Buenavista, Donos outclass Kenyan runners in Milo Marathon

A big disappointment in the Guangzhou Asian Games, Eduardo Buenavista came back with a vengeance by stamping his class in the 34th National Milo Marathon finals. The pint-sized long-distance runner ruled the men’s side even against strong Kenyan competitors. Buenavista finished the course that started and ended at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park in two hours, 24 minutes and 18 seconds. “Talagang plano ko na maaga pa lamang ay lumayo na para makita kung sino talaga ang kalaban. Pero wala nang humabol kaya diniretso ko na," said the 32-year-old pride of South Cotabato, who also ruled the 2002 and 2008 editions of this event. In an event featuring the challenge of noted Kenyan runners like Willy Tanui, William Kipyego and Abraham Missos, Buenavista was able to redeem himself from a sub-par performance in the Asiad. The man known as Vertex was up to the task as he claimed his third Milo Marathon championship while upstaging his illustrious Kenyan rivals. A far second was Tanui, who finished the race nearly five minutes behind Buenavista. The six-foot runner blamed a bum stomach for his poor showing. Finishing third was Kipyego at 2:30:19. Flordeliza Donos, a middle distance specialist from University of Baguio, ruled the distaff side to make it a double celebration for the Filipinos. Unlike Buenavista, the Criminology graduate needed to get her second wind in the final 15 kilometers to survive the challenge of Kenyan Susan Jemutai and Cebuana lass Mary Joy Tabal. “This is my second marathon title after winning the Clark Marathon in 2008, but this is my personal best time. I was really prepared for this event because I’ve been training for the past three months with Vertex and Jho-An (Banayag)," said the 23-year-old Donos. Buenavista and Donos won P300,000 each for winning their races. Close to 12,000 runners saw action at the culmination of this year’s national finals. Topping the 21-K were James Tallam and Nhea Ann Barcen, while Justin Tabunda and Mercedita Manipol-Fetalvero ruled the 10-K. - KY, RCJ, GMANews.TV