29 July 2018
By Angelli Ojastro
As one of the leading sports advocate brand in the Philippines, Milo has successfully launched its 42nd Milo Marathon Metro Manila leg last July 29, at the SM Mall of Asia grounds.
The aim of this event is to uphold their mission to provide support to unprivileged children and make their dreams come true and as well as building a nation of champions as it attracted 27,835 participants for the Manila leg alone.
The victors of the 42 kilometer run, Jeson Agravante, who clocked in 2 hours, 35 minutes and 10 seconds and Christine Hallasgo, with an impressive 3 hours, 5 minutes and 17 seconds increase their chances on representing the Philippines in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games as they dominated the yesterday’s marathon.
It was overwhelming for Hallasgo who hails from MalayBalay, Bukidnon on winning the race as it was her first time joining the Manila leg and a 42km run and immediately made an impact. On the other hand, it was a fulfilling moment for Agravante as he reclaimed his throne as the Milo King.
Both Agravante and Hallasgo will each take home the top purse of P50,000.00 in cash and a trophy, and booked their slots to the National Finals in Laoag City on December 9 to try and claim the MILO Marathon King and Queen titles.
Additionally, following behind Agravante and Hallasgo were Erick Paniqui (2:42:41) at 2nd and Bryan Quinco (2:43:59) at 3rd for the men’s division while Jho-an VIllarma (3:14:28) at 2nd, Cinderella Lorenzo (3:17:46) at 3rd for the women’s division.
With the number of participants in this marathon, alongside with the resilience and powerful tenacity shown by the participants, Milo Sports Executive Director, Lester Castillo stated that it helped Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) to scout new talents for the Philippine team.
“One of the reasons why PATAFA has committed to ensuring the Milo Marathon king and queen will represent the SEA Games next year is that ang dami na sumasali, ang ganda na ng execution, naniniwala sila na yung mga nananalo dito are the best in the Philippines.”
In the 21 kilometer category, national team member Richard Solano topped the men’s side with 1 hour, 8 minutes and 46 seconds while veteran runner Nhea Ann Barcena bagged the first place with 1 hour, 31 minutes and 2 seconds.
Follow the writer on Twitter: @thegreatangelli
