Philippine Sports News and Updates

Sabal ran side by side with Baylis, a 28-year-old Londoner, for much of the 21-kilometer race before finally pulling in front to stay near the finish.

The younger brother of reigning Milo Marathon champion Cresenciano Sabal clocked one hour, 10 minutes and 28 seconds in the race that was disputed under ideal conditions.

He won the top purse of P10,000 and towed Baylis, who crossed the finish line four seconds later, and third placer Rodolfo Tacadino (1:10.39) into the national finals, slated Nov. 30 in Metro Manila.

Scot tops ladies race

Bella Comerford, a 30-year-old triathlete from Scotland, avenged the defeat of her friend Baylis by ruling the women’s 21K in 1:18.38. She pocketed P10,000 and became the first foreign runner to win a Milo marathon elimination race.

Comerford led a 1-2 finish for Scotland as Crissie Wellington came in second in 1:18.59. They made it to the finals along with Maricel Maquilan, who checked in third in 1:27.14.

“Inatake ako ng leg cramps sa last five kilometers pero hindi ko na ininda dahil gusto kong manalo (I had leg cramps in the last five kilometers but I pushed on because I wanted to win),” said Sabal, a 22-year-old farmer’s son from Sultan Kudarat.

Baylis tried to give chase in the final 100 meters but fell short.

“He ran too fast,” he said, congratulating Sabal for his effort. “He (Sabal) is really good. He deserves the title.”

Randy Guevarra won the 5K men’s title and May Dalilia the distaff race with clockings of 17.20 and 22.00 minutes, respectively.

About 2,000 runners answered the starting gun fired by Milo Sports EVP Pat Goc-Ong in the company of Peter Noszek, vice president for finance of Nestle Philippines; Noemi Garcia, Clark Freeport Tourism and Cultural Affairs director; and race director Rudy Biscocho.