For Manileños Vener Roldan and wife Christy, running reflects his triumph over smoking.

Love for one’s family; letting go of a bad habit; rising from a setback; surmounting a disability; experiencing local culture and raising a fit family.  On August 3, 2008, these stories were happily created and shared while old ones were vividly cherished in the cities of Manila, Cebu, Davao and Tarlac when running enthusiasts participated in the first-ever, four-city simultaneous races of the 32nd National MILO Marathon. 

The historical and highly-successful event showcased how marathon fever can be quite infectious and addicting, not to mention fun, inspiring and fulfilling.   Not even the incessant rains in Manila, the humidity in Cebu and Davao or the scorching heat in Tarlac dampened the strong marathon spirit shared by everyone as students, young children, hardcore runners and corporate CEO’s gamely ran and finished their races. 

In Manila, 20,558 participants were oblivious to the downpour that drenched the city for days.  Unperturbed by the weather just like the rest was Dr. Edwin Sulit, whose decision to adopt a healthy lifestyle through running was brought about by his mother’s sickness.  “I recommend running to everyone because it’s the least expensive form of exercise and it’s an easy activity to get into,” says Dr. Sulit.

For Vener Roldan, running reflects his triumph over smoking, a habit he quit two years ago.  Each Sunday, he would be joined by his wife Christy at the UP campus in Diliman.  “Initially, I was the only one who ran but she eventually got addicted to it as well and now, she’s a regular runner just like me,” says Vener.  Aside from improving their health, Vener and Christy swear that running has also improved their relationship.

Over at the Queen City of the South, an astounding 24,270 individuals accepted the challenge to run and be part of history.  Representing families that run together is the Edurin family led by Eduardo and Fidela Edurin.  A retired army man, Eduardo says he’s been running for the past 22 years and he says he “feels fulfilled” each time he crosses the finish line.  Fidela even opined that they see the MILO Marathon as a family event.  “Our family is into running.  We always have strong family ties and the MILO Marathon helps us to bond even further,” says Fidela, who ran with her sons Eduardo II, Eddie, Edmund and Edsel and her nephews Luver and Ronilo.  Interestingly, it was during marathon events that Eduardo and Fidela met and fell in love!

The Cebu leg also saw the inspiring participation of the hearing impaired when 30 students of Bagac’s First High School for the Hearing-Impaired took part in the races.  Chelsea Gunhuran says that even though they can’t hear, they certainly can run.  “I like to show others that even though we’re deaf, we too can reach our goals if we strive and be patient,” says Chelsea.
For some like Emily Chiongbian who missed 5 local races due to injury, the Cebu leg was her big comeback stage as she placed third in the women’s 21k category, which means she’ll be one of Cebu’s representatives to the National Finals in Manila on November 30.  So why does she run?  “I like the focus that a marathon requires to finish the race and also, it’s not so much about the competition but for the health and fitness that I get,” says Emily, whose 7-year-old son Yuan placed 5th in the boys’ 3k category.

Dr. Edwin Sulit and family at the Manila leg.

Further south in Davao, a total of 12,016 runners made their way to Rizal Park and bask in marathon history.  Among the runners was Norwegian Sigmund Gonzaga, who placed 14th in the men’s 21k category.  Vacationing in Davao with his wife, Sigmund likens the MILO Marathon to the running events that he joins in Askim, Norway, which are competitive and fun at the same time.  Sigmund relates that he enjoyed the experience and says that he’ll be joining the MILO Marathon again when he comes back to the Philippines for another vacation.

One participant who takes wellness to heart is Nestlé South Mindanao key accounts specialist Arman Heyres, who ran with his children Gianne Audrea, 8 and Gian Henri, 5.  Gianne was so good that she finished 9th in the 3k girls category.  “She kept asking me, ‘papa hurry!’” says Arman who never fails to teach his kids the value of getting into sports.  “I also make sure that my wife and I support them fully so they can be confident in what they’re doing,” says Arman.  Arman adds that their passion for health extends even to their diet as everyone in the family tries to eat healthy.

Finally in Tarlac, 12,001 enthusiastic runners heeded the call to run because of their desire to live healthy lives.  “The people of Tarlac are health-conscious and we believe that being healthy is one of the keys to achieve progress.  For us, the National MILO Marathon is a great event because it helps discover and develop potential athletes.  What’s more, for Tarlac to be chosen as one of the elimination legs is truly a great honor,” says Mayor Genaro Mendoza, who adds that the National MILO Marathon isn’t just a fun run, but also promotes unity to everyone.    

Also gracing the affair was 1992 National MILO Marathon champion, master sergeant Rey Antoque.  Currently working as coach of the Philippine Army running team, Antoque says he was encouraged to run by his fellow soldiers in 1983 and since then, his fondness for running has never diminished.  In fact, his enthusiasm for running has rubbed off on his daughter Mary Anne and his grandchildren Lorimae and Mark Lawrence.

Cebuana Emily Chiongbian placed 3rd in the women’s 21-kilometer main race.

“I’m inspired by my father and when I was still a kid, I remember watching him win regularly, that’s why I also want to become like him, a champion not just in marathons but in life as well,” says Mary Anne who placed second in the 5k women’s category.  Evidently, the grandkids share their grandpa’s running genes as Lorimae and Mark Lawrence placed 1st and 8th in the 3k girls and 3k boys category, respectively.
These stories reinforce the significance, prestige and relevance of the National MILO Marathon as the country’s longest, most successful and most enduring sporting and lifestyle event.  For this year MILO looks poised to achieve another historical feat as 200,000 runners are expected to take part in the 32nd National MILO Marathon, each with their own stories to share and experiences to enjoy. 

If you have your own marathon tale to tell, log on to www.milo.com.ph.  You can likewise enjoy the unique marathon experience by joining the remaining National MILO Marathon races scheduled in Naga (August 17), San Pablo (August 24), Tacloban (August 31), Tagbilaran (September 7), San Fernando (September 14), Laoag (September 21), Santiago (September 28), Baguio (October 5), Dipolog (October 12), Iligan (October 19), Butuan (October 26) and Cagayan de Oro (November 9).  The National Finals will be held in Manila on November 30.

The 32nd National MILO Marathon is held in partnership with Bayview Park Hotel Manila, Adidas and the Department of Tourism.