MANILA, Philippines — A total of 4,000 children will receive new running shoes this Christmas, courtesy of the 34th National MILO Marathon (NMM).
The event's finals were held Sunday, with Filipinos Eduardo Buenavista and Flordeliza Donos ruling the men’s and women’s categories, respectively.
Buenavista won his third crown, clocking 2 hours, 24 minutes, and 18 seconds, racing past Kenyans Willy Tanui (2:29:00) and William Kipyedo (2:30:19). He had previously won the 2002 and 2008 titles.
Meanwhile, criminology graduate Donos also kept the Philippine flag flying high, finishing at 3:05:07.
She crossed the finish line ahead of Kenyan Susan Jemutai (3:05:52) and Filipino Mary Joy Tabal (3:08:38).
The race started at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, with the number of participants reaching 15,000.
The NMM had 17 regional races across the country for the past 6 months.
Part of the proceeds from the 17 legs have already been used to donate 3,600 pairs of shoes to school children from Manila, Dagupan, Baguio, General Santos, Davao, Cebu, Tagbilaran, Dumaguete, Ilo-Ilo, San Pablo, Naga, Batangas, Puerto Princesa, Tarlac, Olongapo, Butuan, and Cagayan de Oro.
"The root of this advocacy lies in our belief that we’re not just giving these children running shoes. We’re giving them something that they can wear to school, for sports and other activities. It’s definitely a step to help them reach their true potential and be the best that they can be," race organizers said on the event's official website — With reports from The Philippine Star
