MILO launches 41st season of the National MILO Marathon

Wow, 41 years! It means, when it started, I was only in the Pre-school! That's how long MILO has been organizing marathon races in the Philippines.  I still remember when I was very young; my older cousins would cut-out MILO race forms in the newspapers and together with the aluminum lids of MILO cans they register in C.O.D. Cubao for the MILO Marathon. There were very few runners then (700 people) running along the whole stretch of EDSA, Roxas Boulevard, Espana, Taft Ave. and Magsaysay Boulevard. The first one in 1974 was won by a Golf Caddy named Numerio Titong. He clocked in at 3hrs. 4min. 10sec. with a worn-out Marcelo Ladies Rubber Shoes. 

Milo Marathon Organizers: Caoch Rio Dela Cruz, Mr. Joey Uy, Nestle Business Executive Officer, Mr. Ricky Ballesteros, 41st Milo Marathon Cebu Finals Race Organizer and Milo Philippines Sports Executives, Mr. Robbie De Vera and Mr. Lester Castillo.

Over the last decade, we have witnessed the exponential growth of the running community in this country. Before, organized running events offers only two categories which are the 21k and 42k distances, and short distance fun runs were happening only in town fiestas. Today, every running events offers wide range of categories where all levels can join in. However, as much as there are now countless running events happening around the metro and in other regions, there is one running event is known to be as the most coveted running race and this is the MILO Marathon.

Commissioner Ramon Fernandez of Philippines Sports Commission, Milo Executives, Mr. Ricky Ballasteros with Sponsors  

Milo Marathon is notably to be the pinnacle of marathons in the Philippines much like the Boston Marathon in the US. For one reason is that it is the only Marathon event in the country that is recognized by the International Federation of Athletic Association or the IFAA. They are the regulating body that measures the distance and standards of every marathon events which are the basis to qualify marathoners to other prestigious marathons around the world like the Boston Marathon.

Finisher's medals for 10k, 21k and 42k...

Recently, Nestle Philippines, the makers of MILO launched the 41st MILO Marathon at the I’M Hotel in Makati City that was attended by personalities in the running and sports community and members of the media. This year, MILO were happy to announced the new roads and features of the running event. Long time organizer of MILO marathon, RunRio Events, Inc. presented two new areas namely, Laoag City in Luzon and Roxas City in the Vizayas were added to the 16-leg tourney. The Additional Location will provide runners with new and exciting challenges, showcasing the great running experience the National MILO marathon is known for. And for the first time, the finals will be held at the sceneic route of Cebu City.

Coach Rio Dela Cruz, President of RunRio Events Inc.

16 tournament legs...