EDSEL Moral emerged as the highest-placed Filipino and the best Southeast Asian runner in the recent 32nd Pattaya Marathon.
The 29-year-old Moral, running in his first international race, landed fourth overall in two hours, 37 minutes and 44 minutes in the men’s 42-km marathon in the windy early morning of July 20.
“Exciting po ang first international race ko. Sinunod ko ang game-plan na dumikit lang hanggang sa halfway mark,” said Moral in an online interview with the Manila Standard.
Moral was among 13 Filipino runners brought to Thailand by local organizers of the 2025 7-Eleven Run Series as he finished behind three Ethiopians, who came up with podium finishes.
Ethiopan Tarik Abdi ruled the men’s action in 2:25.03, with the race bringing a vibrant energy to Pattaya and Chonburi Province, while boosting the area’s local tourism and the economy.
His compatriots Dereje Miko and Kindu Tirunek settled for second and third in 2:33.13 and 2:35, respectively, in the event which drew overwhelming participation from both Thai and international runners.
Maricar Camacho took ninth spot in the women’s action, behind Japan’s Haruna Takano, who took the gold in 2:49.45, followed in second and third, respectively, by China’s Ling Wu (2:51.46) and Ethiopian Yesheemebet Taso (2:55.47).
“We sent runners who are grassroots level athletes. This became their time to shine and have good experiences in competing with elite runners,” said 7-Eleven Philippines executive Jose Ang Jr., who accompanied the runners to Thailand.
Ang, also the managing director for eWallet and eCommerce, and Head of General Merchandise Division of 7-Eleven, added that national team athletes likes Christine Hallasgo, Arlan Arbois, Richard Salano and Joidna Gagnao did not make it because they are currently preparing for their stint in the coming Southeast Asian Games.
Moral, who is from Sta. Rosa, Laguna, said the strong winds and the hot weather along Pattaya’s coastal area sapped his strength, but his resolve to come up with a decent finish kept him going.
“Ito ang mga experience na tatandaan ko sa mga susunod kong karera,” added Moral, who took up long-distance running three years ago.
Cebu-based Artjoy Torregosa was the top-finishing Filipino runner when she took fifth place in the women’s 21-km half marathon in 1:27.08.
Ethiopian Shauline Koech dominated with a clocking of 1:14.26, ahead of Alice Koigi (1:16.00), with Laotian runner Lodkeo Inthakoumman in third at 1:25.00.
The international-level marathon was officially certified by the World Athletics Road Race Label and included in its official competition calendar.
