Nothing new: Mary Joy Tabal wins 6th straight Milo Marathon

FILE – Mary Joy Tabal during last year’s National Milo Marathon Finals in Cebu. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Rio Olympian Mary Joy Tabal extended her reign as Milo Marathon Queen after winning the local women’s category of the 42nd National Milo Marathon Finals Sunday in Laoag City.

It was a historic run for Tabal, who became the first female marathoner to win the title six straight times.

Tabal, the Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, clocked two hours, 56 minutes and 31 seconds.

“I am happy because I was able to defend my title. There were challenges that I’ve encountered during the run, but nonetheless, I am very happy because I finished the race safe and injury-free,” said Tabal.

In the men’s category, Rafael Poliquit set a personal best of 2:28:47 and finished in first place.

Both Tabal and Poliquit claimed the top seed slots in the 2019 SEA Games and took home P150,000 each.

The 29-year-old Tabal was six minutes behind Margaret Njuguna of Kenya, who 42K ruled the Open Category.