Delos Santos win big in 35th MILO Marathon National Finals

Delos Santos, the 2011 MILO marathon queen

Taking her failure to represent the country in the last Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) as a challenge, Mary Grace Delos Santos continued her preparation in Baguio City and on Sunday reaped the dividends of her hard work by winning the 42K title of the 35th MILO Marathon National Finals which started and ended inside the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

“Masama talaga ang loob ko nung hindi ako nakasama sa national pool. Gusto ko talagang tumakbo para sa bansa,” said Delos Santos, a 24-year-old lass from Zamboanga after bagging her first national title in the yearly footrace.

35th MILO Marathon national finals kicks off Sunday

MANILA - Four hundred sixty of the Philippines’ top runners including their highly competitive foreign counterparts will vie for the prestigious championship title and the top purse of P 300,000 in the much-anticipated 35th National MILO Marathon Finals at the SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City on December 11.

Four hundred and ten (410) men and 50 women passed the age group qualifying time in the 42.195k and 21k elimination legs staged throughout 17 major cities in the country, including oldest 21k qualifiers and both Cebu natives, 76-year-old Rening Ylaya and 56-year-old Shiela Colmenares.

Kenyans rule 3rd QCIM

For the third year in a row, Kenyan runners romped off with the top prizes in the Quezon City International Marathon which held its third edition last Sunday.

Cosmers Kembei and Pamela Chipkoge, both from Eldoret town in the western part of Kenya, ruled the centerpiece 42K event to pocket P75,000 each in the race that started and ended outside the Quezon City Hall along Elliptical Road.

The 25-year-old Kembei outsprinted compatriot Andrew Melly in the last 200 meters to win in two hours, 29 minutes and 44 seconds.  Melly checked in four seconds after to finish second while another Kenyan, John Kiprop (2:33.04), was third.

3rd QCIM reels off this Sunday

A fast and exciting race looms in the third edition of the Quezon City International Marathon (QCIM) which reels off on Dec. 4, with all the race routes for its four events mapped out and certified by the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (PATAFA) in close coordination with the race organizer, Executive Runners Club of the Philippines (Runnex).

For the safety of the participants, part of the Elliptical Road and the entire north-bound lane of Commonwealth Ave. which covers a major portion of the race course will be closed to traffic during the QCIM.

Expected to participate in the annual event are 15,000 local and foreign runners with organizers saying that the number could swell more because of extension in the registration until Wednesday, Nov. 30. 

Reprint: How to hack a Marathon even if you are not a runner

Here is an interesting read from Andrew Gertig who hacked a marathon early this year even without training. Gertig said that he and several friends tried to do a marathon just for fun and see if they can hack it even without proper training.


Read on how Gertig did it.

Its the form not the shoes - McDougall

Click on the picture to view The New York Times Magazine video on the right way to run.  The picture is also from the same media outfit.

Christopher McDougall, runner and author of best-seller Born To Run, argued that its not the shoes but the form that is important in running and running fast.

McDougall in an aricle published by the New York Times explained that most runners today are heel runners instead of being  "whisper soft striders."

"Two years ago, in my book, “Born to Run,” I suggested we don’t need smarter shoes; we need smarter feet. I’d gone into Mexico’s Copper Canyon to learn from the Tarahumara Indians, who tackle 100-mile races well into their geriatric years. I was a broken-down, middle-aged, ex-runner when I arrived. Nine months later, I was transformed. After getting rid of my cushioned shoes and adopting the Tarahumaras’ whisper-soft stride, I was able to join them for a 50-mile race through the canyons. I haven’t lost a day of running to injury since," McDougall wrote.

Part of the blame, according to McDougall, is the fear "marketed" by sports companies. Runners are brainwashed that "good"-looking, scientifically-designed shoes, including the "barefoot" brand, will thelp them achieve better personal bests and results.

But because runners do not have the right form, they usually suffer injuries instead of performing better.

Here is an illustration of what McDougall is preaching.

Illustration courtesy of The New York Times

I am giving this kind of running a try and based on my last three races, I believe that my performance is getting better.

Maybe you should try this too.

Lupio wins Davao elims of 35th MILO marathon

As expected the top bets clutched slots to the National Finals as the 17 regional qualifying legs of the 35th National MILO Marathon came to a close last Sunday in Davao City.

Brian Lupio came more prepared and went on to outrace three-time national champion Cresenciano Sabal to pocket the P10,000 top purse. Sisters Cynthia Jaro and Criselyn Jaro posted a 1-2 finish with a clocking of 1:31:48 and 1:32:47 respectively in the women's category.

The 23-year-old Lupio of Baguio District, Davao City, fell behind speeding Anthony Nerza before regaining his form and engaged Sabal in a see-saw battle in the halfway mark until Lupio took command in the last seven kilometers of the race and finished alone to record a new personal best time of 1 hour, 13 minutes and 33 second. Nerza (1:14:30) finished at second spot while Sabal (1:17:26) of the Philippine Army salvaged a podium finish. 

“Going into the race, I was wary of the competition because I heard that I will be running against Sabal and Nerza who are both strong runners so I really made an effort to prepare,” said Lupio, who won his second MILO regional title despite blistered feet and untied shoelaces.

Lupio was referring to 22-year-old Nerza of Kapatagan, Digos, Davao del Sur  who is the 2010 National Finals 4th placer and 33-year-old Sabal, the national titlist in 2005, 2007 and 2009.

Sabal had his own predicament when he failed to finish the Gen. Santos City leg last week due to leg pains, but recovered just in time to join the last elimination race and booked a finals spot as he targets a fourth title.

