Raquin, Maquilan stories highlight Batangas leg of Milo Marathon

The respective stories of Irinio Raquin and Maricel Maquilan were highlighted in the Southern Luzon leg of the 34th National Milo Marathon in Batangas City over the weekend. Raquin and Maquilan topped the men's and women's class of the half-marathon event to earn slots in the National finals to be held in Manila on December 12. Raquin was overflowing with emotions when he crossed the finish line after completing the 21-kilometer course in one hour, 10 minutes and 37 seconds. His story can be a source of inspiration. Raquin traveled all the way from Oriental Mindoro to join the race even without any arranged accommodations and only a return ferry fare to Calapan City in his pockets. He was not sure if he would win, earn a podium finish or not. But through sheer determination, Raquin crowned himself as the men's champion. He was joined at the podium by Alquin Bolivar (1:12:20) and Ardy Malimata (1:23:01). In the women's division, Maquilan reasserted herself as Batangas’ Queen of the Road after winning for the fifth time in the capital city of one of the top provinces of Southern Luzon. Maquilan, who placed second last year, regained her title after registering a time of 1:30:40 to outlast her closest pursuer, 31-year-old Kenyan Peris Poywo (1:33:57). The native of Polomolok, South Cotabato first won a half-marathon plum in Batangas City in 2004, then again in 2005, 2006 and 2008. Maquilan, who is a coach at the Milo 3-in-1 for Adults Running School Clinic in Taguig City, also used to be a Physical Education instructor at the University of the East Manila campus. She said that its proximity to Manila was the mean reason why she always chose to run in Batangas City. Janette Agura placed third with a time of 1:56:00. The next regional elimination races will be held in Puerto Princesa (October 31), Tarlac City (November 7), Olongapo City (November 14), Butuan City (November 21) and Cagayan de Oro City (November 28). Students from the Batangas National High School also received 160 pairs of shoes as part of the Milo Marathon sports advocacy program. Overall, 2,800 pairs of running shoes have already been donated. – JVP/KY, GMANews.TV