Running pair triumphs in Cebu

CEBU CITY , Philippines   â€“ Hard work paid off for John Philip Dueñas and Mary Joy Tabal who came out victorious in the 21K Milo Marathon elimination leg here yesterday.

The race was flagged off at 4:30 a.m. at the Cebu City Sports Center where 24,067 runners, a record number, had gathered early under cover of darkness.

Dueñas and Tabal, who train together and studied together, put on a fast, early pace. No one among their counterparts really managed to stay within striking distance.  

Dueñas, 26, won his first regional title with a time of one hour, 15 minutes, 24 seconds while Tabal nailed her second straight Cebu crown in 1:24.50.

Bonifacio Monjas trailed Dueñas to the finish (1:16.32), followed by Argie Trillor (1:19.57), Paul James Zafico (1:22.10), Ian Refuela (1:23.18) and Jboy Magbologtong (1:25.28).

Tabal was more convincing. Her closest pursuer, Christy Sevillano, crossed the finish in 1:40.48, towing Sandra Soliano (1:43.21), Viginia Parajenog (1:45.29) and Rhodora Oporto (1:46.23).

“When I realized no one could match my pace, I never looked back. Then I joined a group of male runners,” said Tabal, whose time was good for sixth place in the men’s side.

Dueñas and Tabal, who both carry a master’s degree in Public Administration from the Southwestern University, booked tickets to the National Finals on Dec. 8 in Manila.

Tabal ruled the local division in the 42 km finals last year and said she will train harder to keep the title. Dueñas is in his sixth finals but has yet to win the title.

“It’s because I’m more focused on running 21K races and I’m now into triathlon,” said Dueñas, who finished third in an Ironman race here in Cebu last August.

Dueñas helps Tabal in training and said the charming 24-year-old runner has a better chance than him in full marathons.

The two winners are close to each other. They both laughed when teased if there was any courtship or relationship going on between them.

“We just focus on our running,” Dueñas said.

Tabal said she runs every day, rain or shine, and logs more than a hundred kilometers a week. She was amply rewarded with her third Cebu leg title in four years.

“Winning is just a bonus,” she said.

They were asked how they plan to celebrate their victory.

No answer.