“I am happy that I still finished third despite my condition. I hope to get my fourth MILO Marathon King title, that’s why me and fellow Philippine Army runners are training hard and strategizing to make a competitive performance against Kenyan and Ethiopian runners,” said Sabal.

Completing the top 10 in the men's division were Ricky Grande (1:19:02),  John Lyd Pasaforte (1:20:41), Mario Ecalner (1:22:02), Robert Daang (1:23:55), Ronald Dagaang (1:23:57), Rodien Hormigas (1:24:01) and Benes Delgado (1:27:31).

On the distaff side, 20-year-old Cynthia Jaro of Turil, Davao City and her sister Criselyn made the age group qualifier cut-off with 21 others in both the men's and women's categories.

“My 21k last year was my first and I was not as prepared then as I am now. This year’s route was more challenging with eight uphill and downhill parts that tested my endurance, but thankfully competition wasn’t that close and I finished ahead,” said Cynthia, last year’s National MILO Marathon 10th placer. Cynthia aims to make top 10 and improve her record of 3:23:00 to 3:10:00 this year.

The field of 12,053 runners contributed to the National MILO Marathon’s ‘Help Give Shoes’ advocacy to raise 500 pairs of shoes for students of Leon Garcia National High School, Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School, Manuel L. Quezon Elementary School, Davao City National High School and Magallanes Elementary School.

More than 400 runners qualified for the 42.195-kilometer race at the National MILO Marathon Finals on December 11 at the SM Mall of Asia.

On the run-up to the Manila Finals, the National MILO Marathon also announces it is already open for registration for 3k, 5k, 10k and 21k race categories through Manila Race organizer RunRio. Visit www.MILO.com.ph for online registration or go to RUNNR Store Bonifacio High Street, Planet Sports Trinoma or Toby’s SM Mall of Asia.

Energizer-fueled runners

I experienced my third night race last Saturday inside the sprawling Fort Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Rain was pouring like cats and dogs but runners, fitted with Energizer headlights, were just egging to experience their night race. According to organizers of the 2011 Energizer Philippines Night Race, more than 5,000 runners participated in the 3-kilometer, 5K and 10K events.

The event, however, was more than racing, it was actually an advocacy run to help hearing-challenged children in partnership with GMA Kapuso Foundation.

“It was really a great experience and I’m really satisfied of the final leg of Energizer Night Race,” said Energizer Product Manager Fritzie Lee, who emphasizes that their event will serve also as a good example of a great charitable work to other organizations.

“Our theme for this year is ‘Race for a Brighter World,’ but our global campaign revolves on ‘Positive Energy,’" said Lee, noting the hearing aids and Energizer Zero-Mercury hearing-aid batteries have been already distributed to the beneficiaries after the event.


The race, the last stop of a four-leg series in the country, is part of the Global Energizer Night Race extravaganza being held simultaneously in other countries, among them the United States, Canada, Argentina, Greece, Ecuador, Singapore, Belgium, South Africa and many others.

According to Energizer Brand Manager Joan Mendoza, the one-night running spectacle has doubled the numbers of participants in the previous races - - Davao, Dagupan and Cebu City - - which could probably happen next year again.

“We met all expectations. We thank the runners who braved the rains and joined the Manila leg of Energizer Night Race. It is truly inspiring and we can’t wait for next year” said Mendoza. “In Davao, we had at least 2, 500, in Dagupan 2, 000 and in Cebu most likely 3, 000. And right now for the first time in Manila, we have achieved our target 5, 000 runners. It was really indeed one of a kind run.”

“It was very successful despite the weather condition because we felt the fun and excitement.”

runners' wall agrees with Mendoza, that the race was successful. But it was more than successful, it was unforgettable.

Registration now open for 35th MILO marathon finals

Aspirants to the National MILO Marathon throne will have one last chance on Sunday to make the December finals when the country's longest running foot race holds its last 21K elimination leg in Davao City even as organizers opened the registration for the national finals.

Organizers placed the total number of registered runners at 12,450, including those in the 21K, 10K, 5K and 3K categories. Among the confirmed entries are last year's Davao leg winner Brian Lupio, 2010 National Finals fifth placer Anthony Nerza and Cynthia Jaro, who placed 7th in last year's finals.

The race will see tougher competition as marathoners from neighboring provinces of General Santos, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro converge in Davao to vie for the P10,000 pot for the grand winner and a slot in the National Finals.

Just like the previous legs, runners finishing within the cutoff times of 1:15:00 for male and 1:35:00 for female will earn all-expense paid trips to the Manila finals.

Race organizer Kenneth Sai expressed elation over the registration turnout, which has exceeded the
12,000 targeted runners. Sai adds the the Davao National MILO Marathon was endorsed by the local
government and will be supported by the Davao City Police Office and the Traffic Management Center.

Registration now open for Manila Finals

The National MILO Marathon now opens registration to the Finals on December 11 at the SM Mall of
Asia. Online registration for 3K, 5K, 10K and 21K is ongoing until Nov. 27 through www.runrio.com.
Runners can also register at Toby's, Runner, Planet Sports and Athletes' Foot branches until December
4. An empty pack of Milo 20g is required along with the various registration fees: P100 for 3K and 5K
and P500 for 10K and 21K. All runners will be provided with singlet and timing chips.

More than 400 of the country’s best runners will vie for the grand prize of P300,000 in the premiere
42.195K full marathon. The runner-up will settle for P150,000 while the third placer will take home
P75,000.

Three-time winner Eduardo Buenavista and Flordeliza Donos are the defending Marathon King and
Queen in the championship which will start at 4 a.m. and end at the SM Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay
City.

A special prize of P20,000 will be given to the runners who will break the 2:18:53 men's record of
Buenavista and 2:48:16 women's record of two-time champion Jho-An Banayag. P50,000 will also be
awarded to the first runner to break the 2:15:00 invisible time barrier.

