A tale like no other in Milo Marathon love started at the finish line

CEBU, Philippines — By the 14-kilometer mark he saw, unexpectedly, a flower vendor. 

Cebuano runner Zheerex Villero, paused and bought a bouquet thinking it was one of those serendipitous moments in life to have flowers on the 14km mark on the 14th day of the month.

Inspired and energized, he was running while holding the bouquet, more determined to finish the race. 

Early this year, Zheerex started courting Myla (real name withheld as requested). They met each other during the review for the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) board examinations last 2016, which they both hurdled with flying colors.

Since then they became close to each other.

Zheerex decided to run in the 21K category of the 42nd National Milo Marathon Cebu elimination round last October 14.

Though he had ran the same distance in other races before, it was his first in the Milo Marathon.

While at the Cebu City Sports Center, Myla, who is familiar with the average running time of his friend, became a bit worried after many runners have arrived but still Zheerex was not in sight.           

She waited more and at exactly 2 hours, 34 minutes, and .03 seconds, Zheerex  crossed the finished line and thereafter gave her the bouquet of roses.

Reunited, Myla hugged Zheerex and their friendship transcended as she finally said, “Yes” to him.