Tabal turns Silver Run into golden performance

CEBU, Philippines - National marathon record-holder Mary Joy Tabal once again flashed her running might with authority to rule the women's 25-kilometer race of the Cebu Holdings' Silver Run at the Terraces of Ayala Center-Cebu yesterday.

Tabal completed the grueling race only in one hour, 41 minutes and 22 seconds. The Paris and Beijing Marathon-bound Tabal was way ahead of Christy Sevilleno-Tutor, who finished second in 2:11:58 followed by Leonora Martos in 2:21:43.

John Philip Duenas, Tabal's long-time coach and running partner,wound up second to Kenyan Abraham Missos in the men's 25K division.

Missos registered the best time of 1:30:03, while Duenas clocked in 1:32:27. Another Kenyan James Mebei landed at third with a time of 1:38:49.

Bonifacio Monjas was also "sancwhiched" by two Kenyans in the 10K action, with Isaac Simat topping the race with a time of 32:44. Monjas came in second at 35 minutes as Francis Kakui copped the third place honors in 36:11.

In the distaff side, the top three finishers were Lovely Fe Andrin (43:24), Mereeis Ramirez (44:10) and Ali Silva (47:29).

Lovely Fe's two other sisters Cherry and Jhean also made their presence felt, posting a 1-2 finish in the women's 5K battle followed by Lucille Ruiz. The men's side saw Kent Nastor, Jomar Villaguarda and Juntar Trio Puno occupying the top three spots.

In a special 3K category for Cebu Holdings employees, Ben Rama submitted the best time of 17 minutes and 25 seconds followed by Alexander Torrepalma (17:58) and Jeffrey Suson (18:12).

In the one-kilometer walkathon, Cecil Urbina crossed the finish line first in 23 minutes and 53 seconds. (FREEMAN)