Languido, Tabal top MILO Marathon Cebu City qualifying

Cebu City (October 7, 2012)  - Junel Languido and Mary Joy Tabal topped the premiere 21k men's and women's division competitions of the 36TH MILO Marathon Cebu City Leg over the weekend, organizers said in a press release.

Languido clocked one hour, 11 minutes and 56 seconds while Tabal finished with a time of 1:26:56 to book spots in the MILO National Finals.
 
Completing the top 3 cast in the men's division are Mohammad Sherwin Managil who finished a far second in 1:14:46 and Bonifacio Monjas who finished third in 1:14:49. In the women's side, Joeyry Lee posted 1:37:49 for second place, while Madelyn Carter stopped the clock at 1:44:41 for third place.


 "€œI work very hard to support my family, both as a worker and as a competitive runner. Running is something I truly enjoy, and I am very blessed to have been able to make my passion a source of livelihood," said Languido, whose best finish in the MILO Marathon National Finals was a third place finish he posted during the 2007 edition of the annual event.

"€œI am genuinely happy when I run because it makes me believe in myself and in my capabilities. I want to be able to share this with my son when he is older. I really hope to inspire him to run through my accomplishments.”Languido," added Languido who hails from Bukidnon and works as a banana harvester.

Tabal, a 23-year-old multi winner of the 21-k Bohol-Sandugo Panglao races, was also happy with her performance.

"The next race will not only be about making the top ranks, but also about improving my status as an athlete in the country. I will be running alongside the Philippines' finest and I'd like to set the pace and show a remarkable performance," said the Visayan elite runner who won the  2011 Adidas King of the Road Southeast Asia crown and the Singapore Sundown Marathon.

In the school participation category, the University of Cebu marked a double victory, winning both the Biggest Delegation€™ and €˜Fastest Delegation plums with 2,244 runners and an accumulated time of 20:55.86.

A total of 50 runners led by Languido and Tabal have earned a trip to the 42-k National Finals on December 9.
   
"The MILO Marathon has always been Cebu'€™s biggest and most celebrated sporting event of the year. The race does not only bring everyone young and old, athlete and enthusiast together for health and wellness, but also shines the spotlight on the region'€™s best athletes. Out of the multitude of runners we have out on the tracks today, some will strive harder and earn the honor of representing the region in the National Finals,"€ said Ricky Ballesteros, MILO regional organizer.


A total of 21,697 runners pounded their feet on the pavement Sunday in the eleventh qualifying leg of the 36th MILO Marathon, marking the biggest regional leg of the competition this year. MILO regional organizer Ricky Ballesteros said that the race provides an excellent opportunity for the region's athletes to show their wares in the national arena.

After the Cebu eliminations leg, the MILO qualifying leg will visit Bacolod on October 14, and Iloilo City on October 28. The Mindanao leg will commence in General Santos on November 4, Davao City on November 11, Butuan City on November 18, and Cagayan de Oro City on November 25. The 36th MILO Marathon National Finals will be on December 9 at the SM Mall of Asia Grounds in Pasay City.