Cebu: Cebuano Mark Mahinay eyes another gold medal in the National Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) Games when he sees action in the 10,000m at the Panaad Park and Stadium here Thursday. The fourth-year Information Technology student at the University of Cebu main campus successfully defended the 1500m on Tuesday, clocking 4:02.3 to prevail over Western Visayas bet Mark Jaydan Tasoy (4:04.4) and Oswaldo Arcelo (4:07.5), also from Central Visayas.
According to Philippines News Agency, Tasoy, a 19-year-old native of Nabas, Aklan, delivered the Games' first gold medal after dominating the men's 3000m steeplechase. "I am very happy and thankful that I was able to defend my title in the 1500m here at the National PRISAA. It was not easy because I ran 21km at the Borneo International Marathon in Malaysia last Sunday," Mahinay said in an interview Wednesday. "Honestly, my body is not fully recovered yet, but I still pushed myself because I want to fight and give my best for Region 7 (Central Visayas) and the University of Cebu. Thank you to God, my coaches, and everyone who support me. This win is not just for me, but for everyone who believed and continues to support me," added the Spectrum Runners Philippines member and of the Mayo Clinic and Dialysis Center athletic scholar.
Mahinay also ruled the 5000m in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan last year. However, due to his flight schedule, he could not make it in time for the event, which was won by Spectrum teammate Antonio Evangelista of the Negros Island Region (NIR). Mahinay is scheduled to join the PATAFA National Open at the New Clark City Stadium in Capas, Tarlac on June 10-14, seeking to improve the bronze medal he won in the 1500m last year. "I always do my best in all my races. I'm looking forward to a better performance," he said.
Meanwhile, Central Visayas remained on top of the medal tally board in both youth and senior divisions. As of 4 p.m., Central Visayas has garnered 75 golds, 37 silvers, and 34 bronzes in the youth division. Karate produced 15 golds, including two from Feliz Emm Rulona in the Cadets individual female kata and the 14-17 team kata events. She was named Best Athlete in the girls' category.
Western Visayas ranked second with 71 golds, 62 silvers, and 65 bronzes, while Calabarzon placed third with 45 golds, 53 silvers, and 45 bronzes. Bicol Region has 45 golds, 32 silvers, and 66 bronzes for fourth place, followed by Negros Island Region (45-30-36), Cordillera Region (25-15-13), Central Luzon (24-30-35), Northern Mindanao (15-20-9), Davao Region (11-6-11), Western Mindanao (8-15-21), Ilocos Region (7-5-2), Cagayan Valley (3-8-16), Soccsksargen (2-7-5), Mimaropa (1-7-11), and Eastern Visayas (0-4-4).
Meanwhile, Central Visayas has amassed 62 golds, 41 silvers, and 31 bronzes in the senior division of the tournament supported by Molten and Mikasa. Western Visayas stayed in second place with 62 golds, 31 silvers, and 35 bronzes, followed by Calabarzon (35-24-30). Rounding out the Top 10 were Soccsksargen (21-36-20), NIR (19-20-27), Central Luzon (10-5-7), Cordillera Region (8-38-28), Western Mindanao (8-3-7), Ilocos Region (6-14-6), and Bicol Region (4-17-20).
