The Pasay leg serves as the official start of the 2026 National MILO Marathon race calendar, celebrating 50 years of the Philippines’ iconic grassroots running series aimed to develop discipline, teamwork, and grit to ignite every Filipino runner. Roy Laudit ruled the 21K race with a time of 1:09:34, followed by Dickyias Mendioro (1:09:51), and James Darrel Orduña (1:11:10). For the women’s half-marathon, perennial podium finisher Maricar Camacho stood on top with a time of 1:27:39. She was followed by Arlyn Joyce Akangan (1:30:57) and Yahchevah Daligdig (1:34:23).

MANILA — Roy Laudit and Maricar Camacho stamped their class in the 28,000-strong field to make history in the Pasay leg of the 2026 National MILO Marathon last Sunday at Mall of Asia Complex. It’s a triumphant celebration which marked the 50th anniversary of the country’s premier road race organized by RUNRIO as this kicked off this year’s series which will see 15 legs staged across the country. Laudít crossed the finish line in one hour, nine minutes, and 34 seconds, edging Dickyas Mendioro who timed at 01:09:51 for the pole position in the men’s 21K division.

MANILA, Philippines — Fifty years of competition and growth, five decades of raising champions. The golden year of the National MILO Marathon kicked off with the Pasay leg on Sunday, March 1, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, led by 21K winners Roy Laudit and Maricar Camacho. The Pasay leg serves as the official start of the 2026 National MILO Marathon race calendar, celebrating 50 years of the Philippines’ iconic grassroots running series aimed to develop discipline, teamwork and grit to ignite every Filipino runner. Roy Laudit ruled the 21K race with a time of 1:09:34, followed by Dickyias Mendioro (1:09:51), and James Darrel Orduña (1:11:10). For the women’s half-marathon, perennial podium finisher Maricar Camacho stood on top with a time of 1:27:39. She was followed by Arlyn Joyce Akangan (1:30:57) and Yahchevah Daligdig (1:34:23).

Elite runners Roy Laudit and Maricar Camacho dominated the Pasay leg of the 2026 National Milo Marathon on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Complex. Laudit topped the men’s 21K race with a time of 1:09:34, finishing ahead of Dickyias Mendioro (1:09:51) and James Orduña (1:11:10). Camacho, for her part, ruled the women’s half marathon, clocking 1:27:39. She was followed by Arlyn Joyce Akangan (1:30:57) and Yahchevah Daligdig (1:34:23). In the 10K event, Bong Sentillas paced the men’s division with a time of 33:21, narrowly beating Joel Orogan (33:35), while Drian Latagan placed third in 37:01. Decerie Encomio led the women’s side in 42:03, followed by Jo Punay (45:08) and Mary Joy San Juan (51:38). JRU product Noli Torre captured the men’s 5K title in 17:16. Reyniel Abiel came in second, seven seconds behind, while Jerico Cadag finished third, 13 seconds off Torre’s winning time. In the women’s 5K race, Asia Paraase crossed the line first in 20:18, ahead of Mary Jane Pagayon (21:22) and Bernadette Sales (23:42). The Pasay leg marks the official start of the 2026 National Milo Marathon, which will also be staged in various parts of the country.

WHEN all the dust settled over the weekend, it was Kenyan Anderson Saitoti who flashed the biggest smile. Anderson Saitoti and Ethiopia’s Beshadu Bekele Bedane showed their true worth in the Ayala Philippine Marathon at Ayala Avenue in Makati. The foreign runners stood out from the 11,000-strong field as they stamped their marksin the event, which had Ayala Foundation as the title sponsor and organized by Runrio, that served as the kickoff for the Philippine Marathon Majors. Saitoti clocked an impressive 2:19:22 to bag the overall title, followed by Ethiopia’s Abdi Asefa Kabede (2:20:22) in the men’s division. The Philippines’ own Edsel Moral (2:25:42) and Eduard Flores (2:28:46) finished third and fourth, respectively.

Former national athlete and 10K record holder Mercidita Manipol shares what can ‘make or break your run’ Running events have surged across business districts, suburbs, and open roads throughout the Philippines, turning everyday spaces into proving grounds for a growing wave of runners. For some, it’s a hobby. For others, it’s a daily battle to outdo their old form. For former national athlete Mercidita Manipol, the country’s record holder in 10-kilometer road running, becoming an elite runner starts with embracing the grind long before the finish line is in sight. “It’s not just about running. In training to improve their personal time, one must think about setting goals and having targets every month,” Manipol told Rappler in Filipino, days before the Milo Marathon on Sunday, March 1. “Because there are a lot of things to be taken into account such as pace, nutrition, and motivation to be a better runner. Progression is a must so people have to start, let’s say on 5 kilometers, and then 10K, 16K, and so on,” she added.

