Milo Marathon starts 40th season up North in Pangasinan

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=5&rid=904655
• Saturday, July 16, 2016

(PNA),RMA/LOR

MANILA, July 16 (PNA)-- The Milo National Marathon that produced and continues to provide best Filipino long-distance runners reached its 40th milestone as it starts its regional races on July 17 in Dagupan City, Pangasinan.

Since the beginning, the Milo Marathon has been inspiring individuals and attracting professional runners from all walks of life, locally and internationally.

This season, it expects 200,000 or more runners across all distance categories.

In its 40th years, the Milo National Marathon shines in spotlight on champions who have encouraged other millions of sports lovers.

This year, the City of Iloilo will be the National Finals on Dec. 4 which is the first for the Visayas.

"Iloilo is honored to be a part of Milo Marathon's historic undertaking," said Mayor Jed Mabilog. "We are extending our full support and hospitality as we welcome the runner to our City," added Mabilog.

Last year's victors, two-time Milo Marathon king Rafael Poliquit and three-time Queen and 2016 Olympian Mary Joy Tabal will go head-to-head with their closest contenders to defend their respective titles.

Both champions went to the 2015 Boston Marathon in Massachusetts in April and experience the feeling of actual competition against the best long distance runners in the world.

Milo executive Andrew Neri said that the 40th anniversary made them wan to rise to the top and beyond producing the country's' prestigious footrace by providing energy to champions and millions more.

"The past and present champs have become our agents for motivation in their sports and professional endeavors," said Milo's Sports Marketing manager.

The National Marathon is mot only the breeding ground of local talents but also empowers a program that encourages children nationwide to be engaged in physical fitness.

What's more, in the past six years, Milo Marathon's "Help Give Shoes" advocacy; in partnership with the Department of Education has inspired 60,000 strong aspiring athletes to fulfill their dreams by donating brand new pairs of running shoes. This year, Milo will be donating 10,000 pairs to underprivileged school kids.

The other races of the elimination legs will take place in Tarlac (July 24), Metro Manila (July 31), Batangas (Aug. 7, Lucena ( (Aug. 14). Naga (Aug. 28), Tagbilaran (Sept. 17), Cebu (Sept. 25), Dumaguete (Oct. 21), Davao (Oct. 9), Gen. Santos (Oct. 16), Cagayan de Oro) Oct. 23, Butuan (Oct.30).

The National Marathon is made possible by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Sports Committee, Departmnet of Education, and the Philippine Track and Field Association and is supported by by Asics, Salonpas, TIMEX, 2XU, Endurance, Hisense, Maynilad and Philamlife.