THIS coming December 9, Cebu’s beloved marathoner, Mary Joy Tabal will be going for her sixth straight title in the National Milo Marathon in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
Winning for five straight years, some may think the Cebuana might have lost her hunger for the crown. In fact, the 29-year-old said she is hungry for the title, especially since she has some motivation going into the race.
Tabal told Cebu Daily News that her sixth title defense will be special since it will be a year since her dad passed away.
“It’s going to be extra special because it’s the first death anniversary of my papa and I know that Milo Marathon was his favorite race to watch,” said Tabal.
Tabal’s father, Rolando, succumbed to complications from diabetes on December 2, 2018, a day before her fifth title defense in Cebu.
“I dedicate this race to him,” Tabal added.
Another motivation for the Olympian from Barangay Guba, Cebu City is her bid for a spot in the Southeast Asian Games that the Philippines will be hosting next year.
“Also, making this race extra special because I am inspired to defend my title for sixth straight year with a slot for the Southeast Asian Games at stake,” she said.
Tabal is well rested, with the last big race she joined being the Asian Games last August.
This means she will be in tip-top shape come race day in Ilocos Norte.
According to Tabal, she is really looking forward to the Southeast Asian Games since it will be held here in her home country and she is the defending women’s marathon champion.
“Competing here in the Philippines has a very different feeling, I am more comfortable, and my training camp is in my hometown in Cebu, I don’t have to adjust with the time and the climate,” said Tabal.
At the moment, Tabal is now in the final stages of her training under her long-time coach John Philip Dueñas.
“Right now, there’s nothing that bothers my mind, I am fully focused with my title defense and the SEA Games. I think that’s another thing that makes this edition of the Milo Marathon different from the past years.”