Cebu to host national finals for the first time

MAKATI CITY, Philippines —  Life, they say, is like a marathon. From little steps, you go extra mile to achieve a goal.

And for the past 40 years, the Milo Marathon has made dreams into reality, making one realize that they can be someone they never thought they could be.

On its 41st edition, the country’s longest existing running event continues to innovate and try to push more people, young and old alike to run and be the best that they can be, not only in running but also in their chosen fields.

“It’s been 41 years that the Milo Marathon has been here. It all boils down to our commitment on enhancing family values and contribute to a very healthy nation. We at Milo have a life-long commitment on its grassroots program,” said Milo Business Executive Joey Uy during the event’s formal launching at I’M  Hotel here yesterday.

This year’s battlecry is “Magsama-sama. Tumakbo. Matuto” or together, run and learn and build one’s character better than ever.

 “Ang buhay ay parang marathon. Hindi sprint. Pero mahabang takbuhan. At hindi lang ito bastang takbo, pero marami kang matutunan na magagamit natin sa buhay,” added Milo Vice President for Business Unit Willy de Ocampo.

This year's race will have a total of 15 regional legs. For the first time, there will qualifying events in Urdaneta, Laoag and Roxas City. The other areas that will have a regional leg are Pasay, Angeles, Tarlac, Naga, Lucena, Lipa, Tagbilaran, Iloilo, General Santos, Davao, Butuan, and Cagayan de Oro.

Cebu City, on the other hand, will host the national finals for the first time on December 3.

“We will make sure that we will come up with an attractive route, passing through scenic and historic spots infused with Sinulog-inspired scene. It’s definitely going to be a very festive one,” said Ricky Ballesteros.

Milo Sports Executive Robbie de Vera said a representative from the Association of International Marathons and International Races (AIMS) will be going to Cebu to check on the proposed route together with officials from the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA).

“We want to make sure the route is world-class,” added de Vera.

Aside from the 42K, there will also be 3K, 5K, 10K and 21K categories in the nationals.

Foreign runners, however, are allowed only in the 21K and 42K.

For the national finals, the top performers in different age-groups will be awarded with a special prize from Milo.

Aside from trophies and hefty cash prizes, the National Milo Marathon King and Queen will also have a chance to represent the country in an international marathon event.

There’s also an inter-club/company running competition, a special award for the biggest club/company and school delegation, and best in cheerleading. (FREEMAN)