MORE than 40 years since its first race, the annual Milo Marathon has become more than just a running spectacle but has taken added dimensions, a direction officials said has been key for it to stay relevant all these years.
Set to kick off its 42nd staging with the first leg in Urdaneta, Pangasinan, on July 15, the Milo Marathon continues with its ongoing theme of “Magsama-sama, Tumakbo, Matuto,” from which the beverage brand hopes to strengthen the event’s legacy of upholding a values-driven race experience for runners.
“The 42nd National Milo Marathon continues to center on the life lessons that runners can learn and take with them beyond the finish line. We are committed to delivering an inspiring season as we highlight the values of discipline, resilience and determination to help our runners be molded into true champions,” said Lester P. Castillo, Milo Philippines Sports Executive, during the launch of the 42nd National Milo Marathon on June 7 at the Conrad Manila Hotel.
Mr. Castillo went on to say that in conjunction with the marathon series, Milo, under its Help Give Shoes advocacy, will donate 1,500 pairs of shoes to deserving public schoolchildren across the country as well as 2,500 basketballs to deserving public schools nationwide.
The added initiative of giving basketballs, Milo said, is part of its expansion thrust to reach more schoolchildren and get them into sports, and not just running.
NEEDED
For Robbie De Vera, Milo Philippines Consumer Marketing Brand Manager, the ongoing thrust of the Milo Marathon is set to continue because it something the group feels the country needs.
“Of course the Milo Marathon is still there to support the athletic side, helping find talents and developing them to become champions who can represent the country. But we will complement it with various programs moving forward because we feel it is something that the Philippines needs,” Mr. De Vera said in an interview with BusinessWorld at the sidelines of the Milo Marathon launch.
“With the decrease importance in physical education, MAPE, limited sports facilities, other problems in society and digital distractions like mobile gadgets, the point of programs like the Milo Marathon and others under the “Get Your Child Into Sports” program is to really encourage people to look at sports as another classroom where they can learn other values that they can use not only in sports but life in general,” he added.
RACE LEGS
For the 42nd edition of the National Milo Marathon, officials said they are expecting some 150,000 runners throughout the 11 legs.
After the first stage in Urdaneta on July 15, the marathon goes to Manila on July 29, Tarlac on Aug. 26, Batangas on Sept. 16, Lucena on Sept. 30, Iloilo on Oct. 7, Cebu on Oct. 14, General Santos City on Oct. 21, Butuan on Nov. 11 and Cagayan de Oro on Nov. 18.
The winners in each leg will advance to the National Finals in Laoag City on Dec. 9, with the new Marathon King and Queen earning the right to represent the country in next year’s Southeast Asian Games which the country is hosting.
The 42nd National Milo Marathon is endorsed by the Department of Education, Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee, and sanctioned by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA). — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
