Tabal shines in Hong Kong marathon

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuana running star Mary Joy Tabal added feather on her cap after winning the overall championship in the 21K women’s open race of the 2016 Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon yesterday at the Victoria Park.

Tabal who placed second in the half marathon last year, came back strong this time as she finally won the top spot in the women’s class.

She crossed the finish line in one hour, 21 minutes and 41 seconds.  Taiwan's You Ya Jyun came out second with 1:22:27 while Japan's Asada Shido landed third with a time of 1:24:27.

The 26-year-old Cebuana conquered the challenge despite being greeted with a cold weather in Hong Kong.

"Nangaluya gyud mi pag-abot sa hotel.  Wala na gani mi dinner kay natulog na gyud mi,” said Tabal who admitted that she wasn’t 100% during the race because not only because of bad weather, she was also on her monthly period.

With the victory, Tabal gained confident as she braces for a tougher mission in claiming a slot at the 2016 Olympic. She will try to get a qualifying time as she joins the Boston Marathon this summer. (FREEMAN)