The Filipinos’ passion for running shone through as the National Milo Marathon marked another banner year with its 29th edition with unrelenting success and overwhelming support from organizers and avid runners.
Over 110,000 runners joined this year’s Milo marathon. In Cebu, for instance, over 19,000 runners — the biggest in the history of the National Marathon elimination races — enthusiastically took part in the event.
In the Manila elimination leg held early this year, high-profile personalities like Sen. Pia Cayetano and celebrities Rovilson Fernandez and Tricia Chiongbian braved the rains as they raced alongside an estimated 14,000 running enthusiasts.
"Over the last 29 years, we’re proud of the fact that the National Milo Marathon remains true to its goal of being the premier event for people who dream of being recognized as runners of distinction," says Nestle AVP and Milo brand manager Michelle Calo.
Addressing the runners, Calo remarked, "We salute all of you and we remain optimistic that we shall once again equal, if not surpass, the achievements of the previous year’s marathon and bring to the fore the most deserving and worthy athletes to inspire us all."
Ruling the roost in the 42K event were Cresenciano Sabal of Lipa City in the men’s division and Joan Banayag of Davao City in the women’s division.
Sabal’s performance was remarkable because he broke the three-year marathon record set by Eduardo Buenavista by 27 seconds.
Sabal, who is a private class at the Philippine Army, says he intends to join the Philippine team. He knows that he needs to improve his running, so he’s participating in other marathons as his training.
For her part, Joan Banayag was overjoyed that she was able to improve on her sixth place finish last year. She’s especially happy, given the fact that this is only her second year to compete.
Banayag, a commerce student at the University of Mindanao, had to push herself to the limit and she nearly fainted when she crossed the finish line.
Both champions got a windfall amounting to R75,000, with Sabal earning an extra R10,000 for his record-breaking feat.
Asked what they’ll do with the cash, Sabal says he’ll use it to open an eatery in the Dasmariñas Public Market while Banayag says she’ll use the money for her studies and give some to her parents.
The rains failed to dampen the exuberant marathon spirit.
Sports scribes Zenaida Dadacay and Lito Oredo proved their skills go beyond sports reporting as they grabbed the women’s and men’s titles, respectively, of the media race.
An eagerly anticipated part of the Milo Marathon is the cheer dance competition, where every year, the participants get more daring with their performances.
Grabbing 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, respectively, were the cheer dancers of the Philippine Christian University, City College of Manila and Fort Bonifacio High School.
The participants left the crowd breathless and in awe with their daredevil cheering executions, athleticism and vivacity. Adding to the excitement were Milo Enerjam Kids who performed to the delight of the crowd.
Milo sports executive Pat Goc-ong was very pleased with the constant success that the National Milo Marathon continues to enjoy."
"This inspire all of us to make each edition of the Milo Marathon grander and more special for all of the participants," Goc-ong said.
He revealed that in celebration of the event’s 30th anniversary next year, the National Milo Marathon will be held in 30 cities with the addition of Puerto Princesa, Dipolog, Dumaguete, Tagbilaran, Subic, Zamboanga, Cotabato and Roxas.
"This will enable more Filipinos to enjoy running and reap the many health benefits that it offers, while increasing awareness for everyone to adopt a healthy lifestyle," Gocong continued.
Sponsored by Bayview Park Hotel Manila, Adidas, Cebu Pacific, Smart Kid, Department of Tourism, Addict Mobile Prepaid and Powerbar, key cities like Gen. Santos, Tacloban, Cagayan de Oro, Lipa, Naga, Davao, Manila, Laoag, Tarlac, Cebu, Butuan, Iloilo and Santiago have been selected to host this year’s marathon.
