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Manila Milo Marathon champions seek SEA Games slots

Beatrice Go

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Manila Milo Marathon champions seek SEA Games slots
The top placers in the Manila leg hope for a repeat win in the national finals where they get a chance to earn spots in the 2019 Manila SEA Games

MANILA, Philippines – Manila Milo Marathon champions Christine Hallasgo and Jeson Agravante boosted their chances of qualifying for the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games after ruling the 42-kilometer race on Sunday, July 29 at the Mall of Asia grounds. 

Former Milo king Agravante made a successful comeback as he clocked 2 hours, 35 minutes and 10 seconds to top the men’s full marathon. He led the race from the get-go that saw Erick Paniqui finish second (2:42:41) and Bryan Quinco at 3rd (2:43:59). 

 


 

Hallasgo, who hails from Bukidnon, joined her first full marathon in the Manila leg and made immediate impact with a 3:05:17 clocking to rule the women’s side.  She pulled away from runners-up Jho-an Villarma and Cinderella Lorenzo in the 15th-17th kilometer-mark along Buendia. 

Villarma checked in 9 minutes later to finish second (3:14:28) while 2017 Manila leg champion Lorenzo placed 3rd with a time of 3:17:46. 

 


 

 

“It was already pre-agreed with the PATAFA that whoever will be the awarded the king and queen of this year’s Milo Marathon, they will give first dibs to represent the Philippines in the SEA Games,” said Milo sports executive director Lester Castillo. 

The annual tournament, which is already in its 42nd edition, attracted 27,835 participants in the Manila leg. The increased number of participants also allows the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) to identify new and promising talents. 

“One of the reasons why PATAFA has committed to ensuring the Milo Marathon king and queen will represent the SEA Games next year is that ang dami na sumasali, ang ganda na ng execution, naniniwala sila na yung mga nananalo dito are the best in the Philippines (a lot are joining, the execution is smooth and they believe that the best in the Philippines join Milo Marathon),” added Castillo. 

Castillo also cited Olympian and 2017 SEA Games gold medalist Mary Joy Tabal as a prime example as she is a product of the Milo Marathon tournaments. Tabal bagged her 5th straight Milo Marathon tiara last December in an emotional win since it came just 22 hours after the death of her father. (READ: Mary Joy Tabal completes historic Milo 5-peat in her toughest race ever)

“Nauwi niya yung (SEA Games) gold so naniniwala talaga sila sa Milo sports program (She brought home the gold so they believe in the Milo sports program) that it can really bring out the best athletes that can represent us in the international competitions.” 

In the 21K category, veteran distance runner Nhea Ann Barcena (1:31:02) and national team member Richard Salaño (1:08:46)  clinched the top spots and also automatically advanced to the national finals after meeting the qualifying time. 

 


 

 

 

 


 

 


 

Top 10 finishers’ results of each category are as follows: 

 


 

 

 


 

 


 

 

– Rappler.com

 

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Beatrice Go

More commonly known as Bee, Beatrice Go is a multimedia sports reporter for Rappler, who covers Philippine sports governance, national teams, football, and the UAAP. Stay tuned for her news and features on Philippine sports and videos like the Rappler Athlete’s Corner and Rappler Sports Timeout.
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