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Tag: Marathon Runner

  • Richard Solano breaks Philippine national marathon record at 2026 Tokyo Marathon 

    Richard Solano breaks Philippine national marathon record at 2026 Tokyo Marathon 

    Filipino long-distance runner Richard Solano has emerged as one of the most promising names in Philippine endurance racing, steadily building his reputation through consistent performances in domestic 10,000-meter events and steeplechase competitions before making a breakthrough on the international marathon stage.

     

    That promise reached a defining moment at the 2026 Tokyo Marathon, where Solano delivered a career-defining performance that firmly placed him among the country’s elite distance runners. He clocked a personal best time of 2:15:08, a performance that also shattered the long-standing Philippine national record of 2:18:44 set by Eduardo Buenavista in 2004—marking a significant milestone for Philippine athletics on the global road racing scene.

     

    Competing against a deep international field and under punishing conditions, Solano’s achievement was made even more remarkable by the challenges he faced throughout the race. Freezing temperatures in Tokyo tested the endurance of every athlete on the course, while Solano also battled cramps and extreme fatigue in the closing stages of the marathon. Despite those setbacks, he managed to maintain composure and push through the final kilometers to secure both a personal best and a new national benchmark.

     

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    Reflecting on the grueling nature of the race, Solano admitted that the final stretch was as much a mental battle as it was physical.

    “Hanggang sa dumating yung 37 kilometer, tapos sabi ko, 37 kilometer na ito, titiisin ko na ito, andito na ako, paninindigan ko na ito, hanggang sa pagdating ng almost 40 kilometer, doon nagbago lahat. Ininda yung pagod na yung katawan, kumbaga sagad na rin kasi. Bali, personal best kasi ‘yon, nagkaroon na rin ng pulikat,” Solano said to the media after the race.

     

    Beyond the record-breaking performance, Solano emphasized that his progress is rooted in discipline, repetition, and an unwavering commitment to training rather than raw talent alone. For him, success in distance running is earned daily through preparation and consistency.

     

    “Hindi mo naman masabi na ikaw talaga yung malakas kasi wala namang talagang malakas na runner. Nakukuha lahat ‘yan sa ensayo. Kung masipag ka talaga, makukuha at makukuha mo talaga,” he added.

     

    Solano also took time to address aspiring Filipino runners, encouraging them to stay patient in their development and to embrace both the physical and mental demands of the sport. He stressed that endurance racing is not only about conditioning the body but also strengthening the mind, particularly during moments of extreme fatigue and doubt.

     

    “Hindi lang katawan ang tine-train, isip din talaga,” Solano concluded.

     

    With his record-breaking run in Tokyo, Solano has now positioned himself as a key figure in the next generation of Philippine distance running, raising expectations that he could further lower national standards and compete more regularly in elite international marathons in the years ahead.

     

     

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  • Filipino Olympian Mary Joy Tabal now leads Mandaue Sports Office while balancing motherhood

    Filipino Olympian Mary Joy Tabal now leads Mandaue Sports Office while balancing motherhood

    One of the most accomplished distance runners in Philippine history, Mary Joy Tabal continues to make her mark on the sport—this time off the road—while balancing a new and equally important role as a mother.

     

    Tabal etched her name into the record books when she became the first Filipina marathoner to qualify for the Olympic Games, earning her spot in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Her historic qualification remains a defining moment for Philippine athletics, inspiring a new generation of long-distance runners to pursue the global stage.

     

    Now 36, Tabal has transitioned into public service as the sports development officer for the Mandaue City Sports Office in Mandaue City. In a recent guest appearance on Off the Court, she opened up about her life after competitive racing—one that requires her to juggle administrative duties while staying hands-on as a parent.

     

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    “I’m very grateful that I get to work here in Mandaue. It’s perfect because after the pandemic, I got the opportunity to lead the Mandaue City Sports Office. I really need to give Athena parent time, so I don’t want to be an absent mom. I bring her to the office, and in most of my activities, she’s there. I’m being a mother and working at the same time,” Tabal said.

     

    Her transition from elite athlete to sports administrator has been seamless in many ways, largely because of the perspective she gained during her years representing the country. Tabal emphasized that her firsthand experience allows her to better understand and respond to the needs of athletes under her care.

    “What’s good about being a former athlete leading the office is that I understand what athletes need. I empathize with them. When they ask for support, I explain the limitations but also how we can help them. We make sure to recognize winners and release incentives as fast as possible. Before, I experienced winning without receiving incentives. Now, we focus on proper recognition,” she added.

     

    That empathy is rooted in a decorated career that saw Tabal compete at the highest levels across Southeast Asia and beyond. She represented the Philippines in three editions of the Southeast Asian Games, capturing silver medals in the 2015 Singapore Games and the 2019 Philippine-hosted edition, before reaching the pinnacle with a gold medal performance in the 2017 Kuala Lumpur Games.

     

    Domestically, Tabal dominated the long-distance scene, winning the women’s division of the prestigious National Milo Marathon Finals for six consecutive years from 2013 to 2018—a feat that underscored her consistency and endurance. Her achievements did not go unnoticed, as she was named 2016 Athlete of the Year by the Sportswriters Association of Cebu.

     

    On the international stage, Tabal also tested herself against world-class competition. She represented the Philippines in the 2016 Boston Marathon alongside fellow Filipino runner Rafael Poliquit Jr., finishing 20th—a respectable showing in one of the world’s most prestigious races.

     

    While her competitive days may be behind her, Tabal’s commitment to Philippine sports remains unwavering. Through her work in grassroots development and athlete support in Mandaue, she is helping shape the next generation—ensuring that young talents are given opportunities and recognition that were not always available during her own career.

     

    In many ways, Tabal’s journey has come full circle. From breaking barriers as an Olympian to nurturing future champions, she continues to embody the spirit of perseverance and service—proving that her impact on Philippine athletics extends far beyond the finish line.

     

     

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