DEFENDING women’s titlist Mary Joy Tabal of Cebu is wary about her title chances in today’s 38th National Milo Marathon Finals after the race was postponed due to Typhoon “Ruby” (international name Hagupit).
Tabal told Cebu Daily News that her preparations were interrupted when the race, initially scheduled last Dec. 6, was moved due to the typhoon, which battered the Visayas and parts of Luzon.
Today’s run will start at the SM Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay City, Metro Manila.
“Naapektuhan jud ang akong preparations. Naglisod na gani ko ug adjust sa race ugma pero amo jud ni paningkamotan nga maka finish ug strong sa race,” Tabal said.
Tabal is expected to face stiff challenges from her arch rival Mary Grace Delos Santos of Zamboanga City and other noted runners like Jho-ann Banayag, Cristabelle Martes and some Kenyans.
Tabal dominated the 42k race last year with a new meet record of 2:48.00 bettering Banayag’s record by 16 seconds.
Although she placed second to Kenyan Margaret Njuguna, who topped the overall Open category in 2:42.18, Tabal was the undisputed queen in the Local division, winning P250,000 in cash plus P20,000 for breaking Banayag’s record.
Tabal said that she won’t be gunning for a faster time today, but just just to enjoy the race with her trainer and running partner John Philip Dueñas.