Elite trail runners Arnel Recopuerto and Arlene Uyammi conquered the 100-kilometer category of the recently-staged Benguet Gold Rush 2019 that featured the wondrous trails of Baguio and Itogon, Benguet.
Recopuerto emerged the overall winner in the 100-km category, crossing the finish line with a time of 16 hours, 48 minutes, and 47 seconds. He and other runners went through the scenic views of Ampucao, Itogon starting off from Camp John Hay trail towards Ampucao spillway and Mt. Kotkot to see the rolling hills and grasslands of Itogon.
Glen Baglan placed second with a time of 17:22:42 followed by Joseph Guimbawan at 17:42:43 and Chester Nicod-am at 18:22:17.
Uyammi led the female finishers and also placed fifth overall at 18:29:30 followed by Nelita Badongen at 21:08:00 and Sherryl Bunuan at 29:4:00.
In the 50-km category, Zachary Pawid topped the event at 9:57:30 followed by Jose Napiloy at 9:59:31, and Raymond Sarmiento at 10:43:35.
The female 50-km. champion was Angeline Doyog at 12:12:58 followed by Ronalyn Lanila at 14:22:09.
Sandi Abahan, the 30th Southeast Asian Games gold medalist in the obstacle racing course, topped the 25-km. category at 4:29:02 followed by May Joyce Dulnuan and Johonna Lubangas.
Doc Roman Cumahling topped the men’s 25-km. at 4:31:13 followed by Alden Obello and Roger Nafianag.
Dexter Barian dominated the 15-km. men’s at 1:37:30 followed by Samuel Bango and Jackson Abion.
Precious Jacinto led the ladies’ side followed by Jessica Hieras and Rea Sagun.
The event, which is part of the Mountain Man series of Team Malaya, aims to showcase the beauty of the Cordillera as a trail running destination and discovering new running trails in the region. – Ofelia C. Empian
April 30, 2024
