MANILA -- Former Brokenshire College trackster Anthony Nerza vowed to put up an impressive finish as he races for the first time in the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games men’s marathon at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac today, December 6.

Long distance specialist Nerza, born in Kapalong, Davao del Norte but grew up in Kapatagan, Digos City, is upbeat about his SEA Games debut.

“Positive lang Ma’am. God will guide my way para maabot ko sa (to reach the) finish line na successful. Never give up the fight,” the 30-year-old Airman Second Class told SunStar Davao yesterday.

The Koronadal 2007 Palarong Pambansa double gold medalist and many-time National Prisaa Games champion only joined the national athletics team this year. He registered his best marathon time of two hours, 32 minutes and 50 seconds in the National Milo Marathon Manila eliminations held on July 28, 2019.

He has long been preparing for the Games. “Ready na, lalaban na,” the father of toddler Anthon John said, adding that he aims to win a medal in the race.

He has been with the Philippine Air Force (PAF) for six years now.

“Enjoy lang ko sa akong journey (I’m enjoying my journey),” he said.

Meanwhile, Rio Olympian Mary Joy Tabal of Cebu City is poised to defend her SEA Games title in women’s marathon.