Mary Joy Tabal, preparing for her first triathlon race, managed to add another title to her belt as she topped the 12-kilometer race of the 2nd Sonshine Radio Half Marathon at Ayala Center Cebu’s The Terraces.
Philippine team member Mary Grace delos Santos also showed her winning form as she ruled the 21k event.
Tabal, who will be teaming up with Amale Jopson and Lhoriz Echavez in the relay competition of the Filipino elite category in the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines next month, clocked 48 minutes and 42 seconds to win the women’s 12k title.
Delos Santos, meanwhile, finished the 21k race in one hour, 34 minutes and 18 seconds to be the best female runner in the race.
A head-to-head encounter between Tabal and her rival Delos Santos didn’t happen again as the former decided to compete in a shorter distance to avoid tiring herself too much and risk her preparation for the Ironman event.
Tabal will also be competing in the Camsur Marathon and the Milo Marathon next month. Lovely Fe Andrin of the Pajo Elementary School of Lapu-Lapu City and Maimai Villo Hermosilla rounded off the top three in the 12k category.
Madelyn Carter and Mary Jane Beboso, meanwhile, placed second and third, respectively, in the 21k.
Delos Santos’ trainer and long time partner Sherwin Managuil also emerged on top in the 21k men’s side as he finished in one hour, 16 minutes and 52 seconds. Ultra runner Noel Tillor placed second while Adonis Singson settled for third place.
Davao’s Joebert Carolino dominated the 12k men’s side with a time of 41 minutes and 26 seconds. Robert Daang placed second followed by Jodel Batarilan at third.
Cherry Andrin topped the 6k women’s side while John Daryl Manos topped the men’s race. Jorry Ycong and Jhean Andrin ruled the 3k category.