Condo unit to be raffled in the 3rd QCIM staging

SM Development Corporation (SMDC), title sponsor of the Quezon City International Marathon (QCIM), has staked a condo unit as the top prize to be raffled off to participants of the multi-event footrace set this December 4, organizer Runnex said in a press statement.

This come-on is considered as the biggest single prize staked for race finishers in Philippine marathon history.

The race, held annually in collaboration with the Quezon City local government, again looms as the city’s biggest sporting event in terms of participants. The race organizer, Executive Runners Club of the Philippines (Runnex), expects participation to hit the 15,000 mark this year, a jump from the 8,000 runners who participated in the inaugural staging of the QCIM in 2009.

List-up for the 5-K, 10-K, 21-K, and 42-K events of the race is ongoing at eight registration centers. These are at the SMDC showrooms in SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, and the Mall of Asia; at Mizuno stores in Megamall, MOA, and Bonifacio Street; at the Second Wind store at Teacher’s Village, Quezon City, and at the Runnex office at Bahay ng Alumni in UP Diliman.

Registration for the 5K and 10K events are P500 and P600, respectively, with no minimum age requirement. The 21K race has a P750 entry fee with 14 years as the minimum age requirement. Registration fee for the full marathon is P850 with 17 years as the minimum age. The entry fee for foreign entries is pegged at $30.

As early as the middle of this year, Runnex has been meticulously planning for another successful staging of the QCIM. The club, the oldest private organization for runners in the country, has launched two running clinics to help train participants, particularly those joining the 21-K and the 42-K for the first time.

One of these is the Discover Running Series which is now on its second phase and conducted in coordination with the University of the Philippines’ College of Human Kinetics. This clinic has Olympian Elma Muros as guest coach and is held at the UP Academic Oval in Diliman, Quezon City, every Sunday morning till November 26.

Aside from securing SMDC sponsorship, Runnex has also lined up support from the traditional QCIM backers such as Maxima Machineries, Meralco, Mizuno, Hyundai, BPI, SSS, Gatorade, Maynilad, and Manila Water. Media partners include the Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Business Mirror, Business World, Malaya Business Insight, ABS-CBN, GMA 7, Studio 23, Auto REVIEW NBN4,  Aksyon Sports 92.3 NewsFM, Takbo.ph, Total Fitness, Pinoy Fitness, Frontrunner  and Action Fitness.

McHappy Day Fun Run 2011

Here's a fun run for the family. 

The McHappy Day Fun Run 2011 is a great way to bond with the whole family. It is designed for youngsters and parents who are not "really" into running.

Parents are given several options which fun run to enter their kids. There is a 1-kilometer run for kids 1-3 years old, a 3k run for kids 6 to 12 years old, a 3k run for a family of 4 and an open category for 5 and 10 kilometer runners.

I think this is a very good idea to start the kids into a fit lifestyle.

But this fun run is like eating a Happy Meal. Participants will not only be able to have a great time but will be able to help the advocacy of Bright Minds Read, a program of the Department of Education (DepEd) to provide teachers with instructional materials and pupils with worksheets.

According to the DepEd press statement, the education department provides a BMR kit to enhance the program. The kit "contains 28 big books in Filipino and four big books in English. It also includes a BMR bag, a set of manuals for teachers, a set of manuals for teachers, a set of worksheets for students, one ABC chart and a BMR banner."

Kaya sa Mcdo Fun Run, nakatakbo ka na, nakatulong ka pa sa edukasyon ng mga Pinoy kids.

There will be no singlets in the race kits for this fun run but finishers will receive finisher shirts.

For more info, click here.

I actually participated in the 10k race of this fun run last year and had a great time. I even have a picture with Ronald as a souvenir.

Good luck, and happy running.

Kidapawan native wins GenSan men's elims of 35th MILO marathon

Unknown Kidapawan native Gilbert Maluyo stamped his class by winning the men's division while Rhodah Chepkirui stood firm all-throughout to rule the distaff side last Sunday in the General Santos City eliminations  of the 35th National MILO Marathon, organizers said in a press statement released to media outfits.

Maluyo, a 30-year-old machine operator Maluyo, checked in with a time of one hour 14 minutes and 54 seconds and in the process relegated Elmer Bartolo (1:14:56) to second spot and Kenyan runner David Kipoech Kipsang (1:15:16) to third place. Royle Mariano (1:24:23) finished at fourth and Jelbirth Gomera (1:27:34) settled for fifth.

"It was a challenge for me to balance work and training and I had to wake up at 4:30 am to do a long run before I headed to work. Add to that, I was nervous because I have been hearing about Kenyans ruling races in Mindanao and Visayas," Maluyo added.

Jerome Dela Rosa completed the top 10 cast with 1:27:39 for sixth, Rodolfo Villanueva at seventh in 1:30:38, followed by Paul Andrew Paradela (1:30:42), Francisco Veroy (1:31:29) and Diosdado Munar Sr. (1:31:52).

Chepkirui also of Kenya registered a 1:27:40 clocking to lead a total of 14 age group qualifiers into the Grand Finals on Dec. 11 at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

It was a different story on the women’s side as 24-year-old Kenyan runner Chepkirui led from start to finish outpacing last year's National MILO Marathon Batangas leg titlist  Maricel Maquilan who fell to second in 1:32:06

"I found the race easy, I was alone from start to finish. Thankfully there were no strong local competitors and I was able to reach my goal to earn a slot in the finals," said Chepkirui, who has been in the country for a month.

Completing the top five were April Rose Diaz who settled at third in 1:34:42, followed by Maria Estela Diaz (1:49:40) and Joan Natividad (2:08:04).     

