EDUARD Flores boosted his bid to be part of the national team as Christine Hallasgo reinforced her position as the best in the country as they won the 42K race in the Galaxy Manila Marathon on Sunday at SM Mall of Asia Grounds.
Flores, 27, finished the grueling course in two hours, 30 minutes, and 10 seconds to repeat as champion in the premier race organized by RUNRIO while earning ranking points in this race sanctioned by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association, part of the World Athletics Rankings Competition, and is certified by World Athletics.
“Malaking tulong sa akin yun kasi goal ko talagang makakuha ng magandang time,” said the General Santos City native.
No stopping Hallasgo
The 32-year-old Hallasgo, on the other hand, showed why she is the top women’s marathoner in the country as she timed at two hours, 55 minutes, and 34 seconds.
“Thankful lang ako kasi kahit paano, ako pa rin yung nagwagi. Sulit lahat ng sakripisyo kasi hindi madali na malayo ako sa family ko habang nagte-training, pero alam ko na habang malakas ako, hanggang kaya ko, lalaban ako,” said the national team campaigner from Malaybalay, Bukidnon.
Flores got the better of Richard Salano (2:33:56), Edsel Moral (2:33:57), Dickyias Mendioro (2:43:51), and Lexter Gaihe (3:03:34) in the men’s division; while Hallasgo was ahead of Artjoy Torregosa (2:57:04), Maricar Camacho (3:15:12), April Rose Diaz (3:18:34), and Eloisa Cusi (3:19:07) in the women’s division.
Over 19,000 runners from 16 countries joined the crown jewel of the Philippines’ running calendar which has Samsung as title sponsor, Gatorade as official sports drink, Cristalino Spring as official hydration partner, and is supported by the Department of Tourism, National Parks Development Committee, and Intramuros Administration.
Arlan Arbois won the men’s 21K with his time of 1:10:08, followed by Roy Laudit (1:12:00), Rico Jay Patanao (1:13:13), Eduard Josh Buenavista (1:13:56), and John Paul Carreon (1:15:54); while Joida Gagnao was victorious in the women’s 21K clocking in at 1:28:15, trailed by Afjeel Clampiano (1:28:42), Jessa Mae Roda (1:31:35), Mea Gey Adialiaan Ninura (1:33:07), and Rosalie Capucion (1:39:10).
Sonny Wagdos ruled the men’s 10K in 32:13, followed by Junel Gobotia (32:30) and James Darrel Orduna (34:23), as Edna Magtubo shone in the women’s 10K in 40:24, in front of Decerie Encomio (42:23) and Angel Mae Saysay (42:49).
Alfrence Braza (16:52) and Shaira Mae Fantilaga (21:48) were triumphant in the 5K race, with John Mark Balogo (17:21) and EJ Lee Jr. (17:42) making it to the men’s podium and Jo Punay (24:03) and Leslie Cabato (24:20) getting into the women’s top three.
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