Tabal shines in South Korea

CEBU, Philippines — Cebuana Olympian Mary Joy Tabal added feather on her cap after winning the overall championship in the 21K women’s open race of the 23rd Jeju International Tourism Marathon Festival in Jeju Island, South Korea yesterday.

Tabal who carried the banner of Team 7-Eleven, crossed the finish line in one hour, 18 minutes and 44 seconds.  The 29-year-old Tabal managed to claim the top spot despite tough competition against elite Japanese and South Korean female runners.

"Not a personal record but I am happy with my performance,” said the 2017 Southeast Asian Games gold medalist.  "I am happy because made the country proud again and maganda 'yung kondisyon ko even after the race. I want to thank 7-Eleven Philippines and to Motorace-Kawasaki for the support."

Tabal who had a training camp in Italy, is preparing for his stint in the Asian Games next month in Indonesia.

“This serves as good evaluation for my two-month training and it’s also good warm up for me the Asian Games,” added Tabal.

Aside from Tabal, other Cebu-based Pinay marathoners also made it into the top five with Ruffa Sorongon in the fourth place, while Cristabel Martes wounding up fifth.

Veteran Cebuano runner Prince Joey Lee also placed fourth in the 21K men’s class, while Rafael Pescos also making it to the top four finishers in the 42K men’s open. (FREEMAN)