The King claims another victory in the 38th National MILO Marathon Tarlac race
Buenavista, Dela Torre conquer 21K distance to vie for finale crowns
Buenavista and Dela Torre were awarded a cash prize of P10,000, a trophy, and a spot in the National Finals on December 7. MILO will be sending this season’s MILO Marathon King and Queen to compete alongside elite runners from across the globe in the 2015 Tokyo Marathon.
Five-time MILO Marathon titlist Buenavista emerged victiorious with a time of 01:10:30, finishing ahead of Ferdinand Corpuz (01:14:36) and Jujet Pacsis De Asis (01:15:34). 21K first timer Dela Torre posted a time of 01:46:38, beating contenders Rowena Valdez (01:48:30) and Shane Acosta (01:49:58).***
The two-time Olympian and three-time SEA Games gold medalist Buenavista persevered through the hot and dry weatherconditions and pushed on to claim another sweet victory. “The weather today was challenging. I’m used to the cold weather in Baguio, where I train with the national team. Thankfully there are adequate water stations throughout the race to help us cool down,” shared the athlete fondly called Vertek by his friends. The 35-year-old native of South Cotabato is a sergeant of the Philippine Air Force and a member of the Philippine National Team. “I am really focused with my training and my target is to win in the finals. Because of MILO, I was able to experience running in the 2014 Paris Marathon. I would like to defend my crown as MILO Marathon King and run in the Tokyo Marathon next year.”
It might be 18-year-old Dela Torre’s first time to run in the 21K event but she eagerly grabbed her chance to shine. The FEU Manila full-time scholar and varsity runner who regularly joins MILO races felt that it was time to step up to a tougher challenge with a bigger purpose. “A month ago, I told my coach that I wanted to run 21K. She asked me if I could do it, and I requested for her help with my training and preparations for the race. It was difficult, but I had to fight through it so I could win the prize and give back to my aunt who supports us. She is unable to walk anymore,” shared Dela Torre. “Since this is my first time running in this event, I was very scared to lead, so I paced myself along with the other runners. At the last stretch, I felt so exhausted but I refused to give up. I just prayed hard and gave my all so I can win, because I really want to help my aunt. She is my inspiration in running.”
10-year-old Matthew Salvador is another inspiring runner who joined today’s race. The 5th grader from Sta. Cruz, Tarlac is afflicted with autism, but the condition does not stop him from pursuing his passion for running. “I told my mom, Ma, can you please buy me 300g of MILO? I want to join the MILO race. I was nervous, but I am happy because I met new friends and I had my picture taken with Coach Rio. I really like running because I’m able to exercise. I think physical fitness is very important,” shared Salvador.
“Each year, runners of all ages and backgrounds join the MILO marathon, and it is truly heartwarming to see how everyone is dedicated in their passion for running,” said MILO Sports Executive Andrew Neri. “We at MILO have been and continue to be inspired by the unwavering support of Filipino runners and their families from across the country. We hope to return the favor by providing everyone with a quality sports event to engage themselves in and inspire others to become champions in their own right.”
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.
The 38th National MILO Marathon is made possible by Timex, the Bayview Park Hotel Manila, ASICS, Lenovo, Manila Bulletin and Gatorade, along with endorsements from the Department of Education, Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.
For more information on MILO Philippines, log on to the official website (http://www.milo.com.ph) or the MILO Philippines Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/milo.ph). Follow MILO on Twitter (@MiloPH) and Instagram (@MiloPhilippines).
*** – results as of 13 July 2014
About MILO
The MILO brand is the world’s leading chocolate malt beverage that can be prepared with hot or cold milk or water. Given its popularity it is a “must have” product for food service operators particularly in Asia, Africa and Oceania.
MILO also promotes participation in sports through its Summer Sports Clinics, MILO-B.E.S.T. Center Training Program, MILO Marathon, and MILO Little Olympics. The leading beverage brand believes that these contribute to the holistic development of Filipino champions in sports and in life. 2014 marks MILO’s 50th year in the country.
About the National MILO Marathon
The National MILO Marathon is an annual marathon event open to amateur and professional runners. From its humble beginnings in 1974 as a single marathon race in Metro Manila attended by 747 participants, the National MILO Marathon has grown to be the biggest, longest, grandest national running event in the country attracting more than hundreds of thousands of runners across the country.
The National MILO Marathon has grown into a globally renowned running event having been certified by the Association of International Marathons (AIMS) and International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), and hosts foreign marathoners from Kenya, Ethiopia, and other countries across the world. The race is organized by RunRio, Inc.
About Nestle Philippines
Over a hundred years after it first started operations in the country, Nestle Philippines, Inc. (NPI) today is a robust and stable organization, proud of its role in bringing the best food and beverage throughout the stages of the Filipino consumers’ lives. The Company employs more than 3,200 men and women nationwide, and is now among the country’s Top 10 Corporations.
Driven by its mission to nurture generations of Filipino families, Nestle today produces and markets products under some of the country’s well known brands such as NESCAFE, NIDO, MILO, NESTEA, MAGGI, BEAR BRAND, NESTLE and PURINA, among others. Its product range has expanded to include coffee, milk, beverages, non-dairy creamer, food, infant nutrition, ice cream and chilled dairy, breakfast cereals, confectionery and pet care.
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