AQUINO, BOWMAN LEAD BOG IFIT 5K

By Robert Balajadia

A different course presented a different outcome for the likes of John Aquino, who finished the Bank of Guam IFIT 5k under 16 minutes as the first male while female finisher Peri Bowman celebrated her first ever BOG run with a first place finish early Saturday morning.

“I did a little training for this race, not much, because I’m still trying to rest my legs after coming off a season of cross country. I actually ate some Vietnamese food last night and grabbed some carbs off of it and felt good to go!,” said Aquino on the his finish.

“I loved the course and how we ran in a loop. Most 5k’s are just from there and back, but this one was different and there was a little rain today so it was nice!,” said Bowman on the course.

Bowman and Mieko Carey were battling towards the final leg of the race where Bowman started to gain separation. Though the finish is where Bowman made her mark, she credits her performance to a great start to the race.

Peri Bowman charges down the finish line for the 1st place finish. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

“Manami Iijima was pushing me so much in the beginning and there were a lot of guys also pulling me. Today set a personal record for me while running on Guam, so I owe it to all my fellow racers for pushing me!,” said Bowman.

Aquino came in second place in last years BOG run, but his first place finish in 2015 is his first since running the BOG 5k. Coming in 2nd place was Kenta Togashi with 3rd place finisher Derek Mandell right behind him.

The top three finishers were entitled to cash prizes with the 1st getting the $1000 prize!

Complete results to be posted when available.