CAGAYAN DE ORO City – Returning Cagayan De Oro champ Juniel Languido and up-and-coming runner Christine Hallesgo claimed the top spots as they clinched their respective victories in the 21K centrepiece events at the Cagayan De Oro leg of the 38th National MILO Marathon held on Sunday. More than 12,000 runners graced the fifteenth qualifying leg of the prestigious nationwide race in the City of Golden Friendship.Languido and Hallesgo each received a cash prize of P10,000 and a trophy, and will lead 70 other qualifiers from CDO to the National Finals in Manila on December 7, where elite runners from all over the Philippines go head-to-head in a grand finale to claim the MILO Marathon King and Queen titles. As an added level of prestige to the competition, this year’s King and Queen will have the chance to run in the 2015 Tokyo Marathon, with all-expense paid trips to Japan sponsored by MILO.
Though faced with a slight challenge due to the new route, veteran runner Languido expertly navigated it and posted a new record of 01:10:16, beating fiercest rival and good friend Blendon Sandinao (01:14:42) who finished second. Bryan Quiamco (01:15:10) followed in at third place.*
In the distaff side, Malaybalay Runners member Christine Hallasgo secured her first ever National MILO Marathon 21K victory with a time of 01:27:48. Cresabel Cadion (01:33:11) came in at second place and Lezette Albarote (01:36:59) in third.*
Young Taekwondo star and MILO Rising Champion Jason Sia also joined the 5K event of the race. The 14-year-old 9th grade student from Puntod, Cagayan De Oro emphasized the importance of incorporating running in his training regimen. “Running really helps with my Taekwondo training because it builds up stamina and requires a lot of discipline,” shared Sia. “It’s my first time to join the MILO Marathon but I plan to join again next year and possibly level up to the 10K event. I really enjoyed the race.”
With the support of the Department of Education and the National MILO Marathon runners, MILO’s Help Gives Shoes advocacy will provide 16,000 underprivileged youth with brand new running shoes and reach the 50,000 mark this year. As MILO celebrates its 50th year, Help Give Shoes aims to make the donation to students in Yolanda-hit cities, particularly Tacloban, Ormoc, and Eastern Samar.
