Eduard Flores boosted his bid to be part of the national team while Christine Hallasgo reinforced her position as the best in the country as they won the 42K race in the Galaxy Manila Marathon on Sunday at SM Mall of Asia Grounds.

Flores, 27, had the best time among the men, finishing the grueling course in two hours, 30 minutes, and 10 seconds to successfully repeat as champion in the nation’s biggest premier race organized by RUNRIO while earning 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.

“This win is a big boost to my goal of achieving a good performance,” Flores, a General Santos City native, said.

The 32-year-old Hallasgo, on the other hand, showed why she is the top women’s marathoner in the country as she timed at 2:55:34.

“I am truly thankful because I still won somehow. All the sacrifices ere worth it because it’s not easy to train away from my family. I know that I will continue competing while I’m still strong,” the national team campaigner from Malaybalay, Bukidnon said.

Flores got the better of Richard Salano (2:33:56), Edsel Moral (2:33:57), Dickyias Mendioro (2:43:51), and Lexter Gaihe (3:03:34) in the men’s division; while Hallasgo was ahead of Artjoy Torregosa (2:57:04), Maricar Camacho (3:15:12), April Rose Diaz (3:18:34), and Eloisa Cusi (3:19:07) in the women’s division.

Over 19,000 runners from 16 countries joined the crown jewel of the Philippines’ running calendar which has Samsung as title sponsor, Gatorade as official sports drink, Cristalino Spring as official hydration partner, and is supported by the Department of Tourism, National Parks Development Committee and Intramuros Administration.

“We’re very happy with the turnout,” RUNRIO president and CEO Rio de la Cruz said.

“History in the making din for us because it’s the biggest half-marathon with 7,000 participants joining the 21K race.”

Arlan Arbois won the men’s 21K with his time of 1:10:08, followed by Roy Laudit (1:12:00), Rico Jay Patanao (1:13:13), Eduard Josh Buenavista (1:13:56), and John Paul Carreon (1:15:54); while Joida Gagnao was victorious in the women’s 21K clocking in at 1:28:15, trailed by Afjeel Clampiano (1:28:42), Jessa Mae Roda (1:31:35), Mea Gey Adialiaan Ninura (1:33:07), and Rosalie Capucion (1:39:10).