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Continuing its tradition of giving families more opportunities to
enjoy a healthy lifestyle, this year’s edition of the National
MILO Marathon will be staged in 25 cities nationwide with four races
to be held simultaneously in Manila, Tarlac, Cebu and Davao—a
first in the distinguished history of the National MILO Marathon.
The exciting development was revealed at a
recent press conference held at the Bayview Park Hotel in Manila.
Gracing the affair were Nestlé AVP and MILO consumer marketing
manager Michelle Calo-Alvarillo, Nestlé AVP and MILO sports events
executive Pat Goc-ong, and National MILO Marathon race organizer
Rudy Biscocho.
Expressing their support were Department of
Education (DepEd) physical education, school sports and special
events office chief Dr. Noemi Bellosillo and DepEd NCR education
supervisors II Dafroza Zagala and Cricelda Marte, Department of
Tourism office of sports and wellness tourism director Cynthia Lazo
and Bayview Park Hotel Manila finance manager Ardy Griño.
“Manila, Tarlac, Cebu and Davao are four of
the cities that consistently attract a huge number of participants
so we thought of staging our elimination races simultaneously to
further highlight the health impact of the National MILO Marathon to
as many people as possible,” says Goc-Ong.
60,000 runners are expected to take part in the
simultaneous races, which is a challenge that MILO is looking
forward to. “We’re confident that the simultaneous staging will
be warmly received by families and running enthusiasts
everywhere,” says Calo-Alvarillo.
Aside from Manila, Tarlac, Cebu and Davao,
exciting marathon action will also unfold in the following cities:
Batangas, Palawam, Angeles, General Santos, Dumaguete, Bacolod,
Iloilo, Roxas, Legazpi, Naga, San Pablo, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, San
Fernando, Laoag, Santiago, Baguio, Dipolog, Iligan, Cagayan de Oro
and Butuan.
Now on its 32nd year, the National MILO Marathon
is renowned as a landmark event in Philippine sports and is
considered to be the country’s most awaited and most successful
running competition. Through the years, it has consistently
played a key role in discovering the country’s best marathoners
who have brought honor to the country.
The first MILO Marathon was held on May 26,
1974, with some 767 runners taking part in the event. Over the
years, the event has gotten bigger with more participants eager to
join and enjoy everything the event has to offer.
In 2007, the National MILO Marathon welcomed
more than 150,000 participants—proof that the National MILO
Marathon remains firmly entrenched as a relevant and significant
sporting event in the country’s sports landscape.
The 32nd National MILO Marathon will showcase
the following events: 3K kiddie run, 5K fun run, 10K run (Metro
Manila leg), 21K half marathon for the provincial elimination races
and 42.195K open Metro Manila elimination race and a 42.195K final
race. Complementing these are the other fun events like the
biggest school delegation contest, the inter-school running team
competition and the cheer dance competition, which will see action
from college students to further add excitement to an already
thrilling and popular side event.
Without doubt, the National MILO Marathon looks
poised to attract more runners as it continues to serve as a
platform for those who desire to become runners of distinction and
for those who want to reap the benefits of having a healthy, active
lifestyle.
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