Kenya’s Anderson Saitoti and Ethiopia’s Beshadu Bekele Bedane outran the competition to win the Ayala Philippine Marathon 2026 on over the weekend at Ayala Ave. in Makati City. The international runners stood out from the 11,000-strong field as they stamped their class in the event, which had Ayala Foundation as the title sponsor and was organized by RUNRIO, as it also served as the kickoff for the 2026 Philippine Marathon Majors. Saitoti clocked an impressive 2:19:22 to secure the overall title followed by Ethiopia’s Abdi Asefa Kabede (2:20:22) in the men’s division. The Philippines’ own Edsel Moral (2:25:42) and Eduard Flores (2:28:46) were also in hot pursuit, while Kenya’s Eric Chepsiror (2:29:11) completed the top five.

Anderson Saitoti of Kenya and Beshadu Bekele Bedane of Ethiopia outran the competition to win the Ayala Philippine Marathon 2026 on Sunday at Ayala Avenue in Makati City. The international runners stood out from the 11,000-strong field as they stamped their class in the event, which had Ayala Foundation as the title sponsor and was organized by RUNRIO, as it also served as the kickoff for the 2026 Philippine Marathon Majors. Saitoti clocked an impressive two hours, 19 minutes and 22 seconds to secure the overall title followed by Ethiopia’s Abdi Asefa Kabede (2:20:22) in the men’s division. Filipinos Edsel Moral (2:25:42) and Eduard Flores (2:28:46) were also in hot pursuit, while Kenya’s Eric Chepsiror (2:29:11) completed the top five. Bedane was also crowned the champion after timing at 2:44:52, in front of Kenya’s Truphena Chepchichir (2:47:30), Ethiopia’s Sifen Kidane Melka (2:52:53), Kenya’s Pamela Chepkoech (2:58:01), and Eloisa Cusi (3:00:52). Read more at: https://tribune.net.ph/2026/02/24/foreign-stalwarts-top-ayala-marathon Read more Daily Tribune stories at: https://tribune.net.ph/ Follow us on our social media Facebook: @tribunephl Youtube: @dailytribuneph Twitter: @tribunephl Instagram: @tribunephl TikTok: @dailytribuneofficial

International runners ruled the Ayala Philippine Marathon held Sunday along Ayala Avenue in Makati. Kenya’s Anderson Saitoti ruled the men’s 42K race after clocking 2:19:22, with Ethiopia’s Abdi Asefa Kabede finishing second in 2:20:22. The Philippines’ Edsel Moral (2:25:42) and Eduard Flores (2:28:46) placed third and fourth, respectively, while Kenya’s Eric Chepsiror completed the top five with a time of 2:29:11. In the women’s division, Ethiopia’s Beshadu Bekele Bedane emerged victorious in 2:44:52. Kenya’s Truphena Chepchichir came in second at 2:47:30, followed by Ethiopia’s Sifen Kidane Melka (2:52:53). Kenya’s Pamela Chepkoech placed fourth in 2:58:01, while the Philippines’ Eloisa Cusi rounded out the top five with a time of 3:00:52. Read more: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/othersports/977666/international-runners-dominate-ayala-philippine-marathon/story/ More stories: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/ Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/gmanews/

MANILA, Philippines — Kenya’s Anderson Saitoti and Ethiopia’s Beshadu Bekele Bedane outran the competition to win the Ayala Philippine Marathon 2026 on Sunday at Ayala Ave. in Makati City. The international runners stood out from the 11,000-strong field as they stamped their class in the event, which had Ayala Foundation as the title sponsor and was organized by RUNRIO, as it also served as the kickoff for the 2026 Philippine Marathon Majors. Saitoti clocked an impressive 2:19:22 to secure the overall title followed by Ethiopia’s Abdi Asefa Kabede (2:20:22) in the men’s division. The Philippines’ own Edsel Moral (2:25:42) and Eduard Flores (2:28:46) were also in hot pursuit, while Kenya’s Eric Chepsiror (2:29:11) completed the top five. Bedane was also crowned the champion after timing at 2:44:52, in front of Kenya’s Truphena Chepchichir (2:47:30), Ethiopia’s Sifen Kidane Melka (2:52:53), Kenya’s Pamela Chepkoech (2:58:01), and Eloisa Cusi (3:00:52).

MANILA — Kenya’s Anderson Saitoti and Ethiopia’s Beshadu Bekele Bedane outran the competition to win the Ayala Philippine Marathon 2026 on Sunday at Ayala Ave. in Makati City. The international runners stood out from the 11,000-strong field as they stamped their class in the event, which had Ayala Foundation as the title sponsor and was organized by RUNRIO, as it also served as the kickoff for the 2026 Philippine marathon majors. Saitoti clocked an impressive 2:19:22 to secure the overall title followed by Ethiopia’s Abdi Asefa Kabede (2:20:22) in the men’s division. The Philippines’ own Edsel Moral (2:25:42) and Eduard Flores (2:28:46) were also in hot pursuit, while Kenya’s Eric Chepsiror (2:29:11) completed the top five. Bedane was also crowned the champion after timing at 2:44:52, in front of Kenya’s Truphena Chepchichir (2:47:30), Ethiopia’s Sifen Kidane Melka (2:52:53), Kenya’s Pamela Chepkoech (2:58:01), and Eloisa Cusi (3:00:52).

