24th Yakult 10-Miler dominated by Kenyans

Kenyans stamped their class anew in the 24th Yakult 10-Miler (16-kilometer), posting a 1-2-3 finish in the men's division on Sunday at the Cultural Center Complex in Pasay City.

With 23rd edition champion Benjamin Kipkazi opting to compete in Run United 1, held a few kilometers away at the Mall of Asia, Rotich was unchallenged for the top spot of the event, which started and ended in front of Star City along Vicente Sotto Avenue in 51 minutes and 30 seconds.

In spite of competing in a trail run last Friday, Rotich put a one minute and 14 second difference between him and eventual second placer Eliud Kering. Elijah Kipruto (54:20) came in third to complete the Kenyan dominance.

Far fourth was Darwin Lim of Far Eastern University with a clocking of 56:55. Considering a three-month forced vacation due to a left knee injury, it was a good finish for the varsity runner.

"The race was generally smooth. I was being chased by only two runners, which are my friends Eliud and Elijah," said Rotich, who played second fiddle to Kipkpazi last year.

During the 22nd edition of the event in 2011, Kenyans Daniel Koringo and Philip Rono posted a 1-2 finish to start the Kenyan dominance of the yearly event sponsored by the Japanese health drink.

While the Kenyans lorded it over in the men's division, another FEU varsity runner, Jennysmyl Mabunga, defeated defending champion Irene Kipchumba to win the women's category of the 16k event.

Mabunga submitted a time of one hour, three minutes and 14 seconds in dominating Kipchumba, who reached the finish line six minutes and 14 seconds behind the FEU runner.

Rotich and Mabunga both pocketed P7,000 each for winning their categories.

Bendoy Junrel of Batangas won the men's 5km event with a clocking of 16:49, while Alyssa Casaclang annexed the women's title with a time of 23:39.

In other events, Mark Alvin de Roxas won the 3km boys (10-12 year old) event, while sisters Tara and Samantha Borlain dominated the girls run.

Miguel Ignacio triumphed in the 3km boys (6-9 years old), and Nyvella Imbao in the girls category. - AMD, GMA News