Tabal wins women's marathon

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuana Mary Joy Tabal surpassed expectations as she won the women’s marathon of the 2nd Aboitiz Race to Reduce Challenge with a personal best of two hours, 57 minutes and 59 seconds at the Cebu International Convention Center yesterday morning.

Tabal, who only had two months preparation for the event, easily defeated Luisa Raterta for the crown. Raterta finished the race in 3:07.50.

“I’m so happy I was able to get my target of three hours, even better than what Philip (Tabal’s trainer/coach) wanted. The change of training program helped a lot to achieve my best time,” Tabal told The FREEMAN.

Kenyan Susan Jemutai earlier ran alongside Tabal, but could not keep up with the Cebuana runner after eight kilometers of trying to outsmart her.

Jemutai could not even hold on to the third spot as Aileen Tolentino overtook her. The Kenyan landed fourth followed by her compatriot Peris Pywo on fifth.

While Tabal ruled in style, the Kenyans dominated the men’s 43.195-km action and Pinoy to beat, Eduardo Buenavista only placed third.

It was James Cherutich who won the title with 2:24:12 clocking followed by Josphat Kiptanui with 2:25:20 as fellow Kenyans Willy Rotich and Benjamin Kepkazi landed at fourth and fifth places respectively.

On the other hand, Mary Grace de los Santos defended her women’s 21-km title over Rhea Ann Barcena.

De los Santos clocked 1:25.57 against Barcena’s 1:32:30 while Madelyn Carter placed third in 1:36:22.

Eluid Kering, another Kenyan got the men’s 21-km’s top spot over Cebuano Ian Bernido’s 1:13:34.

Joeberth Carolino and Jhean Andrin  won their respective classes under the 10-km run while it was Joel Delposo who emerged the fastest male runner in the 5-km and Lovely Fe Andrin in the distaff side. - THE FREEMAN