Sadia, Cadosale rule Bacolod Milo

MANILA, Philippines -  Maclin Sadia bested a tough field to top the men’s side while Stephani Cadosale took the ladies crown in the premier 21k event of the 38th National Milo Marathon Bacolod qualifier in Bacolod City yesterday as they gained berths in the national finals in December.

Sadia, from Cadiz City, outlasted a slew of rivals to capture the crown with a 01:14:16 clocking, edging Joel Alcorin (01:14:22) and Rowell Hulleza (01:17:16) and clinching a berth in the national finals slated Dec. 7 at the MOA grounds.

Winners in the grand finals will represent the Philippines in next year’s Tokyo Marathon.

“I came in with humble expectations of finishing with a good time, yet I am grateful to have not only won but achieve a career-best finish with this performance,” said Sadia, who pocketed P10,000. “I was focused in my training and today’s success is a culmination of all those sacrifices. I look forward to celebrating this win and sharing my earnings with my family.”

Cadosale, a graduating student at Central Philippine U, dominated the distaff side, clocking 01:33:43 to beat Mereeis Ramierez (01:38:59) and Iresh Belleza (01:42:42).

“I did some long runs and managed to work on my speed in training,” said Cadosale, who also won the gold in previous Milo elims. “My family was very supportive throughout the process and I owe this win to them.”

The Bacolod elims drew 9,266 runners, doubling last year’s race which Dumaguete hosted.

”We at Milo are thrilled to see a diverse set of participants ranging from kids, teens to adults,” said Milo Sports marketing manager Andrew Neri. “The National Milo Marathon has seen champions emerge from every corner of the country and it is gratifying to be a part of a program that makes aspiring athletes reach for their dreams.”

With the support of the Department of Education and the National Milo Marathon runners, Milo’s Help Give Shoes advocacy will provide 16,000 underprivileged youth with brand-new running shoes and reach the 50,000 mark this year. As Milo celebrates its 50th year, Help Give Shoes aims to make the donation to students in Yolanda-hit cities, particularly Tacloban, Ormoc, and Eastern Samar.