This marks the first time that a full marathon will be applied in the qualifiers. All previous Metro Manila elims were limited to 20K distance.
"This is in response to the numerous requests we have been receiving from runners for the holding of an open full marathon locally, considering that the previous 42 events like the PAL Manila International Marathon and the Pilipinas Third World Marathon, have long been stopped," said Milo sports executive Jackby Jaime.
Last year‘s defending champions Allan Ballester and Christabel Martes have also been seeded to the national finals, according to Milo national race organizer Rudy Biscocho.
"We will use the PAL-MIM marathon route for the Metro Manila elimination run and this will take the participants from Manila to Pasay, Parañaque, Makati, Mandaluyong, San Juan, and back to Manila using EDSA," added Biscocho.
The national marathon, staged by Nestle Philippines, Inc., has produced the likes of Justo Tabunda, Jr., the late Jimmy de la Torre, Leonardo Illut, Roy Vence, and the Ballester brothers, Wilfredo and Allan among others.