Poliquit, Tabal defend MILO Marathon King and Queen crowns in Pampanga

Defending MILO Marathon King Rafael Poliquit and MILO Marathon Queen Mary Joy Tabal successfully held on to their crowns in the National Finals of the 39th National MILO Marathon held in Angeles, Pampanga on Sunday, as they beat fierce opposition in the 42K centrepiece event. Almost 14,100 happy runners enjoyed the scenic route, and despite the challenge brought about by the rain, the race was very safe and successful.

Running coach and student athlete win the last qualifying leg of the NMM

Arnold Unabia and Christine Hallasgo proved their mettle as they clinched the top spots of the 21K centrepiece events in the 39th National MILO Marathon Cagayan De Oro leg. Around 11,900 runners conquered the exciting challenge of a new race route on the streets of the city dubbed as the Gateway to Mindanao. The Cagayan de Oro leg is the last qualifying race this season, with the National Finals slated to be held on December 6 in Angeles Pampanga.

Wagdos, Miranda show Davaoeño class in 39th National MILO Marathon Davao race

Davaoeños Sonny Wagdos and Judelyn Miranda grabbed the top spots of the 21K centrepiece event at the National MILO Marathon qualifying leg in Davao City on Sunday. The city known as the Crown Jewel of Mindanao saw about 8,500 runners grace the running routes in the biggest and grandest running event in the country. Reigning MILO Marathon King Rafael Poliquit, who is already automatically qualified for the finals having won the 2014 MILO Marathon tilt, also gave his legs a stretch out in the Davao race.

Wagdos and Miranda each took home the top prize of P10,000 in cash and a trophy; and earned their slots to the National MILO Marathon Finals. The finals will be held in Angeles on December 6, where they will meet the nation’s elite runners in a heated grand finale to claim the MILO Marathon King and Queen titles. To provide another level of prestige to the competition and incentive for the runners, this year’s King and Queen will be sent by MILO to the USA on all-expense paid trips, for a chance to run in the prestigious 2016 Boston Marathon.

Languido, Tabal win in biggest 39th National MILO Marathon Gen San race

Reigning MILO Marathon Queen and SEA Games medalist Mary Joy Tabal and MILO Marathon veteran Juneil Languido breezed through the running routes at the National MILO Marathon qualifying leg in General Santos on Sunday. About 9,000 runners joined the race, making this year’s MILO Marathon the biggest fun run in General Santos, to date.

Languido and Tabal each took home the top prize of P10,000 in cash and a trophy; and earned their slots to the National MILO Marathon Finals. The finals will be held in Angeles on December 6, where they will meet the nation’s elite runners in a heated grand finale to claim the MILO Marathon King and Queen titles. To provide another level of prestige to the competition and incentive for the runners, this year’s King and Queen will be sent by MILO to the USA on all-expense paid trips, for a chance to run in the prestigious 2016 Boston Marathon.

Tillor, Sorongon headline 39th National MILO Marathon Cebu race

Noel Tillor and Ruffa Sorongon share the spotlight in the Cebu leg of the 39th National MILO Marathon held on Sunday. The pair captured the top spots in the 21K centerpiece events, amid tough competition. Over 24,000 runners took to the roads in the Queen City of the South. Having won the best organized leg award for three years straight, the Cebu organizers, led by Ricky Ballesteros, delivered its promise of a world class running event. Disco music was blasted, and festival dancers were stationed at strategic points to help motivate the runners. The Cebuanos worked hard to showcase their rich history, culture and hospitality, and create a festive atmosphere, making the Cebu race an unforgettable one.

Comendador, Ramirez humble rivals in 39th National MILO Marathon Tagbilaran race

Emmanuel Comendador and Mereeis Ramirez proved that the rains were not much of a challenge as they clinched the top spots of the 21K centerpiece event of the 39th National MILO Marathon Tagbilaran leg on Sunday. About 6,400 runners graced the capital city of Bohol and shared their love and passion for running.

Comendador is no stranger to winning in his home city. He recorded back-to-back wins in 2013 and 2014. This year, the 26-year-old Boholano nabbed his third straight win with a time of 01:15:24, beating Chobie Dueñas (01:22:10) who placed second, and Candelario Logroño (01:22:12) who finished third.

Two newcomers take centerstage in 39th National MILO Marathon Iloilo race

After a two-week hiatus, the 39th National MILO Marathon made a big return in Iloilo this Sunday, and drew over 17,000 runners who participated in the country’s most prestigious footrace. The local government of Iloilo showed its support for the MILO Marathon with the presence of Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and Vice Mayor Jose Espinosa, III. Mayor Mabilog demonstrated the importance of exercise to his constituents by participating as a runner in the 5K race while Vice Mayor Rojas sounded the gun start.

