Sabal edges British triathlete in Milo run

Gerald Sabal outclassed British triathlete Stephen Baylis in the last two kilometers to win the Clark Freeport elimination of the 32nd National Milo Marathon yesterday inside the former US airbase.

Bucking leg cramps in the last five kilometers, Sabal, younger brother of reigning Milo champion Cresenciano Sabal, engaged Baylis in a tight race throughout, then outsprinted the 28-year-old Briton in the homestretch to win the race.

 “I was hit with leg cramps in the last five kilometers but I endured it because I wanted to win,” said the 22-year-old farmer’s son from Sultan Kudarat after crossing the finish line ahead of Baylis.

Sabal, who won P10,000 plus trophy, negotiated the 21K run under ideal conditions in one hour, 10 minutes,  28 seconds.

Baylis, who clocked 1:10.32, chased Sabal but couldn’t keep abreast with the wiry Filipino runner.

“He ran too fast. He’s really good. He deserves the title. I congratulate him for his effort,” said Baylis.

Rodolfo Tacadino came in third in 1:10.39, edging fourth placer Rabino Javier, who checked in 1:13.13.

Bella Comerford, a 30-year-old triathlete from Scotland,  ruled the distaff side in 1:18.38, becoming first foreign runner to win a Milo marathon elimination.

Comerford led a 1-2 finish for Scotland as Crissie Wellington came in second in 1:18.59. Maricel Maquilan checked in third in 1:27.14.

Randy Guevarra (17.20) and May Dalilia (22.00) won the 5-k men’s and women’s titles, respectively.

A total of 2,000 runners answered 6 a.m. gun fired by Milo executive vice president  Pat Goc-Ong. Also present were Peter Noszek, Nestle Phils. vice president for finance, Noemi Garcia, Clark Freeport Tourism and Cultural Affairs director, and race director Rudy Biscocho.

The fourth edition of the 24 leg-series will be held in General Santos City Feb. 24 in partnership with Bayview Park Hotel, Adidas and Department of Tourism.