Fil-Am Guermali, Ubas triumph in ICTSI PH Athletics Open

Filipino-American Yacine Guermali competes in the men's 5,000m event in the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) Philippine Athletics Championships at the Philsports track and field stadium in Pasig City on Wednesday (May 8, 2024). He won in 14 minutes and 18.83 seconds. (Contributed photo)

From the Philippine News Agency By Jean Malanum

MANILA – Filipino-American Yacine Guermali ruled the men's 5,000m event to claim the first gold medal in the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) Philippine Athletics Championships 2024 at the Philsports track and field stadium in Pasig City on Wednesday.

He registered a best time of 14:18:83 among 58 runners, with national team mainstay Sonny Wagdos (14:54:95), and Spectrum Runners Philippines Team's Noli Torre (15:05:00) finishing second and third, respectively.

“It feels good, good run today, so beautiful,” said the 24-year-old Guermali, who studied business administration at the Gonzaga University, where he also earned a Master’s degree.

He was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico to a Filipino mother from Solano town in Nueva Vizcaya province. His father is a former professional runner from Morocco who migrated to the US.

“I am so happy to be here, competing for the first time. It is a tough event no matter what the climate is,” added Guermali, who holds the Philippine record of 13:50:74 he set at the Oregon State University High Performance meet on April 30, 2021.

Pasig City's Janry Ubas, University of the East's Heart Duarte, 5 Throws-for-All bet Daniella Daynata, and Adamson University's Elizabeth Sicat were the other gold medal winners in the tournament organized by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) headed by Terry Capistrano.

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