Veterans ruled the pilot race of the 41st National MILO Marathon

First race of the season gathers around 12,000 pacesetters

In true festive fashion, the city of Urdaneta showed its overwhelming enthusiasm in the first race of the 41st National MILO Marathon. Around 12,000 runners hit the streets to race the finish line. Running veterans Julius Sermona and Christabel Martes took the spotlight and placed first in the 21K male and female categories, respectively. They each took home the top purse of P10,000 in cash and a trophy, and booked their slots to the National Finals in Cebu on December 3 to try and claim the MILO Marathon King and Queen titles.

MILO launches 41st season of the National MILO Marathon

The National MILO Marathon, the country’s most accessible national race, today announced the official opening of its 41st season. The first of the 16 races is set to kick-off in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan on July 16. With new features and race locations added for the fresh cycle ahead, MILO expects to see around 200,000 participants from across the country compete in 3km, 5km, 10km, 21km, and 42km distance categories.

The National MILO Marathon has long been energizing and inspiring champions for over 40 years and, as such, has been attracting runners of all kinds, from children, rookies, veterans, friends, and families from all over the country and the world. Centered on the theme “Magsama-sama, Tumakbo, Matuto”, this season is driven by values such as discipline, resilience, and determination, which runners can take with them in their journey in life.

MILO Champ Moves: Viral Video Hit Sets Record in Asia-Pacific

The new MILO Champ Moves video has taken the internet by storm since its launch last November, as thousands join actor, singer, and dancer James Reid help #BeatEnergyGap. No less than Google took measure, as the video entered the Top 10 Most Watched Videos in the Asia-Pacific YouTube Ads Leaderboard the same month of release.

According to Google, the YouTube Ads Leaderboard showcases the most creative ads that people watch each month. The ads are analyzed to determine which ones resonated most with audiences and which ones performed best through a combination of popularity and promotion. To date, the new MILO Champ Moves video garnered over 14 million views, including countless of memes and fan videos posted across social media platforms.

Tabal, Agravante claim crowns in historic 40th National MILO Marathon National Finals

Mary Joy Tabal won her fourth consecutive MILO Marathon Queen crown and Jeson Agravante won his first MILO Marathon King title at the 40th National MILO Marathon National Finals on Sunday, December 4. Over 17,200 runners enjoyed the festive atmosphere, scenic route and very good weather. This was also the biggest race in Iloilo to date, a record fitting to mark the 40th anniversary milestone of the National MILO Marathon.

The champions received PHP 150,000 in cash and a trophy each. Tabal received an additional PHP 250,000 for placing second in the 42K female open category. Both will also be sent by MILO to Canada on all-expense paid trips to represent the Philippines in the 2017 Ottawa Marathon. “By sending them to the Ottawa Marathon, we are also giving them a chance to be able to qualify for the Olympics,” said Andrew Neri, MILO Sports Marketing Manager. “The Ottawa Marathon is a race where elite runners can achieve the qualifying standard for the Olympics. We are very happy to provide this opportunity to our champions.”

All systems go for historic 40th National MILO Marathon Finals in Ilolilo

MILO Sports Marketing Manager Andrew Neri
with Iloilo City Mayor Jed Mabilog and
Sports Development Officer of Iloilo Jojo Castro

The National MILO Marathon is set to mark its 40th year milestone as it holds its National Finals in the city of Iloilo on Sunday, December 4. The reigning MILO Marathon King and Queen, two-time MILO Marathon King Rafael Poliquit and three-time MILO Marathon Queen and 2016 Olympian Mary Joy Tabal, are both raring to go head-to-head with their fierce rivals to defend their crowns in the final race of the season.

The city of Iloilo was selected to be the official venue of this year’s National Finals to provide better proximity to aspiring runners from the South, and enrich the experience of everyone with scenic routes, spacious thoroughfares and thrilling challenges that await the runners. The race, which expects to see 20,000 runners, will be held in the Iloilo Convention Center. Mayor of Ilolilo City Jed Mabilog affirms the city’s full preparations and support for the National MILO Marathon Finals. ”We are all very excited to be hosting the most prestigious and longest running footrace in the country,” said Mabilog. “We are honored to be part of the historic culminating event of the National MILO Marathon’s 40th anniversary. We hope all our runners will enjoy the race experience we have prepared for them.”

