Pinays post 1-2 finish in SEAG marathon
Credit to Author: Jean Russel V. David| Date: Fri, 06 Dec 2019 16:19:03 +0000
CHRISTINE Hallasgo dethroned fellow Filipina and Olympian Mary Joy Tabal to emerge new queen of the 42-kilometer marathon in the 30th Southeast Asian Games on Friday at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.
The 27-year old Hallasgo finished the race in two hours, 56 minutes, and 56 seconds under the scorching heat of the sun.
“Dreams do come true. I did not expect to win the gold but I am thankful to God for giving me this huge blessing. This is ours, we win as one,” said Hallasgo.
A native of Malaybalay, Bukidnon, Hallasgo pulled away from five-time national champion Tabal in the final stretch. Tabal was stretchered off the track after crossing the finish line.
The 2017 SEAG gold medalist Tabal, who struggled with extensive heat, finished second with a time record of 2:58:49.
“I was maintaining my pace in the last 10km until I started to catch up in the last 7km,” said Tabal, who displayed labored breathing while passing the last 4km mark.
“Everything was giving their best and so do I. I heard someone saying ‘Go, Mary Joy, for the country’ so I was thinking that I have to maintain my phase,” said Tabal.
Tabal said she became oblivious of the crowd and just finished the race.
Vietnam’s Pham Thi Hong Le settled for bronze with 3:02:52.
In men’s marathon, Philippines’ Jerald Zabala (2:37:20) and Anthony Nerza (2:39:28) finished 5th and 6th, respectively.
Indonesia’s Agus Prayogo topped the men’s marathon with a time of 2:26:48 followed by Thailand’s Sanchai Namkhet for silver at 2:27:18 and Muhaizar Mohamad of Malaysia for bronze at 2:33:08.