GoodNews Pilipinas

About 4,000 public school students who excel in both sports and academics will receive new running shoes this Christmas, courtesy of the 34th National MILO Marathon.

The inspiration comes from previous Milo Marathon events where a number of barefoot children joined the races. Milo Sports Events executive Pat Goc-ong said they are committed to help more children realize their potential.

“We recognize the importance of developing one’s talent and we wish to give these kids an opportunity to shine and achieve something for themselves. We’re giving them something that they can wear to school, for sports and other activities. It’s definitely a step to help them reach their true potential and be the best that they can be,” said Goc-ong.

He also said who that part of the 5 peso registration fee from the all the races nationwide is being allocated for the campaign.

The NMM had 17 regional races across the country for the past 6 months from Manila, Dagupan, Baguio, General Santos, Davao, Cebu, Tagbilaran, Dumaguete, Ilo-Ilo, San Pablo, Naga, Batangas, Puerto Princesa, Tarlac, Olongapo, Butuan, and Cagayan de Oro.

The event’s finals held on December 12 was ruled by Filipinos Eduardo Buenavista and Flordeliza Donos in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively.

Buenavista won his third crown, clocking 2 hours, 24 minutes, and 18 seconds, racing past Kenyans Willy Tanui (2:29:00) and William Kipyedo (2:30:19). He had previously won the 2002 and 2008 titles.

Meanwhile, criminology graduate Donos also kept the Philippine flag flying high, finishing at 3:05:07.

She crossed the finish line ahead of Kenyan Susan Jemutai (3:05:52) and Filipino Mary Joy Tabal (3:08:38).

The race started at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, with the number of participants reaching 15,000.

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