AS part of its golden anniversary, Milo Marathon will hold 15 races all over the country starting March 1 at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City. Milo Sports head John Carlo Sampan said the event will serve as a milestone for both Milo Philippines, which celebrates its 62nd year in the country, and Milo Marathon, which marks its 50th year. “It’s a golden milestone for Milo Philippines and Milo Marathon. It’s 50 years of celebrating marathon champions and their champion stories,” said Sampan during the media launch at the Citadines Hotel in Manila Bay “Actually, Nestlé Philippines has been in the country for 62 years but the Milo Marathon will be celebrating it’s 50th year since it was held in 1974,”added Sampan

MANILA — The country’s longest-running road race is marking a major milestone as the National MILO Marathon celebrates its 50th year of building champions and promoting active lifestyles among Filipinos. Five decades since its launch, the National MILO Marathon has grown from a simple running event into a nationwide movement—strengthening its commitment to nation-building by fueling active families and inspiring communities to embrace a healthier way of life. Through the years, the race has also been a stage for stories of grit and discipline. Mary Joy Tabal reigned as MILO Marathon Queen from 2013 to 2018, becoming the first woman marathoner to win six straight titles. Eduardo Buenavista, meanwhile, captured the MILO Marathon King crown five times—in 2002, 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2013—and remained unbeaten for nine years.

MANILA, Philippines — Fifteen national races headlined by a grand opener in Pasay then a finale in Clark make up the 50th anniversary of the Milo Marathon as the country’s longest and biggest running series. “It’s a golden milestone for Milo Philippines and Milo marathon,” said Milo Sports head Carlo Sampan during the media launch of the country’s premier marathon yesterday at the Citadines Manila Bay in Pasay City. “It’s 50 years of celebrating marathon champions and their champion stories. Everything that we do is fastened to our brand purpose of nourishing the journey of our athletes to success in sports. We have seen the stories rooted in our values of grit, discipline and teamwork, especially for champion runners.” The Milo Marathon, which first hit the Philippine roads in 1974, kicks off on March 1 at the SM Mall of Asia Complex before the much-awaited National Finals on December 8 in Clark City, Pampanga. Tens of thousands of runners will try to qualify for the finale in the regional runs scattered all over the country, starting with Naga City (March 8), Sorsogon (March 15), Davao (August 2), General Santos (August 9), Dipolog (August 16), Cagayan de Oro (August 23) and Cebu (September 6). Completing the list are races in Tagbilaran (September 13), Dumaguete (September 20), Bacolod (Oct. 4), Vermosa, Cavite (October 11), Subic, Zambales (October 18) and Lingayen, Pangasinan (November 8). Two-time Milo Marathon queen Christine Hallasgo, from Bukidnon and fresh off a Sydney Marathon campaign with Army veteran and former Milo king Richard Salaño, will try to qualify in the nearer CDO leg while reigning king Eduard Flores will race in his hometown in GenSan. Hallasgo, also a SEA Games gold medalist, and Flores, were joined by former Milo Marathon royalties in former record holder and two-time champion Allan Ballester, six-time champion Roy Vence, two-time champion and Philippine 10K record-holder Christabel Martes and Salaño in the golden anniversary launch. “Milo Marathon ang naging daan ko patungo sa Olympics. Ito ang pangarap ng bawat atleta,” said Vence, who was the first runner to break the record of legendary marathoner Jimmy dela Torre in 1996 en route to his Atlanta Summer Games qualification. Ballester is part of the organizing committee for Milo’s golden anniversary, which was supposed to be celebrated as early as 2024 if not for a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside national team coaches Vence and Martes. “Matatanda na kami pero alam namin every year, may sisibol na bagong Milo Marathon champion,” said Ballester, brother of also three-time Milo king Wilfredo. A new route traversing Intramuros will be featured for the 10K and 21K runs as part of the golden run for Milo, which is also celebrating its 60 years as a company in the Philippines. From MOA, runners will get a glimpse of Manila’s iconic sites aside from the Walled City by plying along Seaside Blvd, Diokno Blvd, Roxas Blvd, Padre Burgos, National Museum, Manila City Hall, Jones Bridge, Binondo, Manila Cathedral, Anda Circle and Manila Hotel in a two-loop route. Aside from the staple 10K, half and full marathons, Milo after drawing almost 20K runners last year in the Manila opener also has 3K and 5K events for kids, teens and start-ups usually participated by schools with massive delegations nationwide. “Dito ako nagsimula. Dito nagsisimulang mangarap ang mga bagong kampeon na atleta,” said race organizer, former national team member and CEO Rio dela Cruz of Runrio, who began his running, coaching and now race organizing career in Milo in 1998 before finishing at No. 9 in 2006.

