Hail Mary as Joy Tabal still country’s marathon queen

CEBU, Philippines – Cebuana long distance running star Mary Joy Tabal completed a historic grandslam feat in the women's division of the 39th National Milo Marathon, which was staged for the first time at Clark Development Corporation compound in Angeles City, Pampanga yesterday.

She may have failed to breach the qualifying time of two hours and 42 minutes for the 2016 Rio Olympics, but what matters most for Tabal is her being able to defend her crown for the third year in a row.

Aside from missing an automatic Olympics berth, Tabal also failed to break her own record by just a couple of seconds.

Nevertheless, Milo Sports Executive Robbie de Vera said no other Filipina runner has accomplished such feat and that he promised to fully support Tabal's bid to qualify for next year's Olympics in the former Brazilian capital.

Tabal still has another chance to make it to the quadrennial meet via the Boston Marathon next year. Taking part in the Boston Marathon is an incentive given by Milo to the top Pinoy and Pinay finishers in the national finals.

Interestingly, Tabal is the first one to enjoy all three free trips abroad, the first one in Paris and then in LA Marathon.

The sudden downpour caused everyone to slow down and saw Tabal finishing the 42.195-kilometer footrace in two hours, 48 minutes and 24 seconds.

The SEA Games silver medallist Tabal actually placed second overall in the women's international class topped by Kenyan Elizabeth Rumokol with a time of 2:43:45. Rumokol's compatriot Margaret Nj Kona wound up third with a 2:49:32 clocking.

Former Cebu road running queen Mary Grace de los Santos, the second best Filipina finisher, landed fourth overall in 3:02:20. Cebu leg champion Ruffa Sorongon ended her bid at ninth in 3:25:26, while  Manila-based Cebuana Miscelle Gilbuena rounded up the women's top 10 in 3:27:25.

In the men's side, Cebu's top bet Noel Tillor could only make it to fifth place with a time of 2:39:01. Raphael Poliquit successfully defended his throne with the best time of 2:36:12 as Juneil Languido and Maclina Sadia occupied the next two spots with a 2:36:21 and 2:37:43 clockings, respectively.

The top three in overall rankings, however, where all taken by Kenyans led by James Tallam (2:20:10) followed by Josphat Kiptanui (2:20:49) and Julius Keprotich Seurei (2:21:50). (FREEMAN)