35th Milo Marathon to be handled by well-known runner Rio dela Cruz

Expect a problem-free running event when the 35th Milo Marathon Cebu eliminations unfolds this Sunday at Osmeña Boulevard, fronting the Cebu Normal University.

This after organizers of one of the biggest running event in the country hired well-known runner, coach and organizer Rio dela Cruz of RUNRIO Inc. to handle the annual race.

Dela Cruz, a multi-awarded runner himself, said he will use his state-of-the-art timing chips in this weekend’s race. This will ensure precise and computerized time recording in all categories of the race.

“We want to put Cebu on the map, considering that this is the biggest elimination leg in the country so far. That’s why we decided to hire Rio (Dela Cruz),” said Milo assistant vice president Pat Goc-ong in yesterday’s official press launch of the event at the Cebu City Sports Center. Goc-ong was joined by Milo sports executive Andrew Neri, co-organizer Ricky Ballesteros and Dela Cruz.

Dela Cruz, who is in charge of handling all the Milo Marathon legs, said he will use the V Chrono track system, which will be attached to each runner’s race bib, in the race. This technology is also the same used in the prestigious New York Marathon.

To address the perennial problem of crowding at the starting line during gun start, Dela Cruz said he has a solution for that.

“May strategy na talaga kami for this,” said Dela Cruz, who was already a running prodigy when he was still 12 years old. “We will be having a human barricade which will divide the runners according to their categories before being released. With this, we will be able to release them by waves.”

He said he is planning to release the runners in six waves. “Since we have the technology, it is necessary to implement the waving system for a more systematic and a more organized race.”

The Cebu elimination is expected to have at least 20,000 runners. Last year, more than 23,000 joined the race, a far cry from the 875 that joined the first race in 2001, according to Goc-ong. Manila still holds the record for the most number of participants with 200,000.

Interestingly, not only the numbers improved but also the quality of runners it produced. Last year, Cebuana 42-kilometer qualifier Mary Joy Tabal of the Southwestern University (SWU) managed to finish third in the Milo National Marathon 42k run in Manila.

Meanwhile, proceeds of the race will help give running shoes to five chosen public schools in Cebu City. This is part of Nestle’s thrust to give young Filipino athletes a running shoe. They are actually aiming to give away 10,000 running shoes to chosen public schools nationwide. Last year, Milo gave 4,200 pairs of running shoes to less fortunate children.

Tomorrow’s race will feature 3-kilometer, 5k-, 10k- and 21k-race distances.