Full marathon ushers in Milo’s 25th year

The National Milo Marathon kicks off its 25th anniversary as the country’s longest-running long distance race with a 42.195-km run scheduled tentatively on June 24.

This is the first time a full-length race will be held as the kick-off stage of the Milo Marathon, first held in 1974 in response to a widespread clamor from the local running community.

The 25th National Milo Marathon was launched yesterday in ceremonies attended by corporate sponsor Nestle Philippines led by Andrew H. Bramston, vice president for coffee and beverages, Milo sports executive Conrado C. Jaime and Milo brand manager Juan Miguel Alvarez.

The 25th edition stakes a total purse of P2.2 million, with P75,000 going to the men’s champion and P50,000 to the women’s titlist.

Bonus prizes are included.

Over 25,000 runners are expected to compete in the various regional legs to be held in Davao, Tacloban, Olongapo, Bacolod, Tuguegarao, Batangas, Naga, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, General Santos and Baguio.

Aside from the full marathon, the kick-off and national finals will include a 3K kiddie run, 5K fun run, and a 10K run.

Among the celebrities seeing action in the Manila leg are Onemig Bondoc, Shaina Magdayao, Goyong, Ann Curtis, Jake Roxas and Lana Zanin in the 5K event.

Last year’s national champion is Allan Ballester, who clocked 2:25.53. He and Cristabel Martes, the reigning female titlist, will be seeded in the December finals. To qualify for the finals, male runners in the first leg must clock three and half hours or better, and female runners four hours or better.