ALEX Melly ruled the premier 21-kilometer race of the Rexona Run To Your Beat 2014 held over the weekend with a crowd of more than 12,000 at Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay City witnessing his feat.
Melly crossed the finish in one hour, 7 minutes and 6 seconds, just 17 seconds ahead of compatriot Elphiz Kiptarus. Another Kenyan, Jackson Chirchir, was third in 1:10:02.
Irine Kipchumba, also a Kenyan, was the top female 21K finisher in 1:22:06, beating local runners Jho-An Banayag, who clocked 1:29:16 and Ailene Tolentino (1:41:05).
Two other Kenyans, John Samoei (32:09) and David Kipsang (34:00), claimed the first and third spots in the 10K men’s category, with local bet Richard Salano (33:36) placing second.
Filipinos Rafael Poliquit Jr. (15:31), Christopher Ulboc Jr. (15:49) and Roldan Verano (16:25) topped the 5K men’s class.
Taking Rexona’s Do More philosophy to the next level, Rexona Run To Your Beat 2014 challenged the participants’ limits through music and also kept them energized throughout the race.
“I truly believe that music pushes runners to beat their personal bests,” said Mar Corazo, Rexona brand manager.