KENYAN RUNNER Eric Chepsiror became PHP 20,000.00 richer after he was hailed as the fastest finisher of the successful Nutrilite Health Run 2017 at the SM Mall of Asia last Sunday (October 15).  Chepsiror blazed through the 21-kilometer course in a time of 1:09:25 to outclass compatriot Jackson Chirchir (1:12:47) and Filipino bet Roy Dacutanan (1:26:32).

In the distaff side, there was no doubt of the dominance of the former Southeast Asian Games marathon gold medalist Christabel Martes as she easily won in 1:26:50 and almost edged out Dacutanan for the honor of being the fastest Filipino.  The duel for runner-up places turned out to be more exciting with Isabel Gallon (2:00:47) nipping Keisha Fule (2:00:58).

PHP 10,000.00 was also given away to the fastest finish in the 10-kilometer category and this went to Rowell Galvero with a photo finish clocking of 34:44.1.  It turned out that he was faster by a mere 1.8 seconds over rival Kevin Capangpangan (34:45.9) while Third Place went to Boyet Sabalande (36:54.8).

Duathlon national athlete Miscelle Gilbuena ruled the Women’s Division in 46:18.0.  She was followed by Dr. Kristine Santillan (47:57.8) and Patrice Anne Quiday (49:32.0).

In the other distance categories, the five kilometers was won by Immuel Camino of Team Philippines Athletics (16:06) and Maricar Camacho (20:15).  The one-kilometer race went to Carlito Fantillaga of Team Soleus (4:01.9) and Jennymae Canaman (4:57.1).

After the race and awarding of winners, the runners and the Sunday crowd was treated to a free concert by popular band Sponge Cola.  Davao City and nearby areas will get to experience the same level of fun when the Nutrilite Health Run stages its Davao Leg on October 29 at SM City Davao.

The proceeds of the fun runs will help fund the Amway One By One Campaign for Children which seeks promote reading and providing good reading materials for the youth.  At this point, Amway has already helped construct several libraries in selected public schools nationwide.