SAN MATEO, Rizal – Bulacan pride Emmanuel Dave Montemayor reaffirmed his mastery after crowning himself as the overall champion in the men’s open category of the 2024 7-Eleven Trail Cross-Country Marathon at the Timberland Heights on Sunday, Feb. 18.

The 23-year-old Montemayor overcame a lethargic start when he had an accident midway through the contest to clock 1 hour and 42.7 minutes in the 40-kilometer race. Mark Lowel Valderama (1:43:14, 2nd) and Dave Rhoa (1:43:34) placed second and third, respectively.

“Okay naman po mas nakapaghanda po ako, nagalangan po ako kasi nasemplang po ako kanina, pero buti nakabawi po ako kasi medyo kabisado ko na po itong track,” said Montemayor.

“Pinaghandaan ko po talaga ito para ma-defend ko po itong title,” he added.

Montemayor banked on his experience and eclipsed his last year’s time of 1 hour, 47 minutes and 20 seconds on the same course.

“Malaking opportunity po itong mga gantong palaro, gaya ng sa 711, talagang marami kaming nadedevelop at nagkakaroon ng chance na maipakita ‘yong kaya namin lalo na sa aming mga kabataan,” Montemayor added.

Meanwhile in the distaff side, Eusebia Nicole Quinoñes outshone Shagne Yaoyao after clocking  2 hours, 15 minutes and 14 seconds which was just three seconds ahead against the latter. Both riders are current members of the national team.

They were followed by Adel Pia Sendrijas (2:15:45), Dianna Costes (2:40:42), Alliyah Montajes (2:41:35) and Kyla Glinogo (2:44:34), Anna Angelo (2:56:49), Everlou Taniongon (2:58:19), Claire Pastor (3:03:29) and Jwyn Muyco (3:05:31).

Eboy, a former national team member and father of Eusebia Nicole, also joined in the tilt where he topped the above-55 men’s category while his son Matthew Symon fell to tenth place in the under-24 division.