MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATED) It was with a heavy heart that Mary Joy Tabal competed in the finals of the 41st National Milo Marathon on Sunday morning in Cebu City.

Tabal became the first woman to win the marathon five times in a row, fittingly achieving the feat in her hometown of Cebu with thousands of Cebuanos cheering her on.

The Olympian and Southeast Asian Games gold medalist clocked in a time of 2:58:01 for first place, with Christabel Martes (3:04:20) a far second and Jho-An Villarma (3:11:26) in third.

But it was a difficult race for Tabal, who was in tears as she crossed the finish line. The day before the race, Tabal's father, Rolando, passed away.

"I was training in Italy for the past few weeks, and I just returned to Cebu on Tuesday," Tabal said. "I didn't get to see him before he passed away. I was only able to speak with him on the phone."

"Papa did not want me to lose focus and told me not to visit him anymore, and that he will just meet me after the race, as we both promised each other. He told me he will pray for me always, and he believes that I will be able to win this race," she added.

Tabal acknowledged that she almost pulled out of the national final, as it was too painful for her to compete. However, she was determined to fulfill her father's wish, which was for her to complete the race.

"It was a really trying time for me, but I had to be stronger. I was 100% ready to win. I finished strongly and safely because I know my Papa was there running with me," she said.

"I know he wanted me to achieve my goal of becoming a five-time Milo Marathon Queen. I dedicate this race to my Papa. I know he will be with me in all of my races. He was the one who taught me to never give up, and I never will," said Tabal.

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In the men's division, Davaoeño salesman Joerge Andrade won his first Milo Marathon King title. He finished with a time of 2:39:34, while Erick Panique (2:42:10) and five-time Milo Marathon King and two-time Olympian Eduardo Buenavista (2:43:34) finished second and third place, respectively.

Andrade did not expect to win, even tying a P50 bill to his shoelaces as transportation fare, just in case he failed to finish the race. He qualified for the finals after placing second in the 21K category of the General Santos leg.

This is his first time to join the Milo Marathon National Finals, and only his second time to compete in the 42K category. Yet the unassuming underdog secured the top spot.

"As a newcomer, I just wanted to finish the race as strongly as I could. I prepared for it the best I can. After work, I do my runs and training myself. I don’t have a coach," he revealed.

"I persevered to do as well as I could. During the race, I was running with all the veteran elite runners – my idols – they did not even know who I am. At the 30km mark, I started leading the race, and I surprised myself by finishing first place. It’s an unexplainable feeling. I’m very happy," he added.

The champions received P150,000 in cash and a trophy each. Tabal received an additional P200,000 for placing third in the 42K female open category. As part of their prizes, both Tabal and Andrade will be sent by Milo on all expense-paid trips to participate in an international marathon next year. – With a report from Leleth Ann Rumaguera, ABS-CBN News.

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