38th Milo Marathon offers Tokyo race berths

MANILA, Philippines - Milo marks its golden anniversary in the Philippines by holding the 38th Milo Marathon with the Baguio leg kicking off the 18-stage nationwide circuit on June 29.

It will culminate in the national finals in December at SM MOA grounds in Pasay City with the winners gaining berths in the Tokyo Marathon next year.

Last year’s champions Eduardo Buenavista and Mary Joy Tabal vied in the Paris Marathon early this year with the duo hard-pressed to score a repeat against a star-studded field this year.

A huge field estimated to reach 230,000 is expected to compete in the country’s premier annual footrace with the 16,000 underprivileged youth to be given brand new pairs of running shoes through the Help Give Shoes advocacy of Milo.

The foundation is also hoping to give donations to students in Yolanda-ravaged cities, particularly Tacloban, Ormoc and Eastern Samar.

“We want to raise awareness about the value of sports in bringing a wealth of physical and mental benefits and teaching life values that prepare school children for a successful adulthood,” said Nestle Phl Beverages Business executive manager Sherilla Bayona in yesterday’s event launch at the Bayview Park Hotel.

Bayona said they also formed a program with the Department of Education headed by Bro. Armin Luistro dubbed “One Child, One Sport” campaign, which aims to consolidate their new and existing sports programs under a one-umbrella campaign.

“One Child, One Sport is a program that encourages children to get into an active and healthy lifestyle and eventually lead them to sports,” said Bayona.

Through the years, the National Milo Marathon has not only catered to professional athletes but also aspiring runners in the 3-kilometer and 5-km races.

The Milo Marathon will also hold elims legs in Dagupan (July 6), Tarlac (July 13), Angeles (July 20), Manila (July 27), Naga (Aug. 24), Lucena (Aug. 31), Puerto Princesa (Sept. 7), Lipa (Sept. 14), Iloilo (Sept. 21), Bacolod (Sept. 28), Tagbiliran (Oct. 5), Cebu (Oct. 12), Butuan (Oct. 19), Cagayan de Oro (Nov. 9), Gen. Santos (Nov. 16) and Davao (Nov. 23).

Other backers of the event are Milo, Timex, Bayview Park Hotel, Asics, Lenovo, Manila Bulletin and Gatorade with endorsements from the DepEd, the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.