Poliquit, Tabal keep Milo 42K plums

RAFAEL Poliquit and Mary Joy Tabal outran their rivals in contrasting fashion to hold on to their crowns in the 39th National Milo Marathon finals which started and ended at SM Clark grounds in Angeles, Pampanga, on Sunday.

Back-to-back men’s division winner Poliquit, 26, prevailed in 2 hours, 36 minutes and 12 seconds, just nine seconds faster than Juneil Languido (2:36:21).  Maclin Sadia (02:37:43) placed third.

On the other hand, Tabal clocked 2:48:24 for her third straight win, convincingly beating former champions Mary Grace Delos Santos (3:02:21) and Christabel Martes (3:02:29).

Arsenia Sagaray (1992-1994) and Martes (1999-2001) are the other winners of three consecutive titles.

Aside from the P150,000 top prize, Tabal received an additional P250,000 for placing second in the Open category behind Kenyan Elizabeth Rumokol (2:43:45).

Rumokol bagged P300,000 for her  victory in the Open category which also saw her countrymen sweep the men’s side—James Tallam (2:20:10), Josphat Kiptanui (:20:49) and Juluis Keprotich Seurei (2:21:54).

Poliquit and Tabal likewise earned all-expense paid trips to the Boston Marathon next year.

“It’s such a blessing to win my second title in a row,” said Poliquit, a native of Tagum City. “I’m proud because all the hardships I faced during my preparations are worth it.”

Tabal cried after crossing the finish line.

“I’m so happy and relieved,” said the 26-year-old Cebuana.  “I wouldn’t have achieved this without the help, prayers and support of my family, friends, and my coach Philip Duenas.”

An estimated 14,000 runners participated, including those in the 3K, 5K, 10K and 21K categories.

“The race is a testament to our runners’ passion and dedication,” said Milo Sports executive Andrew Neri after the race.