But the biggest casualty in the 21-k race was former three-time National MILO Marathon champion  Cresenciano Sabal, who was unable to finish the race because of a foot injury. He is said to participate in the final Davao leg on Sunday for a final swing to clutch a spot at the finals.

The General Santos leg likewise produced a total of 500 pairs of shoes for selected students of General Santos City High School, Dadiangas South Elementary School, HN Cahilsot Central Elementary School, Ireneo Santiago High School and Balunto Elementary School as part of the National MILO Marathon’s ‘Help Give Shoes’ Advocacy.

More than 400 runners from the previous 17-leg elimination races all over the country have already earned slots at the National finals, which offers P300,000 cash prize to the winners in both the elite men and women's 42.195-km class.

After the 16th leg, the nationwide search for the best runner in the country, will head for its final stop on Sunday in Davao City. On the run-up to the Manila Finals, the National MILO Marathon also announces it is already open for registration for 3k, 5k, 10k and 21k race categories through Manila Race organizer RunRio.

 Interested participants can log on to www.milo.com.ph for online registration.

Busa, Miranda win Butuan elims of 35th MILO marathon

A first timer and a former champion displayed strong determination to win the Butuan Leg of the 35th National Milo Marathon participated in by 7, 903 runners in Butuan City, organizers said in a press statement.

Local bet Alvirg Busa posted 1:15:11 to secure his first major title after 5 years of running, while Judelyn Miranda regained the Butuan women's crown she won in 2009, with a time of 1:26:26 in the premiere 21-km race.

Butuan native Busa was ecstatic with his first championship despite the presence of strong competition. “I was nervous going into the race because of the pool of elite runners who were really good. I did not expect to win, but I just focused on my own performance,” said Busa referring to the participation of regional champs, Dionisio Belmonte and Jonel Bunsit.

Always in top 10 but never the champion, Busa resolved to better his performance. “Before, I used to speed up from start to finish, but now I’ve learned restraint and worked on moderating my pacing. Every time I fall behind during the race, I do a fartlek—short fast, bursts in running--to keep up.”

Busa paced with the lead pack until the halfway mark and later engaged Jordan Bacong of Ormoc in a neck-to-neck race until some six kilometers before the finish.

Bacong settled for second in 1:17:48, while Ronilo Sandinao finished third in 1:17:52 and Belmonte Jr. was fourth with a time of 1:18:08. Completing the top 10 cast in the men's division were Jestoni Sandinao (1:20:52), Nicolas Sulpicio  (1:21:04), Jonel Monsit (1:22:09), Johny España (1:22:13), Edgardo Lapasigue (1:23:13) and Ariel Bagaporo (1:25:43).

Busa and Miranda with their trophies after winning their respective divisions.

As with last year, Miranda felt the absence of a worthwhile competitor, but her determination to meet the qualifying mark and improve her personal best time enabled the Tagum City-native to become the only female participant to make it to the grand finals.

"The challenge was more on the hot weather and some blisters and wounds I got from running, but I just went on because I really wanted to improve my time,” share Miranda, a criminology graduate and 2009 National Milo Marathon 13th placer.

Miranda was the female lead runner in the mostly flat route from start to finish. She then joined the lead pack composed of male runners, which gave her some challenge to break her personal best of 1:32:00.

She was followed by Michell Ann Aclo, who finished a distant second with a clocking of  1:41:56. Wenda Del Valle was third in 1:49:06 and Lorebelle Joy Parcon was fourth in 2:10:43. Mariquit Ferrer registered 2:15:01 for fifth and Ireen Batitang was sixth (2:28:43).
 
Both the 24-year-old Busa and the 26-year-old Miranda led 15 other age group qualifiers to the National Finals at the SM Mall of Asia in pasay City on Dec. 11. All the 17 qualifiers will join the already more than 400 in the grand finals which offers P300,000 each for both top male and female champions.

The Butuan City race produced a total of 500 pairs of shoes for public schools, Maon Elementary School, Florencio Sibayan Elementary School, Obrero Elementary School, Silad Mahogany Elementary School and Butuan Central Elementary School as part of its ‘Help Give Shoes’ advocacy. The annual marathon event seeks to donate 10,000 pairs of shoes as part of Nestle’s Centennial celebration.

After the Butuan race, the nationwide 17-leg search for the country's top runners will shift to General Santos on Oct 30 and Davao City on Nov. 6, before the grand finals on December 11.

Unabia, Cadion rule CdO Milo Marathon elims

Thousands participated in the MILO run in Cagayan de Oro last Sunday

Defending regional champion Arnold Unabia topped the Cagayan de Oro eliminations of the 35th National Milo Marathon last Sunday and is now expecting a tough stint in the National Finals, organizers said in a press statement.

The 33-year-old Unabia ruled the 21K men's division in one hour, 14 minutes and two seconds, barely beating Jeffrey Sotto (1:14:11) and Gerald Sabal (1:14:13).  Crifrankreadel Indapan (1:14:36) and Jerald Zabala (1:14:58) occupied the next two places.

Two 18-year-olds--Cresabel Cadion (1:34:38) and Roxanne Maaba (1:38:08)--finished 1-2 in the distaff side while Lezette Aibarote (1:44:50) was third.  All three will join the 18 male qualifiers in the December 11 National finals Which will award P300,000 each to the top male and female finisher.

Unabia, 13th in last year's national finals, will try to nail the crown for the fifth time.  A regular fixture in Cebu and CDO races, he is hoping he will have enough time to train for the December event.

“I was more prepared last year. I had less preparation this year because I had to juggle training with my coaching of kid runners," said Unabia, who works for the Tangub City government as running coach.

