The reigning MILO® Marathon king and queen: Cresenciano Sabal and Flordeliza Carreon.

For most hardcore runners, being crowned the National MILO^® Marathon king or queen is a noteworthy achievement.  Hoisting the winner’s trophy speaks volumes about a runner’s focus and passion as the event’s illustrious history has been graced by runners of distinction like Roy Vence, Eduardo Buenavista, Arsenia Sagaray and Cristabel Martes.  Last year’s champions Cresenciano Sabal and Flordeliza Carreon relate what it means to be a champion of the National MILO^® Marathon. 

November 18, 2007 was certainly a very special day for both champions as they bested the country’s finest marathoners to win their respective categories in the 31st National MILO^® Marathon.  For Cresenciano, it marked the second time that he won the coveted title while for Flordeliza, it was her maiden crown and she is optimistic that it won’t be her last.

Cresenciano’s triumph last year was yet another validation of his reputation as a talented marathoner.  In 2005, Cresenciano won the title in 2:21:33, the fastest running record at the time.  Looking back on his moment of glory, Cresenciano was proud of his enormous fighting spirit and determination to finish the race, despite the challenges that he faced from a field of formidable runners.  “Being a marathon king gave me a tremendous sense of pride and my confidence level really increased when I won,” says Cresenciano, who adds that he feels happy when he sees his face in MILO^® backdrops.      

Currently busy preparing for the defense of his title; Cresenciano says he runs 16 kilometers in the morning and in the afternoon, he runs for an hour, Mondays through Saturdays.  The 29-year-old army man is aware that there are a host of contenders who want to foil his campaign.  He views Buenavista and current Davao City eliminations men’s champion Junel Languido as the champions that could pose a serious threat to his title-retention.  “I’ll do my best to win again so that hopefully people will continue to see my face on the MILO^® backdrops,” he enthuses.

Sabal’s moment of glory: reclaiming his crown during last year’s national finals.

Cresenciano’s female counterpart, Flordeliza is presently a physical education teacher at the University of Makati.  She relates that she had her students participate in the Manila eliminations this year so they can experience the marathon spirit.  “Being marathon queen inspired my students to run as well,” says Flordeliza, who adds that her students kept teasing her when they saw their teacher’s face on the ® posters.  “They kept asking me, ‘ma’am is that really you?’”   

Flordeliza says she feels blessed to have running and teaching in her life.  “Running is my outlet for stress and it helped me earn my education degree at St. Louis University, where I was part of the varsity team. 
“With teaching, I am able to share my experiences to young minds and inspire them to achieve great things in life,” says Flordeliza.

Barely a month into her new job, the Baguio native says she’s still adjusting to Manila’s climate but this does not mean that she’s not preparing to defend her crown.  In fact, Flordeliza says she visits Baguio every weekend where she runs for 15 – 20 kilometers.  She prefers Baguio as the site of her training because its elevation further improves her endurance level.

As the National Finals nears, Flordeliza is keeping an eye out for reigning Davao City elimination champion Jho-An Banayag and Cristabel Martes, experienced runners who can seriously challenge her for her MILO^® Marathon crown, that’s why she’s leaving nothing to chance.  As far as expectations go, Flordeliza says that win or lose, she at least hopes to achieve or even breaking her personal record of 2:53:20 would mean a lot to her.


The defending champions are thankful that the National MILO^® Marathon helps discover the country’s future champions.  The National MILO^® Marathon helps give runners exposure and its nationwide scope likewise helps in spreading awareness about running and its health benefits.  Thanks to Cresenciano and Flordeliza, their passion for running and how it has helped change their lives continues to inspire legions of people everywhere.