EDUARD Flores boosted his bid to become a member of the national team while Christine Hallasgo reinforced her position as the best in the country by ruling the 42K race in the Galaxy Manila Marathon yesterday at SM Mall of Asia Grounds.
Flores, 27, had the best time among the men, finishing the grueling course in two hours, 30 minutes, and 10 seconds to successfully repeat as champion in the nation’s biggest premier race while earning significant 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.
“Malakingtulongsa akin ‘yunkasi goal kotalagangmakakuha ng magandang time,” said the General Santos City native.
The 32-year-old Hallasgo showed why she is the top women’s marathoner in the country as she clocked two hours, 55 minutes, and 34 seconds in handily winning the race.
“Thankful langakokasikahitpaano, ako pa rin ‘yungnagwagi. Sulitlahat ng sakripisyokasihindimadalinamalayoakosa family kohabangnagte-training, peroalamkonahabangmalakasako, hanggang kaya ko, lalabanako,” said the national team campaigner from Malaybalay, Bukidnon.
Flores got the better of Richard Salano (2:33:56), Edsel Moral (2:33:57), DickyiasMendioro (2:43:51), and LexterGaihe (3:03:34) in the men’s division; while Hallasgo was ahead of ArtjoyTorregosa (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.
ArlanArbois 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 JoidaGagnao was victorious in the women’s 21K clocking in at 1:28:15, trailed by AfjeelClampiano (1:28:42), Jessa Mae Roda (1:31:35), Mea GeyAdialiaanNinura (1:33:07), and Rosalie Capucion (1:39:10).
Sonny Wagdos ruled the men’s 10K in 32:13, followed by JunelGobotia (32:30) and James Darrel Orduna (34:23), as Edna Magtubo shone in the women’s 10K in 40:24, in front of DecerieEncomio (42:23) and Angel Mae Saysay (42:49).
