MANILA, Philippines - Returning Cagayan De Oro champ Juniel Languido and up-and-coming runner Christine Hallesgo ruled the 21K centerpiece events yesterday at the Cagayan De Oro leg of the 38th National Milo Marathon in Cagayan de Oro.
Languido and Hallesgo, who each received a cash prize of P10,000 and a trophy, will lead 70 other qualifiers from CDO in next month’s national finals in Manila where elite runners from all over the Philippines go head-to-head in a grand finale to claim the marathon king and queen titles.
Though faced with a slight challenge due to the new route, Languido posted a new record of 01:10:16, beating fiercest rival and good friend Blendon Sandinao (01:14:42) and Bryan Quiamco (01:15:10).
In the distaff side, Hallesgo secured her first ever Milo 21K title in 01:27:48, beating Cresabel Cadion (01:33:11) and Lezette Albarote (01:36:59).
Hallesgo, a 21-year-old Bukidnon State University junior, started joining the 5K event of the Milo Marathon in 2010 before he tried the 21K event this year.