By Sam Ramos
The city marked a ‘milestone’ as the first local government unit in Mindanao to host the national finals of the Milo Marathon, which concluded on Sunday, December 1. The event, coinciding with Milo’s 60th anniversary, drew over a thousand runners from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Carlo Sampan, Milo Sports Chief, expressed excitement about the historic event. “The 2024 Milo Marathon finals is the first in Mindanao—and we are very excited in doing it here in Cagayan de Oro City,” Sampan said.
The marathon featured various categories, including 5km, 10km, 15km, and 21km races. Claiming victory were Richard Salaño, crowned Milo King with a time of 2:55:29, and Christine Hallasgo, named Milo Queen with a time of 2:59:29. Both winners received ₱60,000 in cash, a trophy, and the opportunity to represent the Philippines in the upcoming Sydney Marathon.
The race spanned the route from Velez Street in Cagayan de Oro City to nearby Tagoloan town, Misamis Oriental.
City officials lauded the event, emphasizing its “significance in highlighting Cagayan de Oro as an emerging hub for major sporting events in the region.” The marathon also “showcased the city’s capacity to host large-scale national sports events, boosting its reputation on the national stage.”