MANILA, Philippines—While they always welcome a challenge, elite Filipino runner Eric Panique Monday said the growing number of Africans joining local races are turning off top local runners, who feel their chances of winning are reduced.
Panique, a Southeast Asian Games marathon silver medalist, failed to finish Sunday’s 35th National Milo Marathon finals won by Kenyan James Tallam, the first time a foreigner won the annual event in 35 years.
But while Panique said he pulled out of the race after 5 km to avoid injuries—he was on his fifth full marathon for the year— there’s a palpable feeling that Filipinos are uncomfortable with the presence of the African runners.
Eight runners from Africa occupied the Top 10 places in Sunday’s men’s race.
“We always welcome the challenge,” said Panique, who was the best Filipino finisher in the 2nd Camsur Marathon last September. “The races are a source of income for Filipinos, but now we have to compete against foreigners for the prize money.”
Known for their prowess in long-distance running, Africans have been campaigning all over the globe and monopolizing the top purses offered for the top finishers.
Three-time Milo Marathon champion Eduardo Buenavista also did not finish the race as he has yet to regain full fitness after the SEA Games last month.