Arbois, Torregosa bag silvers

BANGKOK, Thailand — Heart and grit defined the Philippines’ performance in the 42-kilometer marathon of the 33rd SEA Games at the Happy and Healthy Bike Lane here on Monday with a familiar face and a rising star rising to the occasion.

Veteran runner Arlan Arbois and debutant Artjoy Torregosa led the country’s campaign as they secured a silver medal in their respective divisions.

An emotional Arbois posted a time of two hours, 30 minutes and 19 seconds, finishing 2:46 behind Indonesia’s Robi Sylanturf, who clocked 2:27:33 for the gold.

Fellow Filipino Richard Salano also reached the podium, claiming the bronze medal with a time of 2:31:29.

“We’re super happy. When the race started, I told myself that I’ll give my best for our countrymen who were watching. I draw strength from them so I’m really thankful,” the 26-year-old Arbois said.

“In every step, I was thinking about all the Filipinos who were watching. The Philippines doesn’t allow itself to get beaten in marathon. That’s why I really worked hard to chase the second-placer to give our country the silver and bronze medals.”

In the women’s division, Torregosa clocked 2:48:00 as she finished 4 minutes and 47 seconds behind Indonesia’s Odekta Elvina Naibeho, who won the gold with a time of 2:43:13.

Vietnam’s Thi Thu Ha Bu captured the bronze medal, while Filipino runner Christine Hallasgo placed fourth with 2:57:22.

“I really didn’t expect it. So what I did was to secure my place. I used my training at NCC (New Clark City) and applied our long run and uphill,” Torregosa said.