Karate phenom wins

BY NEIL BRAVO
For a change, Oona Barnes set aside her karate gi and put on her running shoes for the Year of the Snake Run.
Luck could well be on her way this year as she proved her determination on the mat could also make her win on the road.
Barnes, one of Davao City’s athletes of the year and a bemedalled internationalist in karatedo, clocked 26 minutes and 13 seconds to win the 13 years old and under 4-kilometer race.
“Versatile talaga si Oona kahit saan mo siya ilagay, she will excel,” Barnes’ karatedo instructor Rommel Tan told EDGE Davao in a text message after learning of her ward’s victory.
Danna Pillerin was a far second in 42:41 while Margaret Pillerin was third in 43:41.
Jet Lee Lirasan won the boys title in 18 minutes and 18 seconds followed by Andrei Castillo (20:03) in second and Mark Macedo (20:04) in third.
Arnie Macaneras topped the premier 18-kilometer men’s race in 42 minutes and 22 seconds. Ronald Dagaang, running in his second straight race in two days, placed second in 42:36 while Nestor Madula (45:18) clinched third.
Veteran Monalisa Ambasa won the women’s title in 50 minutes and 5 seconds, besting Ruffa Sorongon who crossed the finish in second at 50:40. Daime Jaro was third in 55:35.
In the 8-kilometer race, Jesmar Lopez won the men’s crown in 26:58 followed by Roly Paderna (27:10) and Lloyd Malinao (30:10). The women’s plum went to Cellie Rose Jaro, who also won the Amway Run only a day before. Jaro clocked 32:56 while Vivian Avergonzado (34:54) took second place followed by Cristy Capaniarihan (40:35) in third.
The Year of the Snake Run was held in time for the city’s grand welcome of the Lunar New Year.