Maglinao outsprints Lacson, books ticket to Milo run final

Legazpi City, Philippines – Mario Maglinao outsprinted Ramie Lacson with one big finishing kick in the last 50 meters to win the Legazpi leg of the 33rd National Milo Marathon elimination yesterday on a route that started and ended in front of City Hall.

Maglinao and Lacson ran as one and appeared headed for a photo finish before the 21-year-old Bicolano from this city sprinted to the finish line of the 21K race run through the city’s main streets on a bright Sunday morning.

The win earned him a trip ticket to the finals in October when he and other provincial qualifiers will challenge reigning champion Eduardo Buenavista for the top prize of P75,000.

Maglinao, who won P10,000 for his feat, clocked 1:14.26. Lacson checked in barely 11 seconds later in 1:14.37.

Maglinao and Lacson, who pocketed the second prize of P6,000, advanced to the finals, but third placer Ernie Payong failed to make it with a time of 1:18.48.

“I trained hard for this race because I wanted to compete in the finals. Winning it is a great feeling,” said the son of a fisherman watched by fellow Bicolanos who cheered him at the finish line

Lacson, a non-Bicolano who said he joined the race to visit the city for the first time, was all praises for his Bicolano conqueror.

“He is a terrific sprinter – the race is his,” conceded the 33-year-old Capiz native who resides in Quezon City and works out regularly at the Quezon City Memorial Circle.

Mila Paje, the 44-year-old Romblon runner who has more than 20 final appearances, easily won the women’s side in 1:43. 49. Her effort, however, was way below the 1:35 qualifying mark.

She pocketed the top prize P10,000. Hazel Castuera finished second in 1:55.07 and Disiry Joy Pura third in 1:56.09.

Martin Balaybo topped the 10k in 35.09, beating Rolando Anouevo (36.05). The top two winners in the girls side were Janice Marquez (43.47) and Mary Rose Abion (54.47).

Vice Gov. Brando Sael, representing Gov. Joey Salceca, flagged off the runners in the 21k and Mayor Noel Rosal sent off the runners in the 10k. They were assisted by Milo Sports executive and PR Andrew Nery and race director Rudy Biscocho.

A total of 7,000 runners competed in the Legazpi leg held in partnership with Department of Tourism and Bay View:Park Hotel Manila.

Hostilities resume Sunday in the cities of Naga and Bacolod where organizers expect another record crowd.