Reli, Sevilleno eye Milo regional crown

Defending champions Rogelio Reli and Christy Sevilleno are the runners to beat in the 21-kilometer elimination race today as the 30th National Milo Marathon kicks off with more than 20,000 runners expected to join the action.

Reli will have to contend with the return of one of Cebu's top runners Terso Pamaybay, who is still eyeing to score one against the men's open defending champion.

Not to be outdone are the fast-rising local talents, who are also going to give the veterans a run for their money.

They are Eugene Delposo and schoolmate Adonis Singson of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) and Joseph Codino of Southwestern University (SWU).

Meanwhile, Cebu's road running princess Sevilleno of the University of Cebu Webmasters is expected to score a walk in the park victory in the distaff side.

This is because rivals Leizle Lumindas-Getaruelas and Merlita Arias already booked seats to the National Milo Marathon Finals slated in Manila in December this year.

Arias took the top plum in the women's division during the elimination leg in Dumaguete City last February 19 while fitness-instructor Getaruelas-Lumindas snatched a ticket to the 42K National Finals by also taking the championship prize in the Davao City leg over the weekend.

But the highlight of the elimination race today will be the record-breaking turn-out of participation in the race organized by Nestle Philippines, Inc.

As of Thursday, a total of 19,778 runners already confirmed their participation, and it is expected that the stretch from the starting point in front of the Cebu Normal University to the Fuente Osmeña rotunda will literally turn to green as the registered runners will be wearing green t-shirts.

Last year, 19,510 answered the starting gun making the Cebu elimination race as the leg which attracted the most number of participants from all over the Philippines.

The bulk of participation will be coming from the different elementary, secondary and tertiary schools here in Cebu, not to mention members of the various running clubs who are also fielding in their entries.

A number of personnel from the Philippine National Police are also excited to race.

Most of the runners are in for the 5-kilometer Fun Run and kids 12 years old and under are crowding the 3K Kiddies Run.

There will also be a cheer dance, a belly dancing, and the inter-school running team competition and the biggest school delegation contest.

Contending for the plum in the cheerdance for the elementary division are Cebu City Central School, Bo. Luz Elementary School and Lahug Elementary School while the entries for the secondary level are Gothong NHS, Cebu City National Science High School, Abellana National School, Southwestern University and Inayawan NHS.