Davao Teen Faith Marie Ocon Claims First 10K Title in Rexona Run Series
In a stunning display of speed and determination, Dabawenya Faith Marie Ocon powered through the course to win the women's 10-kilometer race at the Rexona 10 Miler Run Series on Sunday, April 19, 2026. The event, held at Azuela Cove in Davao City, saw the 16-year-old athlete clock an impressive time of 43 minutes and 4 seconds, securing her first-ever 10K title.
A Breakthrough Performance
Ocon, who is set to represent the Davao Region in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa, pulled away in the final stretch to edge out Kate Duffy Gel McDowell, who finished second with a time of 43:41, and Leslie Claire Amalejo, who took third place in 51:39. This victory marked a swift redemption for Ocon, who had placed second in the Earth Day Run just one week prior.
"It's my first time to win the 10K. Last Sunday at the Earth Day Run, I only placed second," Ocon told SunStar Davao. "I'm very happy because on just my second 10K race, I bounced back after only a week."
Race Strategy and Preparation
Describing the race as tight early on, Ocon made her decisive move late in the competition. "It was a close race, but at the last turn, about 100 meters to the finish, I pulled away," she explained. Now in final preparations for the national meet, Ocon trains rigorously daily, logging sessions from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and again from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. between the UP Mindanao Sports Complex and her school, Calinan National High School.
She and the Davao Region team are currently quartered at Mintal Comprehensive National High School. "Since this is my first time to compete in the Palarong Pambansa and represent our region, it's such an honor. I'm looking forward to bringing home the bacon, God's will," Ocon added.
Event Highlights and Other Winners
The race drew approximately 1,300 participants, according to Kenneth Sai of KinetixSports, which staged the event in partnership with RunRio Inc. In other divisions:
- 16K Race: Corsino Satinitigan topped the men's division in 53:58, followed by Lloyd Prado (53:59) and Elmer Bartolo (57:36). Lyka Catubig ruled the women's side in 1:11:33, ahead of May Angelie Mag-aso (1:11:55) and Renalyn Lausan (1:14:25).
- 10K Men's Race: Maki Satinitigan led in 33:12, with Rico Bansilan (33:19) and Paul James Zafico (37:08) completing the podium.
- 5K Race: Mark James Agudo topped the men's field in 16:36, while Rhianne Mae Mañacap ruled the women's division in 20:04.
This event underscores the growing popularity of running in the region and highlights the emerging talent of young athletes like Faith Marie Ocon as they prepare for national competitions.
