Running sensation dedicates Run for a Hero victory to SAF 44

FOR FALLEN 44

Mary Joy Tabal of Cebu shows off her first-place trophy during the awarding ceremony of the Condura Skyway Marathon: Run for A Hero in Manila.
(Contributed)

Cebuana running sensation Mary Joy Tabal logged her third win this year after topping yesterday’s 21-kilometer race of the Condura Skyway Marathon: Run for A Hero in Manila.

The 25-year-old Tabal said she is dedicating her latest victory to the 44 members of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) who were killed in Maguindanao last week. Two of those who died in a clash with the  Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Mamasapano, Maguindanao were Cebuanos.

“I dedicate this (victory) to the fallen 44 PNP-SAF members,” Tabal said. “This is a very meaningful run for me. A well-spent race for the heroes. I salute all of them for their great sacrifice.”

Tabal has had three victories so far this year, one in a short-distance race and two in her favorite 21k distance. She is coming from a second-place finish in the Hong Kong Standard Chartered Marathon.

The petite runner who won a total of 19 titles last year ruled the 21k overall women’s race in one hour, 21 minutes and six seconds, beating rival Mary Grace delos Santos, who finished in 1:25.35. Jho-an Banayag rounded off the top three with a time of 1:29.30.

Tabal, who won the 21k title of this year’s Cebu City Marathon, also topped the All-Filipino category of yesterday’s event, which is part of her preparation  for the upcoming L.A. Marathon on March 15.

“I did not mention this race that much because it’s part of my preparation for the L.A. Marathon,” said Tabal, who was paced by her coach, John Philip Dueñas, yesterday.

Julius Sermona topped the men’s side with a time of 1:11.25 while Richard Salano finished second (1:12.07) and Alley Quisay settled for third (1:12.13).

The former Southwestern University ace Tabal is set to compete in the L.A. Marathon as part of her incentive for winning the 42k race of last year’s National Milo Marathon Finals also held in Manila.