Visiting ultra-trail runner Marjones Abugan has emerged the fastest and strongest runner in the Tawid Mountain Ma-rathon 2023 in Bontoc, Mountain Province, as he completed the 42-kilometer race in six hours, 26 minutes, and 30 seconds.
The young Abugan who belonged to the 18 to 29 age group has outpaced fellow elite runners who navigated the challenging yet majestic views of tourist spots the capital town offers.
Ariehmar Bardoquillo placed second at 6:30:26 followed by Lawagan Madalang at 6:31:25 to complete the top three male finishers.
Trisha Reyes has emerged the queen in the full marathon as she clocked 6:54:38 followed by Kimberly Gaela at 7:27:02 and Anne Maridol Rongavilla at 7:44:14.
Mark Anthony Rance has ruled the 24-km. male half marathon at 2:49:21 followed by Godfrey Farnican at 2:50:48 and Ronald Donaal at 2:55:31 while Southeast Asian Games obstacle course racing gold medalist Sandi Abahan topped the distaff side at 3:27:19 followed by Kana Antonio at 3:51:53 and Darie Mae Daban at 4:09:35.
The 12-km. male side championship medal went to Jephonneh Anengyao who clocked 1:38:51 and was tailed by Thomas Del-isen at 1:55:06 and Carlo Opiles at 2:01:36 while the distaff side of the same category was topped by Amor Willy at 2:27:58 followed by Gerlyn Bauyan at 2:28:00 and Cyrelle Kate Attaban at 2:45:01.
Nigel Awilan topped the six-km male side at 1:25:29 followed by Logan Soheil Limbo at 2:01:42 and Edward Lao-ed at 2:14:18 while the distaff side was dominated by Arbie Honra at 2:26:12 followed by Keyyah Velo at 2:34:31 and Atikah Briones at 3:43:02.
This year’s edition of the Tawid Mountain Marathon where participants passed through the upper villages of Bontoc such as Maligcong, Guina-ang, and Mainit, was supported by the provincial government of Mountain Province, municipality of Bontoc, Philippine Trail Running Association, Dans, Ahon, Active Gears PH, Typhoon Wear, 8a Performance, Toyville, CMV, Race Yaya, and Philippine Trail Running Championship, among other partners. – Harley F. Palangchao
