1st RUPM: Martes rules; Kenyans post sweep

TWO-TIME Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Christabel Martes prevented a Kenyan domination of the inaugural Run United Philippine Marathon (RUPM) that gathered some 12,000 runners yesterday.

The 3K, 5K and 10K categories started and finished at Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay. The 42K and 21K races started at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig and finished at MOA.

Martes, the SEA Games champion in 2001 and 2005, was practically unchallenged in the Enervon Activ 42K race, clocking three hours, five minutes and 12 seconds to bag the women’s crown. It was her 12th marathon title since 1999.

“It was a perfect run. No leg or stomach cramp,” said Martes, after the race fully supported by participants of the Run United series of Unilab Active Health (ULAH) and RunRio Inc.

Tabaco City’s Luisa Raterta (3:28.12) and Sorsogon’s Jollyann Ballester (3:40.22) checked in behind Martes, who missed breaking her personal best of 2:39:00 set during the 2005 Manila SEAG.

The Kenyans settled for a men’s division sweep, with Alex Welly (2:25.03), David Kipsay (2:31.09), and Jackson Chirchir (2:35.59) finishing 1-2-3.

Ireneo Raquin a member of the national pool, was the best-placed Filipino with his time of 2:42.16. Next to him were Carlito Fantilaga (2:58.56) and Jujet de Asis (3:02.38).

The marathon entries were treated to a “red carpet” welcome at the finish line, complete with marching bands.

“It took us nearly three years before we included a full marathon in our races, because we wanted everything to be memorable and perfect,” said ULAH head Alex Panlilio.