At just 12 years old, Salt Balasan emerged as one of the biggest surprises of the 7-Eleven Run 2026, a premier 7-oad race known for identifying and sending promising Filipino runners to international competitions.
Balasan finished third in the women’s 21-kilometer race in the Manila leg held early Sunday morning along Spectrum Midway Road at the Filinvest Events Grounds in Alabang, Muntinlupa. The Grade 5 student from Silang, Cavite clocked 1 hour, 33 minutes and 43 seconds, making her likely the youngest finisher in the event’s history at that distance.
National team member Edna Magtubo topped the race in 1:24.32, while former Palarong Pambansa gold medalist Asia Paraase placed second in 1:31.33.
Already a two-time age-group champion in previous road races, Balasan impressed organizers with her poise and endurance well beyond her years. Her podium finish has put her in line for a slot in an international race, details of which organizers said will be finalized soon.
“Nakakapagod at namulikat ako kanina, pero natapos ko po dahil maganda ang ruta,” Balasan said after battling cramps late in the race.
The 7-Eleven Run 2026 was held simultaneously in Manila, Cebu and Davao. In the Cebu leg at City de Mare, national team member and Southeast Asian Games veteran Art Joy Torregosa posted the fastest women’s 21K time overall with 1:19.46. Multi-titled marathoner Christine Hallasgo followed in 1:21.22.
In the men’s division, Edsel Moral delivered a breakthrough performance in the Manila leg by ruling the 42-kilometer race in 2:26:46. The 29-year-old factory worker from Sta. Rosa, Laguna crossed the finish line at dawn, nearly nine minutes ahead of runner-up Jose Fabito Jr.
It marked the second straight year that Moral positioned himself as a strong candidate for overseas competition. Under the event’s incentive program, the top three overall Filipino male and female finishers in the 21K, 32K and 42K categories earn spots in international marathon races.
“Na-maintain ko lang ang pace ko mula pa sa simula,” said Moral, who improved by one second on his previous best of 2:27:31, which was good for second place last year. He qualified for Team 7-Eleven Philippines in 2025 and went on to compete in the Amazing Thailand Pattaya Marathon, one of 13 sponsored Filipino runners. Moral is a father of two.
In the women’s 42K race, Maricar Camacho dominated with a winning time of 3:09.28, finishing ahead of Macrose Dichoso and Nhea Ann Barcena.
Also earning podium finishes and expected to secure international slots were Eduard Flores and Bryan Quiamco in the men’s 42K; Camacho, Jennylyn Nobleza and Lizane Abella in the women’s 42K; James Kevin Cruz and Roy Laudit in the men’s 32K; and Lowegene Aliligay, Michelle Zamora, Dichoso and Barcena in the women’s 32K. Dickyias Medioro and Mark Mahinay stood out among the top contenders in the men’s 21K.
