Stars join MILO marathon in Manila and Cebu

MANILA, Philippines - Donna Cruz and husband Dr. Yong Larrazabal with Sen. Pia Cayetano spent their Sunday morning in a fun, healthy way by joining the 33rd National MILO Marathon, which resumed its second phase by staging simultaneous races in Manila and Cebu.

Almost 20,000 runners in Manila trooped to the Quirino Grandstand as everyone enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere that typifies each staging of the National MILO Marathon. Gracing the event were Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Bayani Fernando. Joining them were Nestlé executives led by Nestlé S.A. EVP and zone director for Asia, Oceania and the Middle East Frits van Dijk, Nestlé Phils. chairman and CEO Nandu Nandkishore, technical director Campo van Beek, chief financial officer Peter Noszek, business executive manager for beverages Dennis Austriaco, business executive manager for coffee Bruno Olierhoek, corporate wellness unit VP Corazon Sager, MILO consumer marketing manager Stephanie Toh and marketing, promotions and events head Ruth Novales.

In Cebu, more than 20,000 runners joined the event. Sen. Cayetano ran the 21K race. She describes the National MILO Marathon as “a great venue for people to be influenced and educated about the many benefits of sports.” She adds, “The good thing is that anybody can join the National MILO Marathon, especially the women, so this is one way of empowering women as well.”

Dr. Larrazabal and wife Donna ran the 21K race. “Being a doctor, I try to set an example to my patients that health is definitely wealth. Running also frees me from stress, makes me sleep better so I can work well. I also have more energy and time to spend with my family,” says Dr. Larrazabal. Donna, on the other hand, says, “I hardly get tired anymore. Before, I would stay up late but now, I sleep so much better.” Donna even placed 10th in the women’s division.

Experience the joys of running by joining simultaneous races in Tacloban and San Fernando tomorrow, Aug. 2; Tagbilaran and Baguio on Aug. 9; Roxas and Dagupan, Aug. 16; Iloilo and Legazpi, Aug. 23; Bacolod and Naga, Aug. 30; and Dumaguete and San Pablo, Sept. 6. National finals will be staged in Manila on Oct. 11. Earlier this year, the National MILO Marathon already held simultaneous races in Dipolog and Subic, Batangas and Iligan and General Santos and Palawan.

The National MILO Marathon is held in partnership with Bayview Park Hotel Manila and the Department of Tourism and Gatorade and Nestlé Pure Life for the Manila races.