CM 50 Ultra: Manolito Divina and Maria Josephine Liao defend their titles

RD Jon Lacanlale (left) flanks the podium placers of this year's CM 50 race (excl. Jan Nilsen)

Filippino runners Manolito Divina and Maria Josephine Liao have successfully defended their titles in last weekend's Clark-Myamit Falls 50 miles race. Both finishes solo after a great day of running in splendid conditions.  In the men's Norway's Jan Nilsen made it to 2nd place,  and James Telias completed the podium in 3rd, edging out Koi Grey. Liao ran the course faster than Silamie Apolistar and Joanna Plumbley. In the Asia Trail Master ranking, Arief Wismoyono and Ma Yanxin retain their leading positions.

Before the top runners on the main 50 miles race distance arrived back in Clark, spectactors witnessed a rather unique performance by Meredith Edwards in the 60km race. The American girl won the race....overall! She beat all the men in 8h11! Edwards is of course very experienced and has scored top 10 at UTMB already, yet it remains an achievement.

The 5th edition of CM 50 was a fast one. Manolito Divina crossed the finish line in 9h22, which was almost half an hour before Jan Nilsen, who clearly had recovered well from the blisters that plagued him in Bromo Tengger Semeru Ultra two weeks ago. He was able to keep up with Divina initially, but then had to let the local star go. James Telias came third in 10h22, which by all means is still a very quick time. The competition was of high standard as Koi Grey even had to settle for fourth place. 

CM 50 has a nighttime start

The champion: Manolito Divina

Maria Josephine Liao also won the women's race for the second year in a row