NCAA sensation Mervin Duarte extended his streak Sunday by winning the first Manila 5000 Run that started and ended at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Winner of four gold medals for San Sebastian College in the athletics competition of NCAA, Duarte negotiated the 5,000-meter run contest in 13 minutes and 10 seconds to become the inaugural champion of the running event.

For his feat, Duarte, who reigned supreme in the 800m, 1,500m, 3,000m and 5,000m, pocketed the top prize of P5,000.

A hotel and restaurant management freshman, Duarte bolted away from de Jojit de Asis and Alquin Bolivar in Pedro Gil before pouring on the heat to win the race.

De Asis checked in second in 13.18 seconds worth P2,500 and Bolivar, winner of the Pocari 10k last Saturday, came in third in 13.23 seconds worth P1,500.

Justine Tabunda, son of two-time Milo marathon winner Justo Tabunda, shared the limelight by ruling the 5k elite class in 12 minutes and 13.29 seconds and pocketed P5,000. Michael Bacong and Ferdinand Corpuz placed second and third, respectively.

Serenata Saluan, a farmer daughter from Jolo who won seven gold medals in the UAAP and four in the CHED National Games, ruled the distaff side in 16 minutes seven seconds and won P5,000.