Cebuano Runner Mark Mahinay Triumphs Over Kenyan Rivals in Home Credit Run
Despite fierce competition from international athletes, Cebuano runner Mark Mahinay emerged victorious in the Home Credit: Takbo Para sa Life Run, held on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at City di Mare in the South Road Properties (SRP) of Cebu City. The event showcased a thrilling display of athletic prowess, with Mahinay securing the top spot in the men's division.
Mahinay's Impressive Performance and Background
Mahinay, a native of Catmon, Cebu and a student-athlete at the University of Cebu, completed the 10-kilometer race in an impressive time of 31 minutes and 33 seconds. This victory solidifies his status as one of Cebu's rising stars in distance running competitions, building on his experience representing the Philippines at the 2025 FISU World University Games in Germany. There, he competed in the 1,500m, 5,000m, and 10,000m events, gaining valuable exposure against elite international runners.
Kenyan Runners and Women's Category Results
In a closely contested race, multi-titled Kenyan runner Eric Chepsiror finished second with a time of 31:43, just 10 seconds behind Mahinay. Nickson Kosgei took third place, crossing the finish line in 32:19. The women's category was dominated by Ruth Gachecu, who finished in 40:10, followed by Michelle Zamora at 40:36 and Ashley Fairh Alburo at 45:26.
Event Highlights and Future Plans
The run attracted nearly 2,000 participants, despite short notice, and featured a raffle draw with home appliances as prizes. Following successful events in Cebu and Manila, organizers announced plans to expand the series. Home Credit stated, "We are gearing up for bigger and better Takbo Para sa Life events in the future, with plans to bring the run to more communities nationwide. With every stride, Takbo Para sa Life continues to grow as a platform that brings people together, celebrating health, community, and personal wins, one run at a time."
