Lapiz and Torregosa outlasted thousands of runners in three legs held simultaneously in Cebu, Davao and Manila. Lapiz ruled the men’s 42-kilometer race while the latter won the women’s 32K.
Lapiz, 32, one of the ace runners of Spectrum Runners Club, crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 34 minutes and 34 seconds to win the men’s marathon in the Cebu Leg at the South Road Properties.
He received more good news when he was announced as the overall 42K champion after all the times from other legs were tabulated.
Lapiz, a full-time welder and runner, epitomizes pure dedication, never missing a day of training despite a hard day’s work of welding.
Spectrum founder and president Dr. Gerry Mayo brought Lapiz on the team’s fold in 2016.
“He wore shorts for basketball when he ran with worn-out shoes when we first met. I saw his potential because he could beat seasoned runners,” said Mayo. “I knew that if this guy was given much support, he would become a champion. And so he did. Now a champion.”
Artjoy Torregosa of the University of San Carlos (USC) was declared the fastest female runner in the 32K kilometer race in all three legs.
The 23-year-old Torregosa, a sophomore taking up Bachelor of Physical Education, is under the tutelage of veteran coach Arvin Loberanis.
“We had some knee problem prior to the race but we’re glad we managed it well. The win was unexpected since the route in Cebu leg was much challenging compared to other legs,” said Loberanis.
Lizane Abelle, also from Cebu, placed second overall in the women’s 32K.
The top overall runners will be sent by the organizers to an international race in Asia.