ILOCOS Norte — Eduard Flores triumphed in the men’s 10K division while Merry Miles Sunga shone brightest for the Kids Female category in the 3rd Laoag Sand Dunes Challenge at Barangay Talingaan here Saturday.

Flores, a gold medalist in the 3,000-meter steeplechase during the UAAP Season 85, submitted a time 43 minutes and 13 seconds to edge Roy Laudit, who timed 43:15, and Richard Butay, who clocked 44:47 in the long and challenging course overlooking the West Philippine Sea.

A first-timer in the Sand Dunes competition, Flores was visibly happy with his performance.

“Super challenging kasi yung buhangin pag-itatapak mo bumabaon talaga may times na ma-out-balance ka,” said Flores, who is also best remembered for his bronze medal finish in the 2024 Milo Marathon.

“Medyo mabigat tumakbo dahil lumulubog ‘yung paa sa buhangin pero maganda ring experience kasi ibang klase karera ang tinakbuhan ko,” added Flores.

Kenyan Jackson Chirchir, who won the first Sand Dunes Challenge in 2023 but was nursing a leg injury, limped home in fifth place with a time of 52:40.

Sunga and Ma. Christine Joy Taliente led their team in their respective categories inthe event held in this popular city also known as “The Sunshine City.”

Sunga clocked 27.58 to bag the gold medal in the kids female, followed by Ayezka Castillo, who settled for silver after registering 28.33.

Jeyanne Pascual and Lynmer Bautista, settled for the third and fourth places.

“Sanay na ako dito kasi palagi kami nag-train,” said Sunga, a Grade 6 Student at the F. Reyes Elementary School when asked about her performance.

Sunga also captured the gold medal last year in the 1,500 and 800 in division.

“Bibili po ako ng bike para po makapunta sa iba’t ibang lugar,” added Sunga, who pocketed the top prize of P10,000.

Taliente and her teammates also swept the podium, finishing 1-2-3 in the 5K female adult category.

Taliente claimed the gold medal with a time of 28.29.

Nathalie Faye Miguel and Czeena Mharie Rapisora settled for silver and bronze.

A brainchild of Gintong Alay and Laoag City Mayor Michael Marcos Keon, the event is part of the month-long celebration of the Pamulinawen Festival in Laoag.

Nonoy Unso, the overall training director for Laoag City now preparing for the Region1 Athletic Association( R1AA) scheduled next month in La Union, believes their young athletes have great potential and could excel in both the R1AA and the Palarong Pambansa on May.

These are the other winners: 10K Female Category Lanny Daquioag, 5K Male Category Adonis Manera, and Kids Male Category Alan Jo Manuel.

Meanwhile, Mayor Keon expressed his gratitude to AC Cuda, former Camp Director of Project Gintong Alay at the Baguio Training Camp and Tony Benson, who was also present together with his wife, Adele.

“Tony was my former coach of Project Gintong Alay, trainor of Lydia de Vega, Isidro del Prado, Renato Unso and most of the top athletes in Gintong Alay,” said Mayor Keon on his official facebook page.

“Let me take this opportunity to thank and commend the Director and Event Organizer, PCMS Noel Abad, and all the departments of the city government for their invaluable contributions to the success of the Laoag City Sand Dunes Challenge, and all the athletes and running enthusiasts who participated, including the teams from Pangasinan, members of the 4th Marine Brigade, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine National Police”

“I would also like to acknowledge the participation of Vice Mayor Rey Carlos Farinas and his brother, Mr. Rudys Caesar Fariñas II,” added Keon.

As part of the preparations for the upcoming R1AA meet, the 2nd MMK Sepak Takraw Open Tournament also officially kicked off at the Plaridel Elementary School covered court.

The two-day competition drew 25 teams from various cities, including Olongapo and Manila.

The tournament features three categories: Men’s Open, Women’s Open, and 12-Under.

“We’re doing everything we can in order to retain the championship,” said Mayor Keon.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Robert Andaya