Iloilo gets hosting chores of Milo Marathon

CEBU, Philippines - The national finals of this year's Milo Marathon goes nearer to the Queen City of the South as the event organizers gave the hosting chores to Iloilo City on December 4.

This marks for the first time in the 40-year history of the country's longest existing marathon will be held in the Visayas region.Last year, the final battle was held in Angeles City. It was also the first that the event was held outside of Metro Manila.

After a thorough evaluation, the organizers  decided to bring the national finals to another area and Iloilo is fortunate enough to be given the hosting chores.

This year's 40th edition of the annual race will have 13 regional legs that will kick off on July 17 in Dagupan.

The Cebu leg will take place on September 25. The other areas in the Visayas which will host a qualifying leg are Tagbilaran on September 18 and Dumaguete on October 9.

After Dagupan, action in Luzon shifts to Tarlac (July 24), Metro Manila (July 31), Batangas (August 7), Lucena (August 14) and Naga (August 28).

Mindanao, on the other hand, will have Davao (October 9), General Santos (October 16), Cagayan de Oro (October 23) and Butuan (October 30).

Aside from the Milo Marathon, Iloilo will again host the Visayas regional championships of the Milo Little Olympics on September 9 to 11.— (FREEMAN)