Gerald Sabal, one of the elite runners of Team Bald Runner, won as the Champion in the the ABS-CBN 101.9 FM “Run For Life” 10K Race at the Global City, The Fort  held last Sunday. He was able to beat Rene Herrera, who placed 1st Runner-Up in the said race. Rene Herrera won the Gold Medals in the 3,000-meter steeplechase in the Vietnam’s South East Asian Games in 2003 and in the Manila’s South East Asian Games in 2005 and also a medalist in last year’s Bangkok South East Asian Games. Herrera is presently training in Baguio City as part of the RP Athletics Team for the 2009 SEA Games. Sabal registered a finish time of 32:35 minutes.

Gerald Sabal is 23 years old and a native of Sultan Kudarat in Mindanao. He is presently taking up BS Education (Major in Physical Education) at the University of the East. His latest accomplishments were the following: Champion in the 5K & 10K Run at the 2008 New Balance Power Race held in Clark Freeport. His time in 5K was 15:42 minutes. His training is presently being handled by Captain Ferdie Espejo, Jr.

As per request of QuickSilver Runner, who is based in San Diego, California and Finisher in the 2008 Kona Ironman last month, I’ll take this opportunity to give a brief background of the members of Team Bald Runner.

Cresenciano Sabal—29 yers old from Sultan Kudarat and taking up BS Computer Management. He is the defending Champion of the Milo National Marathon; Queen City International Marathon: Pasig River Heritage Marathon; and Clark Freeport International Marathon. His best time in the marathon is 2:21:58 hours; 21K in 1:05:00 hours; and 10K in 31:58 hours.

Jujet de Asis—He is from Koronadal City in Mindanao and 4th Year College. He placed 1st Runner-Up in the 2008 New Balance Power Race 25K Run with a time of 1:24+ hours. He is also a consistent top three placer in 10K to 20K races in Metro Manila.

Bernardo Desamito—33 years old and a native of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. he is in 3rd year college. he is the defending Champion of the 2008 Philippine Marathon; Cebu Sinulog Marathon; 2008 New Balance Power Race 25K Run; 2008 Adidas King of the Road 16K; and 2008 Yakult 16K Race. His best time in marathon is 2:22:44 hours; 21K in 1:08 hrs; 10K in 30:52 mins and 5K in 14:54 mins.

Marecil Maquilan—22 years old and a native of South Cotabato in Mindanao. She is presently taking up BS Education Major in Physical Education. She is the Women’s Champion of the 2008 Adidas King of the Road 16K Run and the 2008 New Balance Power Race 25K Run. Her best time in 10K is 37:58 mins and 5K in 18:52 mins.

Ailene Tolentino—19 years old and a native of Cagayan de Oro City in Mindanao. She is 3rd Year in College. She is the defending Champion of the 2008 Queen City International Marathon; Pasig River heritage Marathon; Clark Freeport International Marathon. her best time in marathon is 3:05:37 hours; in 21K is 1:18:58 hrs; in 10K is 37:56 mins; and in 5K is 16:59 mins.

Ellen Tolentino—24 years old and a native of Cagayan de Oro City. She is defending Champion of the 100K The North Face Ultra Trail Race last July 2008.

Reynaldo De Los Reyes—37 years old and a native of Balasan, Iloilo. Champion in Every Nation 10K Race last Saturday and 1st Runner-Up UNICEF 10K Race last Sunday.

Michael Embuedo—25 years old and a native of Bataan. Champion in 20K Walkathon at the National Open TF Championship from 2006 up to the present.

Elmer Sabal—26 years old and a native of Sultan Kudarat. He is the Champion of the 2008 1st Mayon Trail Run. His best time in marathon is 2:28:56 hours and best time in 5K is 15:46 mins

Isidro Villasola—32 years old and a native of Libungan, North Cotabato. Gold Medalist in the 1,500-meter run during the 2007 4th ASEAN Paralympics Game in Bangkok, Thailand and 1st Runner-Up in the The North Face 100K Ultra Trail Run last July 2008.

Saturnino Salazar—47 years old and native of Ivisan, Capiz. National Record Holder of 50K Walk and IAAF Level IV International Coach

Ferdinand Elpidio Espejo Jr.—IAAF Level IV International Coach in Middle, Long Distance & Race Walk; ITU Level II Coach in Triathlon; and UCI Level II Coach in Cycling. His best time in marathon is 2:44:48 hours; 10K in 34:12 mins; and 5K in 16:58 mins.

Team Bald Runner at the 2008 New Balance Power Race. From Left to Right: Ferdie Espejo, Ailene Tolentino, Marecil Maquilan, Bernie Desamito, Ellen Tolentino, Jujet de Asis, Elmer Sabal, Gerald Sabal, Rey de los Reyes, Satur Salazar, & BR (Sid Villasola & Mike Embuedo were in another race in Metro Manila and Cris Sabal was on-training in the mountain trails of Cebu in preparation for the 2008 Milo National Marathon Finals)