Sabal, who placed third in the 42K national finals last year, found minute resistance in ruling the 21K qualifying run.
"Umpisa pa lang nanguna na ako. Pero mas nakakapagod pala dahil wala akong ka-pacing," said the 27-year-old Sabal, who finished the race in one hour, 11 minutes and 47 seconds.
Sabal, a member of the Philippine Army based in Tanay, prepared well for this race and at the same time vowed to redeem himself in the coming national finals slated in Metro Manila Oct. 9.
During last year’s race, veteran marathoner Reynaldo delos Reyes defeated Sabal by a mere one second to claim second place and the P50,000 cash prize. Sabal settled for third place honors and the P30,000 purse.
"Babawi ako sa finals. Sa mga takbo namin ni delos Reyes tinatalo ko naman siya kaya lang naisahan niya ako last year," added Sabal, who is now qualified to run in the 29th Milo Marathon finals along with the rest of the top three finishers in the men’s and women’s 21K run.
The grand national champions in the men’s and women’s races will take home P75,000 each.
Placing second yesterday was Jonas Bacnagan of Air Force (1:15:41) and third was veteran runner Bernardo Desamito (1:16:55).
The distaff side of this annual race held in partnership with Bayview Park Hotel, Adidas, Cebu Pacific, Smart Kid, Department of Tourism, Addict Mobile Prepaid, and Power Bar was ruled by the 23-year-old Tolentino.
Tolentino, who is from Cagayan de Oro City but is currently a middle-distance varsity athlete of La Salle Dasmarinas, completed the course in 1:34:40 to beat 18-year-old Sealand Agana, who already owns three full marathon titles.
Agana, who wanted to join the elims two years ago but failed to make the Milo Marathon age limit of 18, was timed at 1:36:32.
"Malakas talaga si Ate Ellen (Tolentino), hinahabol ko pero naubusan ako," said Agana, who won two full marathon titles in Laguna and one in Pasig.
Tolentino, on the other hand, first qualified for the national finals two years ago when she placed second behind younger sister Aileen in Cagayan de Oro City. The elder Tolentino, however, enrolled at La Salla-Dasma last year but competed in the elimination race only this year after meeting the Milo Marathon residency requirement of six months.
"Hindi ako sanay sa 42K. Baka matalo ako doon ni Sealand pero susubukan ko pa rin sa October," said Tolentino.
Placing third in the women’s race was 18-year-old Irma Calabia with a time of 1:40:14.
Another runner from Cagayan de Oro City who is now enrolled at La Salle-Dasma ruled the men’s 5K race.
Alquin Bolivar, who used to rule the 5K races in Cagayan de Oro, topped yesterday’s 5K run in 14:43. He was followed by Joseph Mancera (15:20) and Frankie Trinidad (15:24).
Topping the women’s 5K run were Jazmin Piores (20:08), Cheryl Tolentino (21:12) and April Guillen (22:20).
The winners in the 3K Kiddies races were James Lobo and Ailene Cator in the 6-9 age category and Rico Lacquio and Janice Lanto in the 10-12 group.