconds.

The Kenyan came in 29 seconds behind while Tolentino was third in 1:03:31.

“There was no looking back after I got away from Susan,” said Lorenzo, who won P7,000, in Filipino. “She must be really tired because she races weekly.”

Elphiz Kipngettich clocked 48 minutes and 57 seconds to rule the men’s side, where the Kenyans bagged the top five positions in the annual race supported by Mizuno.

Runners-up were Jackson Chirchir (49:29), John Kiprop Samoe (50:13), Eliva Kering (51:59) and Willy Tanui (52:37).

Race director Rudy Biscocho said the Kenyans gave local runners the opportunity to gauge their skills.

“It’s a way to measure the Filipinos’ competitiveness,” said Biscocho.

Junrel Bendoy topped the 5K event in 15:16, beating Diosmar Garcia (15:22) and Danilo Rapadas (17:01).

Jessa Mae Jaromay took the ladies’ title in 18:27, followed by Sealand Agana (21:16) and Carmencita Obmina-Mua (24:21).