Guarte, Carmen rule NPC 'Freedom Run'

Veteran local campaigner Mervin Guarte and Dalyn Carmen topped their respective events in the 1st National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC) ‘Freedom Run’ on Sunday at the historic walls of Intramuros. Guarte, a regular fixture in marathon events, beat his closest rival Darwin Lim in the final 50 meters to win the men’s 10-kilometer race in 31 minutes and five seconds. Lim crossed the line just three seconds behind (31:08), while Rafael Poliquit checked in third at 32:09 to complete the Top 3 male finishers. In the distaff side, Carmen led from the start and completed the route in 42:57, while Florida Gonzales (45:36) and Quinnie Razon (46.46) finished second and third, respectively. "Kailangan natin panatilihin ang UST (Unity, Solidarity and Teamwork) dahil ito ang magpapalakas ng ating katauhan bilang individual at bilang mga Pilipino," said former President Ramos before the start of the race.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim fired the starting gun. The Top 3 winners in the 5k open division are Michael Bacong (16:37), Roldan Berano (16:40) and Ryan Olisa (16:46) in the men’s class while finishing 1-2-3 in the women’s are Josie Malacad (21:46), Mary Grace Dela Torre (22:46) and Josie Gabornes (23:14). The Bulgar Running Club swept the media class events as Marcelo Germinado (22:45) and Gina Lopez (31:48) claimed the men’s and women’s titles. Other Bulgar winners were Almar Danquilan (23:25) and Randya Madeja (26:37) in the men’s division, and Nimfa Ang (34:00) and Leonora Lumbao (39:46) in the women’s class. Michael Abanador (10:33), Edward Cabilen (11:11) and Miguel Blasie (11:43) earned podium finishes in the 3k Under-15 event. – JVP, GMANews.TV