Gumban earns another shot at national crown

TAGUM CITY—Aaron Gumban’s golden dream ended in tatters in the previous Batang Pinoy national finals.

The 14-year-old from Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte, got his chance for redemption after blazing the trail in the boys’ 5,000-meter run on Thursday in the Mindanao qualifying leg of the sportsfest.

“I ran in the finals last year, but didn’t finish the race,” Gumban said in Filipino after topping his event in 17 minutes and 14 seconds to retain the title he captured in the qualifiers last year in Oroquieta City.

The Grade 8 long-distance runner from Sto. Tomas National High School injured his foot during the finals in Baguio City last year.

“I’ll come in prepared for the finals,” said Gumban, who ruled the same event last week in the Davao Regional Athletic Association meet.  “I don’t want to waste this opportunity again.”

Gumban got off his bunk as early as three hours before the race and defeated Lordy Salpid of General Santos City (19:05.07) and Rome Laviste Jr. of Davao del Sur (19:12.66).

He intends to pull off a hat-trick by winning the steeplechase and 1,500m.

Mary Joy Mancera of Davao del Sur shared the spotlight with Gumban after ruling the girls’ discus throw (26.28 meters) while Rona Bacus of Cagayan de Oro asserted herself in the girls’ triple jump (11.01 meters).