Tabal reigns anew

9th SM2SM Run

CEBU, Philippines — Cebuana Olympian Mary Joy Tabal added feather to her already decorated cap after clinching her second straight title this month via the 9th SM2SM Run yesterday at the  SM City-Cebu grounds.

The reigning Southeast Asian Games gold medalist once again came out on top of the 21K women’s event after crossing the finish line in one hour, 24 minutes and 54 seconds.

Christine Hallasgo was Tabal’s closest pursuer with a time of 1:25:12, while veteran Christabel Martes wound up third with 1:30:36, clocking.

Milo Marathon king Rafael Poliquit, Jr. of Tagum City, Davao also showed his dominance after winning the 21K men’s title with a time of one hour, 11 minutes and 19 seconds. Spectrum Runners Club’s Prince Joey Lee settled for second in 1:11:45 followed by Jeson Agravante (1:12:15).

Meanwhile, Kenyan Jackson Kiprotich Chirchir (1:11:15) and Mary Luz Shimizu (2:01:11) emerged as the fastest foreign runners in their respective divisions.

In the women’s 12K, Cebu-based long distance runner Ruffa Sorongon clinched the crown with a time of 48:49. Rosalyn Tadlas (52:34) and Cinderella Lorenzo (52:41) occupied the next two spots.

The top three in the men’s 12K were Sonny Wagdos (40:41), Bobby Tadlas (41:14) and Arlan Arbois, Jr. (41:20).

Earl Peonila and Joan Alinsunod dominated their respective classes in the 8K with a time of 27:43 and 34:04, respectively, while Ruel Algufera (12:56) and Geneciel Saballa (15:39) ruled the 4K.

Cesencio Caballes also stole part of the limelight after winning the 4K title in the Person with Disability (PWD) category with a time of 18:36. (FREEMAN)