Davao’s Nerza wins MILO Marathon Manila leg
Air Force man Anthony Nerza of Davao City and Christine Hallasgo of Malaybalay, Bukidnon ruled their respective divisions in the kick off leg of the 2019 National MILO Marathon on Sunday, July 28, at the SM Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay City.
Nerza, former standout of Brokenshire College and now an enlisted of Philippine Air Force personnel, clocked 2:32:50 in the men’s division of the 42-kilometer race sanctioned by the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (PATAFA).
Richeel Languido finished second (2:36:50), followed by Jeson Agravante (2:38:48).
Hallasgo, on the other hand, clocked a personal best time of 3:06:28 in the women’s division.
April Rose Diaz placed second (3:15:05) while Maricar Camacho was third (3:26:03).
Nerza and Hallasgo received P50,000 each plus trophy.
“I did not expect to win because my feet began to hurt,” said 29-year-old Nerza, who hails from Digos City, Davao del Sur.
Hallasgo said her limited preparation did not stop her from defending her title.
“My two weeks training in Pangasinan was not enough but I pushed myself to win,” said the 26-year-old business administration graduate at Bukidnon State University.
Another Dabawenyo, Sonny Wagdos, finished first runner-up in the 21-K men’s division.
MILO sports manager Lester Castillo said the Manila leg has attracted 30,000 runners who competed in the 42K, 21K, 10K, 5K and 3K.
This year’s marathon series centers on the theme, “One Team. One Nation. Go Philippines!” in support for the Filipino athletes competing in the 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG).
Six-time champion Mary Joy Tabal and 2018 National Finals runner-up Jerald Zabala will represent the Philippines in the SEA Games slated November 30 to December 11.
“We call on the entire nation to get involved and rally behind our athletes as they compete in our home soil for this significant sporting event,” said MILO Sports manager Lester Castillo.
“The SEA Games marks an exciting time for Philippine sports. May this event serve as an inspiration to all our runners to aspire for greatness throughout the season,” he added.
The next leg will be at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone on August 4.
Other legs will be in Lucena (September 15), Batangas (September 22), Cebu (September 29), Iloilo (October 6), General Santos (October 13), Davao (October 20), Cagayan De Oro (November 17), and in Tarlac (Jan. 19, 2020).
For the first time, the National Finals will take place in January 2020 to make way for the SEA Games.
Tarlac City will host the grand finale in celebration of its annual KAISA Festival, the city’s week-long fiesta, to provide a festive and cultural experience for all participating runners.
The 2020 National Finals is also something to look forward to with the participation of the Indonesian champions of the MILO 10K run.
The PATAFA has awarded the 2018 edition of the National MILO Marathon a Silver Label rating for meeting the stringent criteria for quality location and logistics, course measurement and management, and actual event stage and flow.
“The Silver Label certification by PATAFA in their inaugural Road Race Tier Rating System has inspired us to deliver another unforgettable season this year,” Castillo said.
With the invaluable support of MILO Marathon runners and partners, MILO continues to help the youth across the country through the Help Give Shoes advocacy.
For years, MILO has given new pairs of running shoes and sports equipment to underserved students from public schools nationwide, in order to help them reach for their dreams and lead an active and healthy lifestyle.
MILO has so far donated 85,000 pairs of shoes and 2,500 basketballs to its beneficiaries, and is set to give out 1,500 pairs of shoes and 2,500 basketballs this year. (PNA)
