Eduard Flores, Christine Hallasgo rule Manila Marathon 42K race

Eduard Flores and Christine Hallasgo ruled the 42K race of the Manila Marathon held on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

Flores clocked in two hours, 30 minutes, and 10 seconds to defend his title in the men's division, while Hallasgo registered two hours, 55 minutes, and 34 seconds to top the women's division.

“Malaking tulong sa akin 'yun kasi goal ko talagang makakuha ng magandang time,” said Flores of General Santos City.

Hallasgo, meanwhile, is thankful that her sacrifices paid off.

“Thankful lang ako kasi kahit paano, ako pa rin 'yung nagwagi. Sulit lahat ng sakripisyo kasi hindi madali na malayo ako sa family ko habang nagte-training, pero alam ko na habang malakas ako, hanggang kaya ko, lalaban ako,” she said.

This boosted their bid for a national team spot as they earned significant ranking points in this race sanctioned by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association, part of the World Athletics Rankings Competition, and is certified by World Athletics.

Richard Salano (2:33:56), Edsel Moral (2:33:57), Dickyias Mendioro (2:43:51), and Lexter Gaihe (3:03:34) completed the 42K men’s division top five, while Artjoy Torregosa (2:57:04), Maricar Camacho (3:15:12), April Rose Diaz (3:18:34), and Eloisa Cusi (3:19:07) comprised the best five in the women's division.

In the 21K race, Arlan Arbois (1:10:08) topped the men's division, while Joida Gagnao had the best time in the women's division (1:28:15). The 10K race saw Sonny Wagdos finish first on the men's side with 32:13, while Edna Magtubo shone in the women’s 10K with 40:24. Alfrence Braza (16:52) and Shaira Mae Fantilaga (21:48), meanwhile, were triumphant in the men's and women's 5K race, respectively.

The Galaxy Manila Marathon had around 19000 runners participating.

“We’re very happy with the turnout,” said RUNRIO president and CEO Rio de la Cruz. “History in the making din for us because it’s the biggest half-marathon with 7,000 participants joining the 21K race.”

—JKC, GMA Integrated News