Last year was my first time to join the MILO Marathon which, I believe, is the most prestigious and most popular running event in the Philippines and was on its 42nd year. This year, I am running again to try and finish under 6 hours to get a medal and a certificate.
The 43rd National MILO® Marathon 42k Race Route (Map)
This is me from last year's Manila elimination leg.
Photo credit : Running Photographers
National MILO® Marathon History
According to their official website, the National MILO® Marathon began in 1974 and is now known as the biggest, grandest and most prestigious running event in the country. It holds elimination events in Metro Manila and in the provinces to pick who would qualify for the National Finals. The winners, who are crowned MILO® Marathon King and Queen, are granted the privilege to represent the country in top international marathon events.
You might have heard of Mary Joy Tabal who gave the Philippines its first gold medal during the 29th Southeast Asian Games in 2017. She was crowned MILO® Marathon Queen for four consecutive years (2013 to 2016) and the first runner to complete this four-peat record in this marathon.
Why Join the MILO Marathon?
Many avid runners like Mary Joy join to try and qualify to join the finals, which, for this batch, will be held on January 19, 2020 in Tarlac City. Others join to at least secure a finisher's medal which one can acquire only by finishing under a particular cut-off time.
Distances and Cut-off Times
42 km - 6 hours (6:00)
21 km - 2 hours and 30 minutes (2:30)
10 km - 1 hour and 30 minutes (1:30)
My Reason for Joining the National MILO Marathon
Why am I joining this again? Since I started running back in 2017, I've finished 5 full marathons, the first was during the Nat Geo Run 2017 and I intend to maintain the gains in health and in fitness I've achieved by running at one or two full marathons a year - one of which is this running event.
How did I prepare for it? Below is my running record found in my Runtastic account. I am not a serious runner, and I run about two three times in a week, ideally. My goal for this 43rd MILO Marathon is to just finish under 6 hours, maybe beat my previous MILO Marathon record of 5:55:31.
July 2019 Runs - 19.23 km per week
June 2019 Runs - 16.765 km per week
May 2019 Runs - 12.29 km per week
April 2019 Runs - 14.55 km per week
March 2019 Runs - 12.52 km per week
February 2019 Runs - 18.26 km per week
Now, I've finished faster during my last full marathon at the 2018 New York City Marathon (4:59:47) when I represented the company I work with and Ryan's Run but it's not my goal to better that record. Like I mentioned, my goal is just maintenance.
To all running the MILO Marathon, I wish you all the best. Let's take heart and finish! May God's favor be upon us all.
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