Some 20,000 runners are expected to participate as the 35th MILO National Marathon holds its 12th Regional Elimination race on Sunday at the Osmena Boulevard in Cebu City, organizers said in a press statement.
Race organizers led by Ricky Ballesteros said they are confident they can meet the targeted number of runners, which may so far be the largest regional qualifying race for the annual event this year.
“The MILO Marathon has always been a much awaited event for the Cebu running community and I am confident that we will reach the target of 20,000 runners this year,” said Ballesteros, who has been in the forefront in the development of long distance races in the Queen City of the South.
Among those expected to dominate the 21-km Cebu Leg, which will start at the Osmena Blvd. and end at the Cebu City Sports Complex, are current RP team member and defending women’s titlist Mary Joy Tabal, perennial marathon champion Mendel Lopez and triathlete Noy Jopson.
Tabal who won her first championship in last year’s Cebu MILO Marathon eliminations has since been topping other long-distance runs in the Visayas region. Fresh from winning gold medals in the 2011 Philippine National Games in Bacolod City, the 22 year old Tabal is gearing up to top anew the regional leg to clutch the P0,000 pot and a spot in the Manila finals.
Ballesteros, who is also the manager of Cebu City Sports Complex, expressed elation over the cooperation of 1000 volunteers from government agencies, Philippine National Police, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, medical groups, civic groups and running enthusiasts for the MILO Marathon.
Local government officials lead by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young and Department of Education official Dr. Reamar Angtud are also expected to grace the fiesta-like running event. Also joining the field are singer actress Donna Cruz and husband Dr. Yong Larrazabal.
A total of 500 pairs of shoes will also be given to the school children of Inayawan Elementary School, Barrio Luz National High School, Apas National High School, Abellana National School and Don Vicente Rama Memorial School as part of the marathon’s “Help Give Shoes” Advocacy. So far, some 6,000 pairs of shoes have already been given to school children in the previous 11 qualifying legs.
A sum of P10,000 will be awarded to the top three schools with the Biggest delegation and most number of students to finish the 5-km run as well as 3-km Kiddie category and another P10,000 will be awarded to the Inter-School running competition, which will be given to the Fastest aggregate time of team’s first 25 finishers.
A Cheer Dance side event will also be held which offers P7,500 plus plaque to the best squad.
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