Organizers hope Manila run land in Guinness

Organizers of the just-concluded third Manila Marathon said the event drew a record field, which could merit a place in the Guinness World Record for the most number of runners.

"There were about 50,000 to 60,000 people who showed up for the Third Manila Marathon although only 35,000 were officially listed since the other half were not officially accounted for and not given the proper number tags," said Arnold "Ali" Atienza of the organizing Manila Sports Council (MSC).

"But they were all there. They ran so when they reached the finished line it was only then that we gave them registration forms so they can also be counted. Even if the others just jog-walked, it was still OK," Atienza added.

Although they had to reverse the procedure for the unlisted people, he said it was not a ground for disqualification from being counted for the Guinness.

Atienza is hopeful that the Manila Marathon has surpassed the Boston Marathon record where 38,000 runners took part.

The international organization sent representatives to the Luneta Park as observers.