EDUARD Flores conquered the Galaxy Watch Manila Marathon fueled by Gatorade as he topped the 8,000 runners who braved the rains on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Grounds.
The General Santos City-born standout clocked in at two hours, 33 minutes, and 22 seconds, successfully completing his first-ever marathon, which traversed Ayala Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, and Intramuros, showcasing the beauty of the nation’s capital throughout the entire 42K route.
Flores bested Kenyan David Kipsang, who finished second with a time of 2:39:05, and fellow Filipino Edsel Moral, who came in third at 2:39:38 in the men’s division. The event was backed by Samsung Galaxy Watch and organized by RUNRIO, supported by the Department of Tourism, Intramuros Administration, PAGCOR, and the City of Manila, as well as official hydration partner Le Minerale and official sports drink Gatorade.
(Photo Credit: RUNRIO)
Jane Wanjiru Muriuki of Kenya was the fastest in the women’s division, finishing the course in three hours, 11 minutes, and 34 seconds. Maricar Camacho placed second with a time of 3:20:54, while Jocelyn Elijeran came in third at 3:29:11.
It was a resounding success in the eyes of RUNRIO president and CEO Rio de la Cruz, as the event drew participants from 30 countries, notably from the United States, Canada, Japan, China, and Australia, among others.
“Natuwa yung mga runners kasi naipakita natin yung ganda ng Manila. We’re very happy kasi first time natin gamitin yung route and they really appreciated the sceneries,” he said of the event, which also had Grab, Move It, and Angel’s Burger as gold sponsors, with Anlene and Park Access as silver sponsors, and Sante Barley, Southstar Drug, AlcoPlus, DeoPlus, iColor Plus, and Mood Food as bronze sponsors.
De la Cruz believes that the warm reception the event garnered is a first step toward making the Galaxy Watch Manila Marathon viewed in the same light as other Southeast Asian marathons, such as those in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City. The renowned running coach is hopeful about establishing a sought-after marathon series in the region.
(Photo Credit: RUNRIO)
Triathlete Nikko Huelgas also applauded the event, stating, “We get to see a lot of runners joining the event where we can promote an active lifestyle and proper wellness. With the Manila Marathon, we can really position the Philippines as a top destination for sports tourism.”
Sonny Wagdos topped the men’s 21K with a time of one hour, seven minutes, and 10 seconds, followed by Lowegene Aliligay (1:14:43) and Rodmar Pullido (1:16:11). Maria Jonna Lina Abutas was the fastest female, clocking in at one hour, 29 minutes, and 15 seconds, followed closely by Jennelyn Isibido (1:35:06) and Jenalyn Galvez (1:40:32) in a race that was also backed by Fitbar, Salonpas, Decathlon, Rudy Project, hotel partners Lanson Place and Astrotel, and gym partner Co Fitness.
In the 10K race, James Darrel Orduna was the fastest among males with a time of 32 minutes and 11 seconds, ahead of Junel Gobotia (33:04) and Jaspher Delfino (36:03). Edna Magtubo was the top female with her time of 41 minutes and 48 seconds, followed by Melody Lantad (44:09) and Christine Andres (55:51).
In the 5K race, Alfrence Braza was the top male with a time of 16 minutes and 11 seconds, followed by Mark Angelo Biagtan (17:33) and Cavin Vidal (17:36). Jash Mae Dhuaylungod was the best female, finishing in 23 minutes and six seconds, ahead of Patricia Paglicauan (25:13) and Leny Joy Gaviota (25:35).
