PHL’s newest marathon queen Christine Hallasgo trained with ukay shoes

Christine Hallasgo, the gold medalist in the 30th Southeast Asian Games women's marathon, trained using used shoes bought from ukay-ukay shops.

According to Ian Cruz's report on "24 Oras", Hallasgo didn't have a major sponsor. She also didn't have a training stint abroad.

"Kasi nakakamura po ako. Tapos, hindi naman po talaga basihan yung sapatos, kung magkano yung presyo," Hallasgo said of buying used shoes from thrift shops.

Hallasgo said there were also times when she could wear brand new pairs.

"Nakaka-suot po ako ng mga branded na sapatos 'pag may laro po ako tapos may premyong sapatos po na mga branded," Hallasgo said.

Hallasgo, who first competed in the SEA Games this year, unseated fellow Filipino  Mary Joy Tabal who bagged the silver medal. 

Tabal was the defending champion in the SEA Games marathon.

FULL COVERAGE: 30th Southeast Asian Games on GMA News Online

"Nagpapasalamat po ako ng marami sa Panginoon kasi kahit nag cramps na po ako last one lap, nakaya ko pa po. Hindi ko po in-expect na ako yung mag champion po," Hallasgo said.

"First time ko pong mapalayo sa anak ko. Tiniis ko po yung pagod atsaka yung pangungulila po sa anak ko kaya pinagsikapan ko po na sana hindi masayang lahat ng pinaghirapan ko at lahat ng sakripisyo ko po," she added.

Tabal was happy for Hallasgo.

"I'm happy kay Christine 'cause this is her first SEA Games appearance. I'm also happy and proid na we made it first and second," Tabal said.

"I'm also happy that we made it safe," she added.

It was only in July when Hallasgo entered the national pool of athletes.

She said there was even a time when she was asked to leave from a training camp in Lingayen, Pangasinan due to incomplete papers.

"Mga isang oras lang ako nakaalis doon sa tinutuluyan namin sa Lingayen, pinabalik naman ako kasi naisip rin siguro nila na wala pa akong allowance, tas malayo pa ko, galing Mindanao pa ko," Hallasgo said.

The athlete's next target is the Tokyo Marathon in 2020. —Joahna Lei Casilao/NB, GMA News