With the advantage of two additional weeks for training, NMM regulars Romulo Balinas and Lorena Blanco shared the spotlight at the 21K centerpiece event. Balinas clocked in at 01:17:13, besting hundreds of runners in the men’s 21K division. Bennis Murillo (01:18:04) and Norlan Warizal (01:19:20) completed the top 3 male 21K finishers.

The male champ was delighted with the outcome of his performance despite a setback during the race. “I am glad I was the first to cross the finish line even though I knew I was losing speed towards the finish,” Balinas said. “The cramps slowed me down in the last 5K of the race but it’s a good thing I was able to cope up with the pain - a skill that I owe to my training,” he said. After placing seventh from last year’s elimination race, the University of St. La Salle Bacolod alumni steeled himself to reach for the top rank. “I literally pushed myself to undergo rigorous training in the last three weeks,” he said. “With this victory, it only shows that hard work does pay off.”

Herrera, Nobleza victorious in 39th National MILO Marathon Bacolod race

Philippine Navy member Rene Herrera and full time runner Jennylyn Nobleza led the pack at the Bacolod leg of the 39th National MILO Marathon on Sunday. The country’s most prestigious footrace saw 10,400 runners answer the starting gun in the festive streets of the City of Smiles.

Herrera and Nobleza each took home the top purse of P10,000 in cash and a trophy; and earned their slots to the National MILO Marathon Finals. The finals will be held in Angeles on December 6, where they will meet the nation’s elite runners in a heated grand finale to claim the MILO Marathon King and Queen titles. To provide another level of prestige to the competition and incentive for the runners, this year’s King and Queen will be sent by MILO to the USA on all-expense paid trips, for a chance to run in the prestigious 2016 Boston Marathon.

Being NMM regulars for years, Herrera and Nobleza used their experience to their advantage to clinch the top spots of the 21K centerpiece event. In the men’s division, Herrera clocked in at 01:14:12, relegating Maclin Sadia (01:15:04) to second place and Jason Agravante (01:16:41) to third place.

Delos Santos, Suazo victorious in 39th NMM Lucena race

Lucena, Philippines, 30 August 2015 – Two-time MILO Marathon Queen Mary Grace Delos Santos once again proved her athletic mettle and clinched the top spot in the 21K female race category of the 39th National MILO Marathon in Lucena on Sunday. About 11,500 runners swarmed the city streets, including Lucena City Mayor Roderick Alcala, and celebrities Joross Gamboa, Katya Santos, Jaycee Parker, Jamille Obispo and Zara Lopez who ran in the 5K race.

Delos Santos, a member of the Philippine Air Force, bested her rivals with the time of 01:25:19. Janice Tawagin (01:38:56) secured her spot as the second placer, while Jeanyrose Hari (01:47:39) followed as the third placer.

In the male division, Ruel Suazo took the top spot of the podium as the 21K male winner with the time of 01:13:23. Alley Quisay (01:15:49) followed in second place, while Nimrod Cesar (01:19:26) finished in third. MILO Marathon regular Suazo was last year’s third placer in the National Finals of the 2014 National MILO Marathon.

Raquin, Jaro conquer 39th MILO Marathon Lipa race

MILO Marathon veterans Erinio Raquin and Cellie Rose Jaro triumphed in the 21K centerpiece event of the National MILO Marathon Lipa race on Sunday. Almost 7,000 participants enjoyed the good weather as they took to the running routes of Batangas.

Raquin and Jaro have both secured their slots in the National Finals and each took home the top prize of P10,000 in cash and a trophy. Both will go head-to-head with the country’s best runners at the National Finals in Angeles on December 6, where the MILO Marathon King and Queen titles are up for grabs. This year’s King and Queen will be sent by MILO to the USA on all-expense paid trips, for a chance to run in the prestigious 2016 Boston Marathon. 

Raquin posted a time of 01:15:13, beating rivals Archie Patubo (01:18:16) and Rolando Anonuevo (01:22:33) who came in second and third place, respectively.

Panique, Raterta, shine in 39th MILO Marathon Manila race

Veteran runners Eric Panique and Luisa Raterta made headlines as they grabbed the top spots in the 42K centrepiece event at the 39th National MILO Marathon Manila qualifying leg on Sunday. Almost 35,000 runners of all ages answered the challenge and enjoyed the great sunny weather as they conquered the MILO Marathon race routes.

