35th Milo Marathon

Press Release

16 June 2011

The much-awaited National MILO Marathon, kicking off  in July, heightens its commitment of building champions in sports and in life by continuing its advocacy of providing running shoes to underprivileged children. In line with Nestle’s 100 year celebration, the running event gears up to donate 10,000 pairs of running shoes to public school students who show promise in academics and sports.

In 2010, the MILO Marathon and its 200,000 runners succeeded in donating 4,200 pairs of running shoes to deserving public school children who otherwise could not afford this basic necessity. Each MILO Marathon runner donates 10 pesos from the registration fee. MILO then matches the proceeds and works with the Department of Education to select 10,000 public school student beneficiaries all over the country.

With more than twice the number of shoes aimed to be given away this year, MILO encourages runners to join them once more in making this advocacy a more impactful one, and in making the MILO Marathon more meaningful to both runners and student beneficiaries alike.

“As Nestle marks its 100^th year, we at MILO believe that involving the Philippine running community in such a lofty ambition is the best way to give back and celebrate this milestone,” said Pat Goc-Ong, Assistant Vice President for MILO Sports. “We will not rest on last year’s achievements; rather we will increase our efforts to help school children realize their dreams and ambitions through the MILO Marathon. In the same way that we have been a part of Filipinos lives throughout generations and become their ‘Kasambuhay Habambuhay’, we now invite Filipinos to be part of the cause to help make the shoe-less child today a champion tomorrow.”

The biggest, longest-running and most prestigious running event in the country aims for a field of 200,000 runners to participate in the cause through its 17 races nationwide. The season kicks off with its first four regional races in Northern Luzon, starting with Laoag on July 3, Dagupan on July 10, Olongapo on July 17 and Tarlac on July 24. The Manila Elimination leg is set on July 31.

Runners can start contributing to the cause and signing up for the Northern Luzon regional race legs at designated National MILO Marathon registration areas. Registration is currently ongoing for Laoag, Dagupan, Olongapo, Tarlac and Manila eliminations.

For added convenience, runners can opt to register for respective regional races on the MILO website via www.MILO.com.ph. Simply click on the register online tab, input basic information and pay via credit card. Race singlets and race bibs will be delivered straight to the runner’s doorstep.

The 35^th National MILO Marathon is made possible by Bayview Park Hotel, Powerade, Summit Water, Air 21 and Timex. For more information on the race and its advocacy, visit www.MILO.com.ph or access the MILO Philippines fan page on Facebook.