Unabia

Unabia's daily training for the past six months include long runs for two hours in the morning and endurance training in the afternoon.  He has mastered the flat CDO course.

“From the start, I was just pacing with the lead pack. In the last two kilometers, it was just me, Sotto and Sabal and so I really exerted all my energy about 1 kilometer before the finish line. We were neck to neck but luckily I finished first,” Unabia recounted.

Unabia said he is wary of the younger runners come the National Finals but he has one motivation why he wants to make to at least make it to the top 10.

"I want Filipinos to own the top 10.  I hope we can beat the Kenyan and Ethiopian runners," said Unabia.

Sotto, who works as a utility man at the Philippine Institute of Science and Technology in Iligan, said his lack of training showed in his performance.

“It would have been nice to beat Unabia and claim the Cagayan do Oro championship but I really had little training," said the 27-year-old Sotto.  "I will work harder and be better for the finals."

Female winner Cadion, ran her second 21K race.  Her first half marathon race last year, also in Cagayan de Oro, resulted in a third place finish.

"I didn't really find the race challenging in terms of route and competition," said Cadion, a Business Administration student of St. Columbian College in Pagadian.  "But I really planned to start strong and that allowed me to gain a wide lead right away."

Cadion

8,974 runners participated in the different race categories, including the 10K which was won by Glenn Arellano (33:55) and Sheena Maxicom (45:16).

Milo Sports Events Assistant Vice President Patricio Goc-ong expressed elation over the marathon’s turnout and the overall success of the race with the help of local organizers, Jeffrey Ang and Francis Velasquez of Cirlce Productions.

The Cagayan de Oro Marathon participants were able to raise a total of 500 pairs of shoes for students of South City Central School, Tablon Elementary School, Cagayan de Oro National High School, Alae National High School and Agusan Elementary School, as part of its ‘Help Give Shoes’ advocacy.

After the Cagayan de Oro leg,  the race heads further into Mindanao with races slated in Butuan (Oct23), General Santos (Oct 30) and Davao City (Nov 6). The National Finals will be held in Manila on December 11 at the SM Mall of Asia.

Tough race expected during MILO's CdO elims

Unabia and Sotto

Expect another tough and sizzling race when Cagayan De Oro hosts the 14th 14th Qualifying Leg of the 35th Milo National Marathon at the Pelaez Sports Center, organizers said.

Intense competition will unfold in the City of Golden Friendship, with 4-time CDO National Milo Marathon elims champ Arnold Unabia and 26 year old Iligan-native Jeffrey Sotto vying for top spots in the premiere 21k elimination race.

Last year, Unabia edged Sotto by a mere 10 seconds and topped last year’s race with a 1:13:06 finish.

But the two tough runners must expect tough competitions from competitors coming fromn nearby provinces of Zamboanga, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur and Bukidnon.

Local race organizers are targeting at least 12,000 runners to participate in the CDO race, which is the first of four elimination legs to be held in Mindanao. Registration for the half marathon and 10k race have doubled this year, an indication of the growing popularity of running in the region.

The Cagayan Leg age group qualifiers will join more than 300 runners who have already earned slots
to the National Finals from previous nationwide race legs and will vie for the P300,000 top prize in the
premier 42.195-km in the National Finals in Manila on Dec. 11.

After this Sunday’s race, the National Milo Marathon heads to Butuan City on Oct. 23, Gen. Santos City
on Oct. 30 and Davao City on Nov. 6.

As part of Milo’s sports advocacy program, some 500 pairs of shoes will also be given to the selected
students of different public schools in the city.

Kenyan, Cebuana top MILO's Tagbilaran City elims

Kenyan Willy Rotich and Cebuana Christy Tutor topped the challenging Tagbilaran City eliminations of the 35th MILO Maralon recently, according to a press statement released by the organizers.

The 20-year-old Rotich established himself midway en route to an easy win in the men's category with a time of one hour, 10 minutes and 22 seconds. Albert Umbagar (1:12:28) settled for second while Cebuano running champ Mendel Lopez (1:13:57) salvaged a podium finish.

"The uphill-downhill course was challenging but overall the race was good. My competitors were very aggressive at the start, but I exerted myself and maintained the lead from the 10k and finished alone at the end," said Kenyan runner Rotich, last year’s National MILO Marathon finals 13th placer.

Completing the male 21k top 10 were Jobert Carolino (1:14:35), John Philip Duenas (1:15:06), Ian Bernido (1:16:31), Jess Gonzaga (1:16:49), Rafael Tejada (1:20:58), Rolesper Marte (1:21:39), and Jemarvin Cabilan (1:21:57).

It was a close battle between Cebuana runners Tutor and Michelle Gilbuena, both from Bantayan Island.

“I was initially intimidated by Gilbuena, who placed third in the competitive Cam Sur Marathon and had lots of training in Baguio city, whereas I just do training on my own, juggling training with housework and taking care of the kids.”

“I maintained my pace some six kilometers into the race. Then I did a fireclick--I stayed beside my closest pursuer and darted 100 meters to gain the lead. I did this everytime Michelle got close to me and thankfully it worked as I finished 10 meters ahead of her," shared Tutor, a second placer in the National Finals in 2004.

Tutor

Bagging third place was Lalaine Patricio (1:43:48) followed by Niecel Espenosa (1:49:01), Helen Palma (1:51:41), Merry Jean Berdos (1:52:46), Teodelyn Calabroso (1:53:10), Geraldine Bartolata (2:05:59),  Rosario Naomi Fajardo (2:16:21) and Emmylou Fuertes (2:17:35).

Some 25 runners out of 4,848 participants who answered the starting gun early in the morning passed the age group qualifier for the National Finals at the SM Mall of Asia.

