Hallasgo dethrones Tabal as SEAG marathon queen
Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Fri, 06 Dec 2019 10:09:05 +0000
BY NICK GIONGCO
CAPAS, Tarlac – The torch may have been passed Friday when Christine Hallasgo dethroned Mary Joy Tabal in the women’s marathon event of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
Christine Hallasgo of the Philippiens raises her hands after crossing the finish line in women’s marathon. (Mark Balmores/Sony A9)
Hallasgo, who entered the race without much fanfare, clocked two hours, 56 minutes and 56 seconds in winning the 42.195-kilometer event staged in the roads around the New Clark City.
Tabal, the undisputed queen of marathon and a seasoned internationalist, having been the country’s first female competitor in the Olympics, passed out after crossing the finish in 2:58.49.
Tabal, 31, had to be stretchered out of the track for treatment at a medical facility but emerged without any serious issues.
Hallasgo, 27, told scribes after the race that she was totally surprised over the sudden turn of events, admitting that she was only playing second fiddle to Tabal and the rest.
“Talagang hindi ko expected na manalo dito, first time ko po sa SEA Games,” said Hallasgo, stressing that she badly wanted to give host Philippines a great start in the opening of the athletics competitions.
“Talagang pinagbutihan namin para makakuha ng ginto sa opening day.
Marami kaming entry sa athletics kaya ayoko na mahuli kami,” added the SEAG first-timer from Malaybalay, Bukindon.
Vietnam
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