National MILO Marathon Davao Leg moved to November 6

The National MILO Marathon Davao qualifying race will be rescheduled to November 6, 2016, due to the runners’ requests for an extension of the registration.

The race was originally scheduled on October 9, 2016. The decision to extend the registration period was made in the best interest of the runners, and for the organizers to be able to create an unparalleled running experience for all participants.

Onsite registration is extended until November 4, 2016 at Adidas, Gaisano Mall.

Veterans Claim Victory At The 40th Milo Marathon Metro Manila Leg

With Mary Joy Tablan on her way to the Olympics,  the pedestal for the top spot on the 42K became up for grabs for women marathoners. On the Metro Manila Leg of the Milo Marathon two veterans  claimed to top spot. 

Five-time MILO Marathon King Eduardo “Vertek” Buenavista and veteran MILO Marathon winner Luisa Raterta returned to the top as they claimed the prized spots in the centerpiece 42K event at the 40th National MILO Marathon Manila qualifying leg held on Sunday. Participants and spectators enjoyed the good weather in the SM Mall of Asia grounds, with almost 33,000 runners crossing the finish line.

Energized champions conquer first race of 40th MILO Marathon

The electric opening race of the 40th National MILO Marathon kicked off with over 9,300 runners crossing the finish line in Dagupan, Pangasinan. Last year’s Dagupan champion Cesar Castañeto placed first once again in the 21K male category, together with Lany Cardona in the female category. They each took home the top purse of P10,000 in cash and a trophy, and booked their slots to the National Finals in Iloilo City on December 4 to try and claim the MILO Marathon King and Queen titles.

Castañeto posted a time of 01:11:23 to clinch first place, while Julius Sermona (01:13:38) and Hernane Sore (01:14:56) grabbed the second and third places, respectively. In the distaff side, Cardona clocked in at 01:31:48, followed by Shane Acosta (01:42:27) in second place and Eunice Lata-an (01:44:11) in third.

Milo Marathon Celebrates 40 Years! Finals To Be Held In Iloilo!

The National MILO Marathon marks the 40th year this 2016 and is now ready to start and it will take place on 14 locations starting at Dagupan City on July 17th. And just like last year, they also went with a different venue for the Grand Finals, which will be happening in Iloilo City.

We cannot deny that Milo Marathon has done a lot of milestones in all of those years, and one of the most interesting event that happened is when one of the champion marathoners Mary Joy Tabal got a qualifying slot for the upcoming Rio Olympics.

MILO Marathon Champs Tabal, Poliquit conquer Boston Marathon

Mary Joy Tabal and Rafael Poliquit Jr. added another feather to their caps as they crossed the finish line of the 120th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 18 (April 19, Philippine time). The all-expense paid trips to the Boston Marathon are part of their prizes for winning the 39th National MILO Marathon in 2015. With pride in their hearts as they represented the Philippines, the reigning MILO Marathon champs took to the Boston roads along with over 32,000 runners from all over the globe in the world’s oldest annual marathon.

The Boston Marathon is known for its notoriously difficult race route and very high qualification standards. Adding to the hurdles that the champs needed to overcome were the very strong winds and hot weather conditions on race day. Despite not being able to hit their target times, both Tabal and Poliquit, just by finishing the historic Boston Marathon alone, have achieved a massive feat in the sport of road racing.

2016 MILO Summer Sports Clinics to offer 3 new sports

Leading beverage brand MILO announces that starting this year, three new sports – triathlon, golf and fencing – are joining the roster of sports at the MILO Summer Sports Clinics. Summer is the perfect time for children to learn a new sport with the MILO Summer Sports Clinics, the most widely participated sports program in the country. With its commitment to discovering and developing tomorrow’s champion athletes, MILO encourages school children to make the most of their vacation by learning sports and taking on new challenges.

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.

BCNHS and Camp 7 dominate MILO Little Olympics in North Luzon

The third leg of the prestigious interschool competition comes full circle

Baguio City National High School (BCNHS) and Camp 7 Elementary School toppled their fiercest competitors to win the highest ranks as champions of the recently concluded 2015 MILO Little Olympics in North Luzon. Over 5,000 promising athletes from 180 schools across north and central Luzon vied for the top honors in 15 sporting events including Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Football, Gymnastics, Lawn Tennis, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Volleyball, Chess, Sepak Takraw, Scrabble and the two new demo sports in the roster, Karatedo and Arnis.

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.