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.

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 Queen Mary Joy Tabal obtains Olympics slot in Ottawa Marathon

Mary Joy Tabal once again proved that hard work and determination can propel oneself to success. Finally making her dream come true, Tabal secured her slot for the Rio Olympics when she finished the Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon on Sunday, May 29 (May 30, Philippine time). After falling short in her stint at the Boston Marathon last April, the reigning MILO Marathon Queen was able to make an impressive comeback in Ottawa’s prestigious footrace.

Known as the Great White North’s largest and fastest marathon, the Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon is one of two International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Gold Label races in Canada, attracting a world contingent of about 7,000 runners every year because of its flat and fast race course. 

Tabal clocked in with the time of 2:43:29, beating the 2:45:00 Olympic qualifying time for the women’s marathon. The 26-year-old Cebuana gained a substantial lead against other competitors, and was able to rank 5th in the female age group, 8th in the overall elite female category and 38th in the overall elite male and female category, out of a total of 4,416 elite participants.

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.

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.

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.

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.