Jobert Carolino and Miscelle Gilbuena booked national finals berths after topping the 21K qualifier of the 38th National Milo Marathon in Angeles City, Pampanga, Sunday.
Carolino trailed three-time national champion Cresenciano Sabal for most of the race before forging ahead in the last 500 meters to snatch the win in one hour, 15 minutes and 20 seconds.
Sabal placed second in 1:15:35 and Sherwin Patron was third in 1:22:34.
Gilbuena ruled the distaff side with a time of 1:33:58. The 26-year-old from Cebu bested Chloe Jane Ong (1:52:00) and Denise Hernandez (1:54:15).
Carolino and Sabal pocketed P10,000 each. They will vie for P300,000 and all-expense paid trips to the 2015 Tokyo Marathon during the Dec. 7 national finals at Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay.
The race, which lured 10,312 participants, produced a total of 52 runners to the finals.
“Sabal is a very tough and smart runner,” said Carolino in Filipino. “I was not really prepared for this race. I started training only last week when I joined two other races. With my slot in the finals secured, I will focus more on my training.”
Gilbuena was supposed to join the Tarlac leg last week but felt her training was not enough. She will be making her seventh straight national finals appearance.
The MOA grounds will host the 42K qualifier on Sunday.