The 2008 Clark Freeport International Marathon

What was hyped to be a one-on-one marathon duel between Eduardo Buenavista and Cresenciano Sabal turned out to be a classic confrontation between the Philippines and Kenya.

Clark Freeport's 1st Marathon Winner. Kenyan national Hillary Lagat crosses the finish line making him the champion of the 2008 Clark Freeport International Marathon held last Sunday, January 13, 2008, at the Parade Grounds of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC). Welcoming him are CDC President Liberato Laus (right) and CDC Director Adrian Chingcuangco.

In the end it was 30-year-old Kenyan Hillary Lagat who ran away with first Clark Freeport International Marathon title and the $7,000 (P280,000) purse yesterday at the Clark Freeport in Pampanga.

The 42.195-kilometer foot race began with Wilson Songkok of Kenya and two-time Olympian Buenavista pacing the eight-man lead pack. After about 20 kilometers of fast-pace running, Songkok and Buenavista relinquished the lead to Sabal and Lagat, who towed Juniel Languido and Elmer Sabal for the next 10 kilometers of the race.

Languido and the Elmer Sabal eventually lagged behind leaving Cresenciano Sabal and Lagat to a head-to-head battle down the wire. The Kenyan, however, posted a 15-meter lead over the reigning MILO Marathon champion with two kilometers to go and never looked back.

"Talagang malakas ang kalaban. Akala ko maaabutan ko siya malapit sa finish line pero kinapos e", said the 29-year-old Sabal, who fell 20 seconds short of beating Lagat.

Lagat, winning his first marathon in five tries, clocked two hours, 26 minutes and 29 seconds. He said he will head straight back to Kenya to take a well-deserved rest.

"Filipinos are strong runners. Good thing the weather here is good, just like in Kenya," said Lagat, who promised to return to Clark next year and defend his crown.

Sabal, who won P75,000 for topping the Milo Marathon national finals last Nov. 18, became P150,000 richer yesterday. He will gun for more money next week when he competes in another rich marathon in Subic.

Third placer Languido (2:29:05) settled for the P75,000 prize while the younger Sabal placed fourth and went home P35,000 richer.

Buenavista did not finish the race yesterday.

The distaff side was ruled by Jho-an Banayag of Maragusan, Compostela Valley who proved she is the best long distance runner in her division today.

"Last week lang ako nag-decide na sasali rito kaya hindi ako masyadong nakapaghanda. After ng SEA Games kasi umuwi ako sa amin para magpahinga," said Banayag, who captured the bronze in the SEA Games marathon last Dececember 9, 2007.

Banayag, who finished the race in 3:02:51, also pocketed $7,000 for the win. Her nearest pursuers were former Asian silver medalist Christabel Martes (3:07:36) and reigning Milo Marathon queen Flordeliza Carreon (3:10:12) who ran her third full marathon in three months.

After topping the Milo race in November, Carreon competed in another international marathon in Singapore last month.
Estela Mamac-Diaz of Davao City and Ailene Tolentino placed fourth and fifth, respectively.

The 10K side event was ruled by Philip Ronoh of Kenya in the men’s and Mercedita Manipol of Romblon in the women’s division.

The 5K winners were Nelbert Ducusin in the men’s and Bernadette Mag-aso in the women’s.

For results of the 1st Clark Freeport International Marathon, log on to www.clarkmarathon.com.