Let’s just get this out of the way. I LOVE MILO! I’m not just talking about the choco-malt energy drink that I’ve grown up with. Ever since I can remember, the Milo brand has associated itself with Philippine athletics. When I was young, I thought I needed to be a gymnast or a basketball player or a judoka to get involved in Milo sports programs. I hadn’t yet heard of the Milo Marathon (Ha! Imagine that; I must have been a sheltered kid).
I’ve participated in the Milo Marathon in some way over the last two years (did the marathon in 2010, was in the commercial for a millisecond and helped man a support station in 2011) and I’ve always been struck by how Pinoy the Milo Marathon is, despite Milo being a multinational brand.
So it was a big honor to be invited to the 36th Milo Marathon press kick-off last week. I live-tweeted the event and broke some big news.
Milo Marathon is now a member of Association of International Marathons (AIMS), & is recognized in the world map of marathon destinations!
— Noelle De Guzman (@KikayRunner) June 21, 2012
36th Milo Marathon will have Open & Local categories for 42K & 21K to support homegrown talent & also give a venue for foreign competitors.
— Noelle De Guzman (@KikayRunner) June 21, 2012
Milo Marathon now has online registration! Go to http://t.co/kgVd632s to register.
— Noelle De Guzman (@KikayRunner) June 21, 2012
Milo Marathon reg fees for 5K and 3K is P50 for students. Show school ID to receive discount. Regular reg fee is P100.
— Noelle De Guzman (@KikayRunner) June 21, 2012
The 36th Milo Marathon targets to give 10,000 shoes this year as part of their advocacy. For 2010 they gave 4,200. Last year was 10,000.
— Noelle De Guzman (@KikayRunner) June 21, 2012
Reg fees for Milo Marathon Metro Manila: P500 (42k/21k/10k), P100 (5K adults), P50 (5K students run, 3K kiddie run)
— Noelle De Guzman (@KikayRunner) June 21, 2012
The 36th Milo Marathon race courses are IAAF certified. I take this to mean they will remain the same for 3 years (2011-2013).
— Noelle De Guzman (@KikayRunner) June 21, 2012
There was a misprint on the Milo Marathon registration form that said the 21K category in the Metro Manila elimination race was a “qualifying race”. I was so curious about this that I had to stand up during the Q&A to ask if this was true. It’s actually a misprint (I think this misprint was also in the forms during the 2010 race).
I just clarified: Milo Marathon Manila 21K is NOT a qualifier for the Marathon Finals. Forms have a misprint. Sayang!
— Noelle De Guzman (@KikayRunner) June 21, 2012
My Twitter friend @runner_ph posted some interesting information in reply to my tweets: as an IAAF and AIMS-certified race, Milo Marathon can be used to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
@kikayrunner baa lists international races certified by aims as qualifying courses. PH has 3 races certified, milo mnl and camsur.
— Mark – RunnerPH (@runner_ph) June 21, 2012
@kikayrunner got it here http://t.co/1AVa8TCA
— Mark – RunnerPH (@runner_ph) June 21, 2012
There you have it, folks! Milo is a Boston Marathon qualifier! Via @runner_ph
— Noelle De Guzman (@KikayRunner) June 21, 2012
Although I haven’t been able to train properly for a 21K or 42K, I’ve committed to running 10K during the Manila elimination race on July 29. Hope to see you there!
Race: 36th Milo Marathon
Dates: July 1 (Baguio), July 8 (Dagupan), July 15 (Tarlac), July 22 (Angeles), July 29 (Manila elims), August 19 (Naga), September 2 (San Pablo), September 16 (Lipa, Batangas), September 23 (Puerto Princesa), September 30 (Tagbilaran), October 7 (Cebu), October 14 (Bacolod), October 28 (Iloilo), November 4 (Gen. Santos), November 11 (Davao), November 18 (Butuan), November 25 (Cagayan de Oro), December 9 (Manila finals)
Manila Venue: SM Mall of Asia
Reg Fee: P50 (3K Kiddie/5K Students), P100 (5K Adults), P500 (10K/21K/42K)
Registration Sites: online or through area race organizers
More Information: Milo Marathon official website
