Tabal, Kenyan dominate Sinulog Run

CEBU, Philippines – Country’s marathon queen Mary Joy Tabal started the New Year with a bang as she established a new personal best in the 5K run to win the women’s open in the 2015 Sinulog Fun Run yesterday starting and ending at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Tabal retained her crown after finishing the race in 17 minutes and 55 seconds beating her past record of 18:03 set two years ago during the Philippine National Games.

Though it was only a five-kilometer action, Tabal said that she found the route challenging as she also dealt with a lot of fresher legs who provide her with a tough competition.

“The route was so challenging for a 5-km, up and down mao rewarding kaayo ako sub 18 minutes kay dili sad to sayun na rota,” said Tabal.

Cherry Andrin came out a distant second on her 19:47 clocking while Mary Joy Loberanis came out third with 20:21.

Rounding up the Top 10 finishers were Chery’s sister Lovely (21:40), Sarah Lee Cuizon (21:49), Irish Delechos (22:30), Michelle Beboso (22:47), Lynle Cardenas (22:59), Keisha Mae Delechos (23:09) and Mary Joy Castor (23:17).

In the men’s side, Kenyan Isaac Simat won over Prince Lee with 15:52 clocking, while the latter registered a time of 16:11. Kenyans James Mebei (16:15) and Douglas Mwiti (16:18) claimed the third and fourth place finish.

Completing the Top 10 cast in the men’s division were Elmer Bartolo (16:30), Daryl Manos (16:42), Michael Largo (16:45), Robert Daang(16:53), Ronnilo Gabilan (17:02) and Ronnie Andrin (17:06).

Spectrum Runners of Dr. Gerry Mayo also got a special award for being the biggest running club while Abellana National School got the best in costume in a group as Lynely Malaki, Melina Ignacio, Andrew Lum and Kyle Padilla were the four chosen for the best in costume. (FREEMAN)