Thai racer reigns in SEATRC long trail race, PH bets score short trail 'grand slam'

Jantaraboon Kiangchaipaiphana is the new king of Southeast Asian trail running. Ivan Saldajeno
By Ivan Saldajeno

BONTOC—A Thai runner made history on Sunday as the inaugural grand champion of the Southeast Asian Trail Running Cup after ruling the long trail race here.

Jantaraboon Kiangchaipaiphana bested 19 other participants from six nations as he cleared the 77-kilometer course in 11 hours, four minutes, and eight seconds.

Kiangchaipaiphana was consistent throughout the race and finished it strong, pulling away from Filipino racer Larry Apolinario.

Apolinario, who had a solid headstart in the race, took the silver after clocking in at 11:37:25.

Compatriot Arnie Macaneras filled the podium after winning the bronze medal with an 11-hour, 49-minute, and 10-second finish.

While Kiangchaipaiphana spoiled the host nation's party in the long trail race, there was no stopping the Filipinos from dominating the short trail race.

John Ray Onifa led the way for the Philippines' podium grand slam by taking the gold, while Romnick Tongkaling captured the silver, and Godwin Mirar won the bronze.

Another Filipino, Randolf Gonzales, finished fourth in the short trail race, further showing how the Philippines reigns in short trail races.

Trisha Reyes, on the other hand, won the women's short trail race, while Christabel Martes took the silver to seal the Philippines' 1-2 finish.

Thai runner Yupa Saelee won the bronze in the women's short trail race.

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