Desamito, Agura rule tough Merrell race

VETERAN Bernardo Desamito and ultramarathon runner Janette Agura overcame the tough Timberland Heights trail in San Mateo, Rizal, to rule the third Merrell Adventure Run over the weekend.

Desamito clocked one hour, 52 minutes and 2 seconds to claim the 21K men’s top plum.  Carlito Fantilaga (1:54:38) and another seasoned runner, Elmer Sabal (1:57:00), placed second and third, respectively.

“The slippery course was really challenging but it was all worth it,” said the 38-year-old Desamito, who pocketed P15,000, in Filipino.

Agura, winner of the recent Mayon 360 50-mile ultramarathon, topped the distaff side in 2:42:01, besting Luisa Raterta (2:43:42) and Ailene Tolentino (2:51:46).

“I will use my prize money for my daughter’s school needs,” said Agura, who also took home P15,000.  Her daughter, Diane Grace, is a middle distance runner from De La Salle University.

The narrow trail was made more slippery by intermittent rains on the eve of the race.  Participants also had to crawl through mud pits and negotiate uphill climbs.

The top three 10K male finishers were Ricardo Dizon, 57:01; Gerald Sabal, 57:05; and Gregg Vincent Osorio, 1:02:40. The female podium finishers were Merlyn Lumagbas, 1:35:33; Lara Lugo, 1:41:58; and Mercy Robilla, 1:43:22.

The 5K male winners were Thomas Soliven, 25:09; Michael Lim, 25:10; and Ronald Salgado, 30:43; while the female topnotchers were Janette Lumidao, 30:52; Michelle Anne Tibagacay, 31:33; and Michelle de Vera, 31:36.