DELOS SANTOS PLACES SECOND IN KL INTERNATIONAL MARATHON
MANILA – Cebu’s most dominant long distance runner Mary Grace Delos Santos capped her first international stint with a second place finish in the women’s 21k category of the Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Marathon yesterday.
Delos Santos finished the race in 1:26.02 more than 2 minutes ahead of the 3rd placer. She showed guts and determination to come from 4th place and finish ahead of two Kenyans and a German. It was a spectacular performance for Delos Santos considering the advantage of the 1st and 3rd placers who had pacers assisting them.
“I ran a well even if I was stranded in the water stations because of so many runners. Unlike the others who had pacers I ran on my own and had to get water for myself.” Delos Santos said.
Delos Santos left Cebu Thursday night then took a connecting flight to Kuala Lumpur with Renze Banawa of Newton Philippines and Jamie Pizarro, from thebullrunner.com.
One of those who took notice of Delos Santos was Toby Claudio, the founder RUNNR. He first met Delos Santos in Cebu in November last year. Soon after she was taken on by Newton Running as the shoe brands’ first sponsored athlete in the Philippines.
On June 11, which happened to be the 23rd birthday of Delos Santos, Claudio called her from Manila to break the news that RUNNR will be sponsoring her entry and travel expenses to the Kuala Lumpur Marathon.
Upon learning of Delos Santos’ podium finish this morning, Claudio said, “We are so proud of her . She’s a rare talent and we’re just thrilled that she did this well in her first big international race. Despite her young age she she has such a great attitude and work ethic We’re hoping this is just the first of many international victories for her and Philippine runners.”
Sherwin Managil, coach and trainer of Delos Santos felt that the 21k category is best suited for his ward. “When I was asked if Grace is ready to run the distance, I told them she’s ready. The half marathon is Grace’s favorite event.”
Delos Santos who hails from Zamboanga first came to Cebu in 2009 and won the Sinulog Half-Marathon in 1:27:00 breaking the record of Liezl Gitaurelas, the 2008 winner, by one minute.
From then on, Delos Santos had won almost all races in Cebu. Her latest conquest was the 10th DyAB Kapamilya Run last June 13 where she topped the 10k women’s division in 59:28.58 or almost five minutes ahead of her closest rivals.
Her most notable run of the year was the Great Lapu-Lapu Run where she topped the women’s 21k division thereby earning a berth in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon next year.
When Delos Santos fielded the call from Claudio, she first hesitated because she was committed to run in another run in Manila the same weekend.
Delos Santos relented, however, and agreed.
The rest, as they say is history.
