Leyte next stop of Milo marathon elims

Reprising the famous " I Shall Return Promise" of Gen. Douglas MacArthur during World War II, the Milo Marathon now supported by Bayview Park Hotel, Adidas, Cebu Pacific, Ford Phils, and the Department of Tourism, returns to the historic island of Leyte this Sunday morning as it holds its fifth elimination race in the island’s capital of Tacloban City.

Earlier, regional races where the top male and female finishers have earned slots to the 26th Milo Marathon National finals set in Manila on Dec. 8, were held in Davao City, Roxas City in Capiz, Lipa City in Batangas, and Metro Manila.

"We are looking at more than 3000 runners in the race as this event is one of the most awaited sports events in the region with entries expected from our neighboring cities in Leyte and even from Samar and Biliran," said Dr. Lucrecio Calo who is the local organizer of the event. Leyte Governor Remedios Petilla and Vice Gov. Nestor Villasin have been invited to award the prizes to the winners, added Calo.

Defending regional champions Rogelio Reli and Jessica Codilla, both of Ormoc City, are expected to encounter strong opposition this year from the other seeded runners in the region headed by Jose Canete of Ilongos, Leyte. Aside from the 20K qualifying race, the event will also feature a 3K kiddie run and a 5K run primarily for students.

Among the various schools which have already confirmed their participation this Sunday are Leyte Normal University, Leyte Institute of Technology, Leyte National High School, Sagkahan Elementary School and Bagakay Elementary School. Four other schools have also confirmed participation in the cheering competition.

Celebrity runners who will be participating in the Sunday race that starts at exactly 6 a.m. in front of the Provincial Capitol are television personalities Nicole Yabut and Lawrence Mumar, son of actress Coney Reyes-Mumar and former PBA cager Larry Mumar.