Baguio hosts Milo 18-race opening leg

MANILA, Philippines — The 38th National Milo Marathon will kick off its 18-leg race schedule in Baguio City on June 29 with a new campaign that aims to strengthen the country’s existing sports programs.

Under the “One Child, One Sport” program, Milo and the Department of Education will partner with the Food and Nutrition Research Institute to enable an estimated 15 million school children aged 7 years old and above to lead well-rounded lifestyle.

“One Sport, One Child encourages children to get into an active and healthy lifestyle and eventually lead them into sports,” said Nestlé Beverages executive manager Sherilla Bayona during Thursday’s press conference at Bayview Park Hotel in Manila.

Aside from the top prize of P300,000 for the Open category and P150,000 for the local winners, the male and female Filipino champions will be given slots to the 2015 Tokyo Marathon, one of the six major marathons held every February.

Race director Rio dela Cruz said medical certificates will now be required for 21K and 42K runners.

Succeeding Luzon elimination legs—all 21K races except the Metro Manila leg which will be a 42K qualifier—will be staged in Dagupan (July 6), Tarlac (July 13), Angeles (July 20), Manila (July 27), Naga (Aug. 24), Lucena (Aug. 31), Puerto Princesa (Sept. 7) and Lipa (Sept. 14).