Army major, Cebu run buff die in Skyway race

A PHILIPPINE Army officer and a runner from Cebu died on Sunday during the 2016 Condura Skyway Marathon which started and ended at Filinvest City in Alabang.

Race organizers identified the fatalities as Manases Alfon Jr., 38, who joined the full marathon, and Major Arnold Lubang, 40, who vied in the half-marathon event.

A report from the Muntinlupa City police yesterday said Lubang passed out near the Skyway toll exit in Alabang, between the 18- and 19-kilometer marks, at about 6:30 a.m., three and a half hours after the gun start.

The officer, who was stationed at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, was aided by fellow Army officer Lt. Joseph Decena, who saw him slumped on the road about 500 meters from the toll exit.

Authorities said Decena performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on Lubang before he was taken to Asian Hospital and Medical Center where he was declared dead on arrival.

Initial examination showed Lubang sustained abrasions on his face, hands and legs but the cause of death has not been revealed.

There were no details yet on Alfon’s death.

“These young men at the prime of their lives joined the marathon to help send the children of our fallen soldiers to school through the Hero Foundation. We honor them,” said a post on the Facebook page of the race sponsored by Condura.

Eugene Postrado ruled the men’s local race in two hours, 46 minutes and 25 seconds while Luisa Raterta topped the distaff side in 3:16:28.

Kenyans Eric Kibiwoot Chepsiror and Monica Mafuni Nieru ruled the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively, of the Open category.