Milo Marathon earns IAAF, AIMS certification

For the first time in more than three decades, the 35th National MILO Marathon this year will be certified by the Association of International Marathons (AIMS) and the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF). "This will bring a new dimension in the country’s biggest and longest-running footrace," said Rio dela Cruz, whose RunRio company will be managing all the 17 elimination races and the national finals set on December 11. Dela Cruz added that all runners in all categories in all races will be equipped with a timing device that will ensure precise and computerized recording of all finishers’ times. "All (times) will be computerized. There will be no need to give out markers because all runners’ clocking including those in the turnarounds will be recorded by the timing device in their bibs," said Dela Cruz. "This will not only hasten the results but will also minimize cheating. And for serious runners, I am assuring them that their exact clocking will be recorded." Pat Goc-Ong, MILO Sports’ assistant vice president, said that over P6 million in prizes will be at stake in the elimination races, which will start with the Laoag leg set on July 3. A whopping P300,000 awaits the male and female winners of the grand finals scheduled on December 11. Elimination races will also be held in Dagupan City (July 10), Olongapo City (July 17), Tarlac (July 24), Manila (July 31), Batangas (August 21), Puerto Princesa (August 28), Naga (September 28), San Pablo (September 11), Iloilo (September 18), Bacolod (September 25), Cebu City (October 2), Tagbilaran (October 9), Cagayan de Oro (October 16), Butuan (October 23), General Santos (October 30) and Davao (November 6). Registration fee in the 21K and 10K runs, both in the elimination races and finals, is P500 each. Runners who will opt to run in the full marathon during the national finals will pay the same amount while 3k and 5k runners in all of the legs will pay P100. Goc-Ong said that P10.00 from the registration fee will be donated to the "Help Give a Child a Pair of Shoes" advocacy. After providing 4,000 shoes last year to children mostly studying in public schools, MILO hopes to donate 10,000 shoes this year. Goc-Ong added that in line with Nestle’s centennial celebration, they hope to donate 100 pairs of shoes to 100 students in 100 schools nationwide. "The advocacy started with a dream for us to provide shoes to kids who used to run barefoot during the previous MILO Marathons. We believe the contribution is a step for kids to realize their dreams and potentials, and we’ve seen this come to life with the beneficiaries we met last year. True to Nestle’s commitment to enrich the lives of generations of Filipinos, we continue to be a ‘Kasambuhay Habambuhay’ who aims to touch more lives through the advocacy," Goc-Ong said. – Perry Legaspi/JVP, GMA News