MANILA, Philippines - The 35th National Milo Marathon shifts to high gear as some 33,700 runners, headed by the country’s leading runners, see action in the Metro Manila qualifying leg tomorrow at the SM Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay City.
Eric Panique, Regie Lumauag, Carlito Fantilaga, Dennis Bacolor and Darwin Lim have confirmed their participation in the event, which also features the vaunted Kenyans, which offers P50,000 to the winner and a chance to qualify for the national finals on Dec. 11, also in Manila.
The runners-up in the men’s and women’s elite divisions will receive P30,000 while the third placers will earn P20,000.
Last year’s Metro Manila elims second placer Willy Tanui of Kenya will spearhead the foreigners’ bid along with Rudy Tikiko, James Tallam, Banjamin Kipkazi and Geoffrey Kiprotich.
Two-time Milo Marathon winner Jho-Ann Banayag and Luisa Raterta and Ailene Tolentino go up against Kenyans Susan Jemutai and Peris Poywo in the distaff side of the event, which serves as the fifth leg of the 17-stage elims.
A whopping P300,000 purse is at stake for this year’s edition of the country’s premier footrace.
After the Laoag, Dagupan, Olongapo and Tarlac legs, several runners have already earned slots in the finals. They are Mercy Taypoc and Reynaldo Pascua of Ilocos, Hernani Sore and Jessa Mangsat of Dagupan, Robeno Javier of Olongapo and Jujet de Asis, Geraldine Sealza of Tarlac.
With the recent certification issued by the Association of International Marathons/International Association of Athletics Federation (AIMS/IAAF), organizers have guaranteed an international standard of measurement in all the race categories. The certification also elevates the marathon as a qualifying race for Filipinos to participate in the SEA Games.
A number of side events, including an inter-school competition for cheer dance and running, soccer mini-games and basketball shoot-out, will also spice up the Milo run.
The 35th National Milo Marathon underscores its commitment to build champions in sports and in life by continuing its advocacy of providing running shoes to underprivileged children.
Last year, 4,200 pairs were donated to public school children nationwide. This season, in line with Nestle’s celebration of 100 years, the advocacy aims to give 100 pairs of shoes to 100 students from 100 schools nationwide - a total of 10,000 more shoes donated.
For details, visit log on to www.milo.com.ph or be a fan of MILO(r) Philippines on Facebook.