HARD work and passion equipped the athletes during the 41stNational MILO Marathon Davao leg on Sunday.
Richeel Languido and Judelyn Miranda emerged triumphant as they landed first place at the 21K half marathon.
Almost 10,000 runners conquered the streets to race for the finish line. Training directors of the Philippine Olympic Committee, and celebrity training coaches Jim and Tony Saret led the pre-race warm up sessions for the elite athletes and category runners, respectively.
Richeel Languido earned the top spot at the 21K half marathon with 1:15:14 at the clock, closely followed by Michale Echalieco (1:18:29) and Arnie Macaneras (1:20:19). Meanwhile, over at the female division, Judelyn Miranda, who also topped the Davao leg in the 39th National MILO Marathon in 2015, clocked in at 1:32:07, followed by Vivian Avegonzado at 1:41:38 and Lalaine Payricio at 1:42:22. Supporters should expect to see the two winners once again at the National Finals in Cebu City on December 3 to try and claim the title of MILO Marathon King and Queen.
It was clear that the 31-year-old Richeel Languido was in the perfect condition to win the competition. He dominated the field and was ahead of everybody right from the start. Though it may seem that it was an easy challenge for him he admitted that the race was not an easy challenge.
“I had a hard time going back since the route was uphill and it is also my first time in Davao. Luckily, I was able to make it up in the last 3K or 4K,” said Languido.
He shared his training regimen which comprised of an hour and a half run before heading to work and a 30-minute jog before heading home.
He plans on bringing his wife and children along with him for the CDO leg. “It’s fun to join the MILO Marathon. You get to bond with your friends. I plan to bring my wife and kids to the CDO race so they can experience the thrill and excitement for themselves”.
Meanwhile, Judelyn Miranda, a 32-year-old security management official from Tagum City, emerged victorious as the female winner of the 21K race. Judelyn is no stranger to marathons; this is her third time to participate in the Davao race. Miranda admitted that because of her job she wasn’t able to train as much as she would have wanted and openly shared that she had a hard time during the marathon.
The National MILO Marathon will continue in Butuan (Nov. 12) and Cagayan De Oro (Nov. 19). The National Finals in Cebu City will be on Dec. 3.
The 41st National MILO Marathon is endorsed by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Department of Education, the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association, and the International Association of Athletics Federations – Association of International Marathons and Distance Races. The National MILO Marathon is in partnership with Salonpas, and supported by Garmin, Hisense, Manila Bulletin, Maynilad and Asics.