Pescos, Sorongon top Milo Cebu run

MANILA, Philippines – National Milo Marathon regulars Rafael Pescos and Ruffa Sorongon topped their respective divisions in emphatic fashions as they led the winners in the Cebu qualifying leg last Sunday.

Pescos turned in a 01:14:00 clocking to dominate the men’s 21K run, beating Michael Largo (01:17:01) and last year’s leg winner Noel Tillor (01:17:20) while Sorongon stamped her class in the distaff side, finishing in 01:26:24, with Cresabel Cadion (01:32:10) and Sandra Soliano (01:46:26) placing second and third, respectively.

They each won P10,000 and earned berths in the national finals set Dec. 4 in Iloilo City.

Over 17,000 runners took part in the event, graced by reigning national champion and Rio Olympian Mary Joy Tabal, who led the 3K gun start of the race.

“Everyday I take the long runs in the morning and in the afternoon to prepare. I am very happy with the outcome of the race because all my hard work paid off,” said Pescos, a 22-year-old runner from Negros Occidental. “I’ve always dreamed of joining the roster of top runners in the national finals. I will surely do my best in turning this into reality.”

Despite her limited training, Sorongon, 25, still dominated and posted her fourth leg win.

“I kept a motivated spirit to help me complete this race with success,” said Sorongon.

Meanwhile, the Milo run serves not only as a breeding ground for talents but also a program that empowers children nationwide. With the support of the Department of Education and the runners, the Milo’s Help Gives Shoes advocacy will provide 10,000 underprivileged youth with brand-new running shoes this year. Milo is working with DepEd in the selection of deserving public school student beneficiaries.

The next qualifying leg will be held in Dumaguete on Oct. 2 before heading to Davao (Oct. 9), Gen. Santos City (Oct. 16), Cagayan De Oro (Oct. 23), and Butuan (Oct. 30).