Alvin Nicolas, Jr. of Central Bicol State of Agriculture and Macrose Dichoso of University of the East-Manila ruled the 21-kilometer qualifying race of the 39th National Milo Marathon in Naga on Sunday.
Nicolas clocked 1 hour, 12 minutes and 4 seconds to nose out Gilbert Laido (1:17:07) and Ernie Payong (1:18:05) for the top purse of P10,000.
In the distaff side, Dichoso ruled with a time of 1:35:50, beating Marilyn Bermundo (1:45:52) and Gemma Payong (1:46:16).
Both winners also booked slots to the National Finals in Angeles City, Pampanga on Dec. 6. Aside from the P300,000 grand prize, the national winners will earn all-expense paid trips to the 2016 Boston Marathon.
About 7,300 participants participated, including Naga City Mayor John Bongat who fired the starting gun and joined the 5K run.
Nicolas, an Agricultural Engineering student, exceeded his goal.
“I was able to break my target time of 1:35,” Nicolas said. “This might be my best time yet. I am glad I get to beat my personal challenges with hard work. I will continue training every morning.”
The qualifying races will resume in Lucena on Aug. 30 before heading to Iloilo (Sept. 20) and Bacolod (Sept. 27).