36th Milo Marathon NCR qualifying stage on

SOME 38,000 runners will answer the starting gun in the Metro Manila qualifying leg of the 36th National Milo Marathon at the SM Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay today.

Participants in the 42-K qualifier are expected to reach 2,000. There will be specific qualifying time for different age brackets. Other events are 21K, 10K, 5K and 3K.

The 42-K winners will pocket P50,000 each while the runners-up will settle for P30,000.

Foreign runners must have working visas to compete today. Those who would not go through any qualifying stage but want to join the national finals must also present proofs of finish in any races accredited by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) or International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) within one year before race day. The Milo Marathon is accredited by the AIMS.

“We will provide medics, police and marshals along the route,” said race organizer Rio de la Cruz.

Winners from today’s elimination race will join, among others, early qualifiers Hernanie Sore, four-time winner Cristabel Martes, Wilson Maningkil, Lany Cardona, three-time champion Eduardo Buenavista, Miscelle Gilbuena and 2006 king Julius Sermona in the Dec. 9 national finals, also at the SM MOA grounds. Romina S. Austria