MANILA, Philippines – Local marathoners went head-to-head with the Kenyans during last Sunday’s 34th National Milo Marathon elimination run held in Manila.

Modesto Madalang was the top Filipino runner in the Male 42K division, finishing 3rd by clocking in at 02:46:53.

Kenyan Willy Tanui came in 2nd with a time of 02:44:42 while his compatriot Abraham Missos won 1st place after clocking in at 02:39:43.

Missos was awarded the P50,000 top prize for his feat.

In the Male 21K division, Filipino Rafael Poliquit finished 2nd (01:14:20), just 10 seconds ahead of 3rd placer Darwin Lim.

Kenyan Anthony Cheptoo grabbed the top spot (01:12:43) in the Male 21K, pocketing the P10,000 prize.

Kenyan runners are typically considered as "heavyweights" in the sport of long distance running.

Female divisions
Meanwhile, Luisa Raterta emerged as the Female division champ for the 42K race, clocking in at 03:28:41. She won P50,000.

Luisa Raterta emerged as the female division champ for the 42K race, clocking in at 03:28:41. She won P50,000.

Joanne Maganat came in 2nd place at 03:31:29 while Geraldine Sealza was at 3rd with a time of 03:37:50.

With a finishing time of 01:32:16, veteran runner Nhea-Ann Barcena was triumphant in the 21K Female category while Janette Lumidao took the 2nd place at 01:39:54. Adjennie delos Santos came in 3rd at 01:42:39.

The other race categories were 10K, 5K and 3K.

The 10K male champion was Ferdinand Cruz (00:34:35) and the female champion was Serenata Saluan (00:44:02).

Michael Pacong (00:16:56) and Nancy Pilaro (00:21:07) dominated the 5K category while Blaise Miguel (00:11:26) and Michelle de Vera (00:12:12), both aged 12, won the 3K 7-12 year old running category.

Record-breaking
The July 4 race drew a record-breaking attendance of 28,331 race participants, the biggest number of participants ever for the Milo Marathon Metro Manila leg.

“The response was simply awe-inspiring,” Patricio Goc-Ong, Nestle Philippines Assistant Vice President said in a statement.

“The turn-out exceeded our expectations and the performance of the runners was very impressive. It was even more exciting for us this year because our advocacy to provide running shoes for public school children made it even more fulfilling and worthwhile.”

A total of 400 pairs of rubber shoes were given out to students from Bonifacio Memorial Elementary School and San Diego Elementary School. The beneficiaries were present during the event and took part in the 3K race.

With 17 upcoming provincial races, the marathon aims to raise 4,000 pairs of rubber shoes with a portion registration fees allocated to the cause.

The marathon trail continues in Northern Luzon with races scheduled in Dagupan on July 11 and Baguio on July 18. Milo aims to attract 14,000 runners in Dagupan and 7,000 runners in Baguio.

The National Milo Marathon is made possible by Bayview Hotel, Gatorade, Nestle Pure Life, Brooks, Department of Tourism and WWWExpress.