They will join the country’s elite long distance runners and several foreigners in the National Finals this December. Among those who gained spots in the Finals were Jujet de Asis, Luisa Raterta, Jho-Ann Banayag, James Tallam, Genet Agtew and Mikael Tesfaye.

Another 500 pairs of shoes were donated to local public schools, Eastern Cogon Elementary School, Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School, Tagbilaran City Science High School, Cogon Elemntary School and Dampas Elementary School as part of the National MILO Marathon’s Help Give Shoes advocacy. The prestigious running event seeks to donate 10,000 pairs to public school children nationwide.

From Tagbilaran City, the 17-leg eliminations will journey to its Mindanao leg starting with Cagayan De Oro on Oct 16 followed by Butuan City (Oct 23), General Santos (Oct 30) and Davao City (Nov. 6) with the Manila Finals slated on December 11

Ethiopians dominate Cebu eliminations

After the Kenyans, the Ethiopians are invading and competing in the country's foot races.

And last Sunday, during the Cebu eliminations of the 35th National MILO Marathon,  Ethiopian runners Mikael Tesfaye and Genet Agtew topped their respective events in the race held in Osmena Boulevard, organizers said in a press statement.

Tesfaye, a 25-year-old runner who won the 2011 Camarines Sur International Marathon last week, and compatriot Mailemariam Kansay poted a 1-2 finish in the men's 21-K category. Tesfaye submitted a time of one hour, 9 minutes and 33 second while Kansay (1:09:37) salvaged a second place finish.

Tesfaye

On the distaff side, Genet Agtew, also a full-time athlete from Adis Ababa, completed the Ethiopian domination with a time of 1:24:16, outpacing 2010 MILO Marathon Cebu champion and current RP team standout Mary Joy Tabal who finished at 1:27:25.

Agtew

The Ethiopian runners, also members of Mesgana Athletics Club under Tsegaye Gebrezidoner Kebedew have been in the country for two weeks under the invitation of Bacolod running coach Frank Echevarria.

“We were invited by Coach Frank to compete locally to heighten the level of competition in the local race and we’ve been trained hard for the race by practicing at least twice a day, alternating between speed workouts, endurance and long distance running,” says Kebedew.  The group will be staying in the Philippines to train for the December finals.

Sharing his runners’ strategy, Kebedew shares "Coming into the competition, I advised my runners to keep up with the pace of competition when the rest are fast, and never be complacent when others pace slow.”

So overpowering were the Ethiopians that they relegated the Kenyans led by Josphat Kiptanji (1:09:45) to third place and last year's Metro Manila elims titlist Abraham Missos (1:12:58) to a distant fourth in the men's race. Another Kenyan Francis Kakaui ended fifth in 1:14:14.

2010 Cebu leg winner Adonis Singson  remained the top Filipino runner, but his 1:15:56 finish was good enough for sixth place.  “I tried to keep up with the lead pack of Ethiopians and Kenyans who ran very fast and strong. I tried to outpace them but I was already tired in the last 5K mark. I slowed down from then,” says Singson.

On the distaff side, Mary Jane Beboso settled for third at 1:39:52 followed by Cebu’s Running Queen Madelyn Carter finished at 1:43:02 Sandra Soliano clutched fifth at 1:45:47

A field of 19,040 runners participated in the race, including Cebu City Mayor, Michael Rama and singer actress Donna Cruz, making the Cebu qualifying leg the biggest regional leg. From the race, 34 qualifiers will advance to the Manila Finals to stand the chance to win Php 300,000 for both men and women’s championship.

Another 500 pairs of shoes were donated by Nestle officials to the students of Apas National High School, Inayawan Elementary School, Abellana Nationahl High School, Don Vicente Rams Memorial High School and Barrio Luz Elementary School, as part of the National MILO Marathon “Help Give Shoes” advocacy program.

A total of 4,200 pairs of shoes were extended to public school children nationwide last year and this year the organizer is targeting 10,000 more shoes to be donated to 100 schools to 100 students all over the country in line with the company’s 100th year celebration

From the Queen city of the South, the 17-leg eliminations will proceed to Tagbilaran on Oct 9, Cagayan De Oro (Oct 16), Butuan (Oct 23), General Santos (Oct 30) and the Davao City leg on Nov.  6 with the Manila Finals slated on December 11.

22k runners expected at the Cebu City Milo Marathon elims

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.

Quisay, Lee top Bacolod Milo Marathon elims

Alley Quisay and Joeyry Lee topped the Bacolod Elimination Leg of the 35th National Milo Marathon on Sunday, organizers said in a press release distributed to media organizations.

The 30-year-old Quisay of Pangasinan crossed the finish line all alone with a time of 1:13:11 in the 21-kilometer trial and ensure himself of a spot in the national finals scheduled this December.

“At the start, I purposely paced behind the other runners to size up the competition and reserve my strength.   Then after the turning point, I could sense my competitors were already tired so I put all my strength into speeding up and from there I led till the end,” said Quisay, a fourth placer in the National Milo Marathon Finals last year.

Local bet Anthony Babiera could only manage 1:14:14 to settle for second while Roger Denolo (1:14:52) finished third and Joel Alcorn (1:14:52) fourth.  Rommel Hulleza was a distant fifth with a time of 1:19:34.

On the distaff side, Joeyry Lee of Cebu posted 1:40:56 to win the women’s category and capture her second regional eliminations leg championship. But her efforts failed her to earn a spot in the finals.

“Kulang talaga ang oras sa ensayo dahil naka-focus ako sa school. I'll just prepare for next year's MILO marathon," said Lee, a 3rd year BS-Information Technology Student at University of Southern Philippines.