In the men’s division, Panique outpaced his rivals, beating them with a time of 02:37:44. Mario Maglinao (02:39:47) followed in second place, while Rene Desuyo (02:45:57) finished in third place.

Panique trained with 5-time MILO Marathon King Eduardo Buenavista in Baguio City to prepare for the race. Despite stiff competition from his fellow elite runners early on in the race, he persevered to move forward. “There were some runners ahead of me at the start,” shared Panique. “I increased my pace in the last six kilometers and thankfully, I was able to beat them. I am very grateful to the Lord for his guidance in helping me achieve this honor.”

Guarte, Agura top 39th MILO Marathon Calapan race

SEA Games silver medalist and Philippine National Team member Mervin Guarte and MILO APEX Running Clinic coach Janette Agura clinched the first place honors in the 21K male and female divisions at the 39th National MILO Marathon Calapan qualifying leg on Sunday. Calapan is one of the new locations of the MILO Marathon this year. Over 5,000 runners of all ages graced the event and helped establish the record of the biggest fun run in Oriental Mindoro, to date.

Champions reunite in 39th MILO Marathon Balanga race

MILO Marathon regulars Noel Fabros and Mary Grace Dela Torre topped the 21K centerpiece event at the 39th National MILO Marathon Balanga qualifying leg on Sunday. Over 8,000 runners joined the race, including Balanga City Mayor Joet Garcia who ran in the 5K category. This is the first year that the MILO Marathon came to Balanga, and Sunday’s running event established the record of the biggest race in the city, to date.

In the men’s division, 39-year-old Fabros beat his rivals with a time of 01:24:25. Harly Baguistan (01:24:30) and Gerald De Jesus (01:26:57) placed second and third place, respectively. Fabros, a security guard from Isabela who regularly runs with the Daruik Running Club, placed 4th in the 2013 MILO Marathon National Finals.

39th National MILO Marathon ready to welcome champions in Manila

The city is abuzz with excitement for the Manila qualifying leg of the 39th National MILO Marathon on July 26, Sunday. The country’s biggest and most prestigious footrace will see children, students, aspiring runners and professional athletes of all ages on its running routes at the SM Mall of Asia grounds, Pasay City.

Elite runners including Eric Panique and Criselyn Jaro will look to break records and defeat their fiercest rivals to clinch the top purse. Prizes await the winners of the 42K division race, who will receive Php 50,000 in cash and a trophy, while the victors of the 21K division will receive a cash prize of Php 10,000 and a trophy. All runners who finish within the specified age-bracket and cut-off time per division will also receive a coveted slot in the National Finals in Angeles on December 6 for a chance to be crowned the 2015 MILO Marathon King and Queen.

Vertek rules again at the 39th MILO Marathon Tarlac race

Eduardo “Vertek” Buenavista aced the 39th National MILO Marathon Tarlac qualifying leg on Sunday, where over 13,000 runners were present to conquer the roads. The 5-time MILO Marathon King and current MILO Marathon record holder posted a time of 01:13:19 in the 21K male division, besting his rivals Jessie Guiquing (01:21:01) and Jay Lomyog (01:21:29) who placed second and third, respectively.

In the distaff side, 26-year-old Cinderella Lorenzo, 7th placer in the 2014 MILO Marathon National Finals, proved that the intermittent rains were easy to overcome as she comfortably placed first with a time of 01:34:59. Shane Acosta (01:43:51) followed in second place, while Berna Pulmano (01:49:54) finished in third.

Both Buenavista and Lorenzo have secured their slots in the National Finals, and each took home the top prize of P10,000 in cash and a trophy. Both will go head-to-head with the country’s best runners at the National Finals in Angeles on December 6, where the MILO Marathon King and Queen titles are up for grabs. This year’s King and Queen will be sent by MILO to the USA on all-expense paid trips, for a chance to run in the prestigious 2016 Boston Marathon.

Energy levels soar in jam-packed 39th MILO Marathon Dagupan race

The first race of the 39th National MILO Marathon set the stage for the season as over 11,000 runners excitedly raced to the finish line in Dagupan, Pangasinan. Leading the pack were former MILO Marathon queen Christabel Martes, and first-time 21K winner Cesar Castañeto.

Martes and Castañeto each took home the top purse of P10,000 in cash and a trophy. Both had also booked their slots to the National Finals in Angeles on December 6, where they will meet the nation’s elite runners in a heated grand finale to claim the MILO Marathon King and Queen titles. To provide another level of prestige to the competition and incentive for the runners, this year’s King and Queen will be sent by MILO to the USA on all-expense paid trips, for a chance to run in the prestigious 2016 Boston Marathon.