Sulu: Tausug runner Khalid Arakan triumphed in the 10-kilometer male category of the 1st Ganarul fun run, a significant event held during the pre-anniversary celebrations of the 1102nd Infantry "Ganarul" Brigade's seventh founding anniversary. Arakan completed the race in 39 minutes and 17 seconds, emerging at the forefront among over 600 runners from various municipalities in Sulu and neighboring areas. The event took place at Camp AKA in Barangay Bual, Luuk, Sulu.
According to Philippines News Agency, Arakan, a respiratory therapist at Maimbung District Hospital, is a regular participant in races. He recently placed fifth out of 248 runners in the 21-kilometer Milo Marathon in Zamboanga City on October 19, 2025. In the 1st Ganarul race, Private Dixter Ariquit finished as first runner-up with a time of 40:37, while PFC Benjamin Obod secured the position of second runner-up at 43:34.
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, commander of the brigade, emphasized the significance of the fun run in fostering stronger ties with stakeholders to support peace, security, and development initiatives throughout the province. In the female category, the top finishers were 1Lt. Irish Antoinette Borromeo, PFC Jiselle Perez, and 2Lt. Ma. Kristina Ramos.
In the 5 km Open category, PFC Marcelino Monteza Jr. claimed victory with a time of 18:23, followed closely by Mudzricar Nurhasan at 18:28 and Rolly Hadjilani at 19:03. Salam Jurimel emerged as the winner of the 3 km Open category with a time of 13:15, with PFC Rovelendo Pabutawa and Hassim Nadzmil finishing as runners-up at 13:20 and 13:36, respectively.
Special recognitions were awarded to the youngest participants, Al-Makram Arbison Jr., Keane Paca±a, and Almudzri Jumaani, all aged 15, as well as to SSgt. Fabian Ukang, 56, the oldest runner. Delos Santos highlighted the event as a reflection of the strong partnership between the military, local government units, private sector partners, and communities.
"The first-ever Ganarul Fun Run marked another milestone in the Brigade's history, demonstrating how sports and community engagement can strengthen relationships and promote a culture of cooperation in support of lasting peace and development in Sulu," Delos Santos stated. This year's anniversary is themed "Ganarul@7: Strengthening partnerships for peace and development in Lupah Sug."