Completing the women’s top 5 were second placer Joyce Serquillos (1:58:01) of Bacolod, third placer Shalne Fe Antosada (2:08:50), fourth Myles Jordan (2:09:25) and fifth Ylang-Ylang Jordan (2:13:06).

While the women's winner failed to qualify, a total of 19 age group qualifiers advanced to the National Milo Marathon finals at the SM Mall of Asia.

The big field of 8,045 runners were able to donate 500 pairs of shoes to public school students from Bacolod as part of the Milo ‘Help Give Shoes’ advocacy.

From Bacolod City,  the 17-leg eliminations will proceed to  Cebu City on Oct 2, then Tagbilaran on Oct 9, Cagayan De Oro (Oct 16), Butuan (Oct 23), General Santos (Oct 30) and the Davao City leg on Nov. 6.

Agravante, Nobleza top Iloilo 35th Milo Qualifying

Veterans Jeson Agravante and Jennylin Nobleza top the men’s and women’s category of the 21-k Iloilo Qualifying Leg on Sunday, organizers said in a press release.

Sapphire Run at UPLB

If you have this urge to travel south on October 30, then Sapphire Run is one reason why you should just do it.

Enjoy the pollution-free campus of University of the Philippines - Los Banos (UPLB) while supporting the International Year of Forests and the National Greening Program of the government.

Bolivar, Fetalvero lead 39 San Pablo qualifiers in the 35th National Milo Marathon

Veteran Alquin Bolivar and former Milo Marathon Queen Mercedita Manipol-Fetalvero earned finals spots after topping the men and women categories of the Laguna Qualifying Leg of the 35th National Milo Marathon in San Pablo City in the province of Laguna, according to organizers on Sunday.

Taus of Kenya, Paje of Romblon shine in Naga elims of 35th Milo Marathon

Samuel Tarus of Kenya (left) ang Mila Paje of Romblon show their medals after the awarding ceremonies

Samuel Tarus of Kenya and Mila Paje of Romblon made their presence dominated their respective categories during the Naga Elimination of the 35th National Milo Marathon that started and ended at the SM Mall in Naga City last Sunday, according to the organizers.

Tribute run for Steve Jobs

CNET's Boonmsri Dickinson reported that a runner in Tokyo ran a half-marathon as a tribute to former Apple CEO Steve Jobs, who recently quit his job at the world's biggest tech company.

Warizal, Dela Rosa win MILO Marathon's Palawan eliminations

A pair of unheralded runners struck with enough precision to rule the Puerto Princesa City elimination leg of the 35th National Milo Marathon, organizers said Sunday in a press release distributed to news organizations and bloggers.

Norlan Warizal outraced back-to-back Puerto Princesa regional race champ Roben Samoya in the last kilometer to win the men’s division with a time of 1:14:22, while newcomer Jila de la Rosa surprised the more seasoned participants by grabbing the women’s top honor with a clocking of 1:36:53.

It was a big day for the 26-year-old Warizal, who rose to the top even without a coach and relied heavily on YouTube training videos of world renowned Olympian and long-distance runner Ryan Hall to guide his training and improve his performance.

 “Last year, the only training I knew was to run long distances, but this year I wanted to try something different and improve, so I looked to Youtube videos of my running idol Ryan Hall on training programs and speed workouts,” said Warizal. 

Even the weather seemed to cooperate on the victory as Tropical storm Mina cleared in time for a sunny morning race, which helped the former baggage counter attendant secure his first major crown after five years of competitive running.

“I really did not expect to win today, but I wanted to do my best and improve my time. From the start of the race, I really pushed my endurance and speed to maintain my lead. Towards the turnaround, I sped up even more to gain a 2-minute lead against my competitor,” added Warizal, last year’s 28th placer in the National Milo Marathon Finals.

Warizal’s win relegated heavily favored Samoya to just second with a time of 1:16:33. “I really wanted to top the Palawan race again, but I over-trained and fell ill Thursday right before the race. I still tried to lead but toned down after feeling muscle strain at the 3rd kilometer and could not keep up” said 2010 Milo Marathon 8th placer Samoya.

Local bet Marco Laipan settled for third in 1:23:18, while Felicimo Jr. Mambaje managed 1:23:33 for fourth, Sherwin Leonidas timed 1:28:11 for fifth and Johnrey Labrador was sixth in 1:29:30. 

Completing the top ten cast in the 21-k flat course were Mendoza Roderick at seventh (1:31:44), Wilfredo Quipquip Sr. for the 8th spot (1:32:14), Diomie Caballero finished 9th (1:33:17) and Manuel Dotillos of Western Command settling for the 10th position (1:34:01).

On the distaff side, Puerto Princesa native and Education major at the University of Sto. Tomas, Jila dela Rosa posted her maiden victory on her first attempt at the half marathon. Armed with skills from her track and field training in UST, and personal training from her father, 18 year old De la Rosa moved up from 10-k races to be the lone Palawena qualifier to the Manila finals.

“During the race, I made sure I ran my own pace which I trained for in my time trials. I made sure I didn’t get pressured by the lead pack or other competitors so I won’t over exert myself. As I am more accustomed to 10k, I felt the challenge of 21k when my feet started to feel heavier, it was harder to speed up and I got harsh blisters on my feet, but I am thankful I finished first despite a number of really good competitors” added De la Rosa.

Falling in second place was veteran Bernardita Mag-aso in 1:47:18 and Victorina Calma was third in 1:49:06. Conchita Dingcol settled for fourth (2:00:04), Flores Joanna at fifth (2:07:53) and Maricris Laipan for sixth (2:18:55).

Warizal and de la Rosa will lead nine other age group qualifiers, Marco Laipan, Felicimo Jr. Mambaje, Sherwin Leonidas, Johnrey Labrador, Ruben Samuya, Diomie Caballero, Wilfredo Sr. Quipquip, Joel Jr. Dela Rosa, Ebod Balsinio  into the Finals on Dec. 11 at the SM Mall of Asia.

