By Lily O Ramos
MANILA, July 5 (PNA)– Storm or no storm, almost 7,000 39th Milo Maraton runners just brushed off Egay on Sunday’s race in the wet roads of Baguio City.
In a Sunday report sent by Milo Marathon Baguio qualifying leg, veteran long distance Julius Sermona and up-and-coming runner Gretchen Felipe, placed first in the 21K running event for the male and female categories.
Philippine Air Force member Sermona bested his rivals, finishing with a time of 01:18:44. Michael Tolac (01:19:14) and Modesto Estoesta (01:22:07) followed in second and third place, respectively.
In the distaff side, Felipe, a Cordillera Career Development College freshman, posted a new personal record as she secured a comfortable victory with a time of 01:39:46.
Second placer Jessica Hieras (02:00:38) and third placer Rashel Pena (02:02:37) completed the top 3 winners.
Sermona and Felipe secured their slots in the National Finals and each took home the top prize of P10,000 in cash and a trophy.
Both will go head-to-head with the country’s best runners at the National Finals in Angeles on December 6, where the MILO Marathon King and Queen titles are up for grabs.
This year’s King and Queen will be sent by MILO to the USA on all-expense paid trips, for a chance to run in the prestigious 2016 Boston Marathon.
The National MILO Marathon is not only a breeding ground for local talents but also a program that empowers children nationwide.
With the support of the Department of Education and the National MILO Marathon runners, MILO’s Help Gives Shoes advocacy will provide 10,000 underprivileged youth with brand new running shoes this year.
MILO is working with DepEd in the selection of deserving public school student beneficiaries.
The race will resume in Tarlac (July 12), and will head to Balanga (July 19), Manila (July 26), Calapan (Aug. 2), Lipa (Aug. 9), Naga (Aug. 16), Lucena (Aug. 30), Iloilo (Sept. 20), Bacolod (Sept. 27), Tagbilaran (Oct.4), Cebu (Oct.11), General Santos (Oct.18), Davao (Nov. 8), Butuan (Nov. 15), and Cagayan De Oro (Nov. 22).
The National Finals will be held on December 6 in Angeles, Pampanga.
The 39th National MILO Marathon is made possible by Timex, the Bayview Park Hotel Manila, ASICS and Smart, along with endorsements from the Department of Education, Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.(PNA)