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Just as everyone is ready for a Sunday stroll to celebrate Mother’s Day, full-time mom Christine Hallasgo was battling motherhood against a field of youngsters and seasoned veterans at the track oval of Philports Arena in Pasig City.
She missed a family celebration but hit her target – winning the precious gold medal.
The ultra-marathoner mom of a seven-year-old girl, Tricia Mae, underscored her status as the country’s elite long-distance runner, topping the women’s 10,000-meter run to claim the gold medal in the morning session of the final day of the 2014 ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships.
The pride of Malaybalay City in Bukidnon kept the pace right from the start and, under hot weather conditions, sustained inner strength to finish the race in 37 minutes and 05 seconds over two minutes against 20-year-old rival Edna Magtubo of Spectrum Team (39:46.72). April Joy Alampayan of Bohol took the bronze (39:46.61).
“Nalimutan ko na rin na Mother’s Day. Naka-focus talaga ako sa event. Medyo di ko lang nakuha yung personal best ko nahirapan ako sa sobrang init. Nag-start kam imedyo may araw, After 5,000 meters na yung araw patirik na nang patirik kaya iba na yung init,” said Hallasgo.
“Masaya ako at uuwi ako bukas na may gold medal. Para sa pamilya ito at sa munisipyo namain sa Malaybalay na walang saying sumusuporta sa akin. Malaking bagay din tio sa preparasyon ko sa hlf-marathon na sasalihan ko sa Thailand next month,” added the MILO marathon champion.
Veteran internationalist and remnant of the dreaded millennial ‘GTK Army’ Mark Harry Diones pulled off a mighty comeback from foot injury in winning the men’s Open triple jump in 15.50 meters.
Diones considered his victory a blessing as he sought a last hurrah in his over-a-decade athletic career.
“Malaking blessing po. Sa kabila ng maramingpinagdaanang injury nakabawi ako. For almost six months out of competition ako, hopefully masustain ko at nang makasama ako sa Sea Games team next year. Last hurrah ko na yun,” said Diones who is set to join the military service after retiring.
Philippine athletics president Terry Capistrano expressed his heartfelt congratulations to all the winners, particularly the veterans, whom he claimed are the catalysts of the country’s athletics.
“We see a lot of new talents, but our veteran steals the thunder. Tuloy-tuloy naman ang ating proseo pagdating sa national member selection for the SEA Games. But right now, let’s all celebrate the tournament’s success,” said Capistrano.
Other winners in the first half of the final day session include Prince Charles Branzuela in the men’s discus throw (39.86) and Thai Koychakorn Hamachan in the men’s hammer throw (47.40).
Likewise, the National Team, composed of Hussein Lorana, Carlos Del Prado, Joyme Sequilla, and Frederick Ramized, will lead the eight-team finalists in the men’s 4×400 meter relay. The finals are set at the close of the event on Sunday afternoon.
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