 They will be joined by previous regional leg winners Eliud Kering of Kenya and Luisa Raterta of Batanagas, Mercy Taypoc and Reynaldo Pascua of Ilocos, Hernani Sore and Jessa Mangsat of Dagupan, Robeno Javier of Olongapo, Jujet de Asis, Geraldine Sealza of Tarlac and Manila elims titlists James Tallam of Kenya and RP team standout and former champion Jho-Ann Banayag.

At stake in the full 42-195-k finals won by Eduardo Buenavista and Flordeliza Donos last year is a whopping Php 300,000 for the men and women’s champion.

500 pairs of shoes were given to students of Palawan National National High School, East Central School and elementary schools Pilot, Mateo Jagmis Memorial and Wescom as part of the National Milo Marathon’s “Help Give Shoes” advocacy.  

The 35th National MILO Marathon heightens its commitment of building champions in sports and in life by continuing its advocacy of providing running shoes to underprivileged children. Last year, a total of 4,200 pairs were donated to public school children nationwide. This season, in line with Nestle’s celebration of 100 years, the advocacy aims to give 100 pairs of shoes to 100 students from 100 schools nationwide—a total of 10,000 more shoes donated.

From Puerto Princesa City, the 17-leg eliminations will move to Naga City on Sept. 4 and San Pablo on Sept. 11. Then the Visayas swing will start in Ilo-Ilo City on Sept. 18, Bacolod (Sept. 25), Cebu City (Oct 2), Tagbilaran (Oct 9), Cagayan De Oro (Oct 16), Butuan (Oct 23), General Santos (Oct 30) and the Davao City leg on Nov.  6 with the Manila Finals slated on December 11.

Raterta rules Batangas MILO eliminations

Raterta (left) and Kering show their trophies for posterity.

BATANGAS City, August 21, 2011--Kenyan Eliud Kering and veteran Luisa Raterte displayed their deadly form on Sunday to rule the Batangas leg of the 35th National Milo Marathon here, according to a press release from the organizers on Sunday.

The 29-year-old Raterta of Sta. Rosa, Laguna finshed the 21-km. race in 1:31:42, while the 25—year-old journeyman Kering timed 1: 12:56 to lead a cast of 18 other runners who qualified to the National Finals on Dec. 11 at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Despite the absence of strong rivals, Raterta found the flat and uphill route as a big challenge to maintain her speed from the onset and lead by almost 11 minutes over closest pursuer Ellen Tolentino, who clocked 1:42:07.  Maureen Anne Cruzada was a distant third with a time of 1:52:37,while Era May Ong was fourth with 2:11:15 and Eizza Johann Ocado settled for fifth in 2:11:15.

“I was expecting a flat route but I was surprised that the course was uphill. It was a challenge of stamina and endurance for me at the start of the race, but it was a breeze going back downhill after the turnaround,” said Raterta, a running coach and winner of the National MILO Marathon 2010 Manila eliminations.

“My main competitor is time, not the other female runners. I wanted to make sure I get into the 1:35:00 age group qualifier for the finals.”

It was a vengeful win by Raterta, who failed to join last year’s National Finals due to injury from over training. “This year, my goal is to move up the ladder and be number one. I’m preparing two months prior to the finals to focus solely on training,” she stressed.

It’s a double victory in the Milo Marathon for Raterta as the runner and mother of 3 shares the spotlight with her 9 year old daughter, Leonalyn. The younger Raterta braved the icy rains and wind and topped the competitive 3k race in the recent National MILO Marathon Manila elims with a 0:12:22 finish. “I’m very proud of my daughter’s achievements and I am very happy that we share the same passion in the sport.”

On the men’s side, Kering of Rift Valley, Nandi district, who just arrived in the country last May, led a 1-2 finish by the Kenyan runners following Douglas Mwiti’s time of 1:13:40 to finish second. Dandelon Bumahit was third with a time of 1:21:35, while Angelo Lasibal clocked 1:24:52 for fourth and Alvin Canada at the fifth spot with 1:26:27.

 A total of  6,729 runners participated in the different race categories, which showed the continued rise and popularity of running in this southern part of the island. Five hundred Batangueno students and beneficiaries of the race’s “Help Give Shoes” advocacy also hit the track with their new running shoes.

Both Raterta and Kering will join other leg winners including Mercy Taypoc and Reynaldo Pascua of Ilocos, Hernani Sore and Jessa Mangsat of Dagupan, Robeno Javier of Olongapo and Jujet de Asis, Geraldine Sealza of Tarlac in the Finals, to vie for the Php 300,000 top pot for the  men women’s champion won by Eduardo Buenavista and Flordeliza Donos last year.
From Batangas, the 17-leg race will shift to Puerto Princesa  Ciy in Palawan on August 28, Naga  on Sept 4 and San Pablo on Sept 11. Then the Milo Marathon heads to Ilo-Ilo (Sept 18), Bacolod (Sept. 25), Cebu City (Oct 2), Tagbilaran (Oct 9), Cagayan De Oro (Oct 16), Butuan (Oct 23), General Santos (Oct 30), Davao (Nov 6) with Manila Finals slated on December 11.

The 35th National MILO Marathon heightens its commitment of building champions in sports and in life by continuing its advocacy of providing running shoes to underprivileged children. Last year, atotal of 4,200 pairs were donated to public school children nationwide. This season, in line with Nestle’s celebration of 100 years, the advocacy aims to give 100 pairs of shoes to 100 students from 100 schools nationwide—a total of 10,000 more shoes donated.