Organizers look forward to a bigger turnout when they celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the MILO Marathon. Starting with first leg on March 1 at the Mall of Asia grounds, the race, to be known as “The Golden Run”, is expected to draw around 25,000 runners. “We had a lower turnout last year. But this will be bigger,” said MILO Sports Executive Carlo Sampan during Thursday’s launch at the Citadines Bay City Manila. This time, around 15 races will be slated across the nation, with the second leg set on March 8 in Naga City, and the third in Sorsogon on March 15. Defending champion Eduard Flores will seek qualification in the men’s 42-km, when he shows up at the General Santos City leg on Aug. 2. The famed races will celebrate “50 Years of Building Champions,” and focus on the legacy of grit, discipline, and teamwork. The competitions will have runners taking part in “bigger celebrations” and enhanced experiences, through special tributes to the athletes and partners, who have shaped the marathon since its inception in 1974. Women’s champion Myrel Benignos of Negros is also expected to return to go for another podium finish. Past champions like Richard Salaño and Christine Hallasgo, who saw action for the Philippines at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, will also be back for more medals.

THE National Milo Marathon celebrates its 50th year of building champions and encouraging Filipinos to stay active. The marathon has transformed from a running event to becoming a movement that continues to strengthen the brand’s purpose of nation building by fueling active Filipino families and inspiring communities to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle. It also served as a unique venue where remarkable stories of grit and discipline unfold. Mary Joy Tabal held the Marathon Queen title from 2013 to 2018, becoming the first woman marathoner to win six consecutive times. Eduardo Buenavista held the Marathon King crown five times from 2002, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2013 and remained undefeated for nine years. Not only breaking personal records, the National Milo Marathon opened opportunities for many people, from being able to take their first airplane ride for the marathon’s National Finals, to traveling outside the country to join some of the world’s major races.

Gotta run them all! Why just go for one marathon when you can finish eight? Completionists of the Philippine Marathon Majors would also be receiving a unique medal. Why just go for one marathon when you can finish eight across the country? This is your calendar guide to the Philippine Marathon Majors, a newly-launched running series that would bring together eight world-class races across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. “We really want to encourage a lot of Filipino people to have a healthy lifestyle through running. At the same time, we’re providing a platform and opportunity for our national athletes by staging these kinds of events. We want local runners to travel across the country and also attract international runners to join,” said Rio de la Cruz, RUNRIO President and CEO. The series was launched by Singlife Philippines, in partnership with RUNRIO. Singlife serves as the title sponsor in five of the races, with SM Supermalls serving as presentor and is supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT). “Running is more than a sport. It’s discipline, preparation and a lifestyle,” said Lester Cruz, Singlife Philippines CEO. “Being part of the Philippine Marathon Majors allows us to champion the health, resilience, and aspirations of every runner—no matter where they are in the country—while also sparking important conversations around financial independence.” DATES OF THE 2026 PHILIPPINE MARATHON MAJORS February 22, 2026 | Ayala Philippine Marathon April 12, 2026 | Singlife Iloilo Marathon June 7, 2026 | Galaxy Manila Marathon July 12, 2026 | Singlife Cebu International Marathon August 15, 2026 | Singlife Davao Marathon September 20, 2026 | One Clark International Marathon November 8, 2026 | Trilogy Run Asia National Finals December 13, 2026 | Singlife Cagayan de Oro Marathon

Doraemon Run 2026 was the perfect celebration of active lifestyle combined with the love for all things Doraemon. Smiles were all around as 10,000 fans and running aficionados joined in the fun in the first ever Doraemon Run 2026 at SM Mall of Asia Complex on Sunday. And in the end, Vincent Arvin Avestruz and Juevelyn Ratunil had the biggest of the crowd, winning the 10K race. Avestruz was way ahead of the field in the men’s side, clocking 33 minutes and 30 seconds in front of Neil Maramba (34:51) and Nelson Rodique (42:27). Ratunil also did the same on the women’s division, finishing in 52 minutes and 25 seconds to be followed by Aileene Martinez (54:23) and Carol Mallari (56:34). It’s the perfect celebration of active lifestyle combined with the love for all things Doraemon as the runners gamely interacted with beloved friends like Gian, Suneo, Shizuka, Nobita, and the magical Doraemon in this race organized by RUNRIO and AIPH Marketing Services and has SM Mall of Asia and SM Active Hub as official venue partners, Sip as official hydration partner, and Sip+ as official electrolyte partner. Justwin Guerrero topped the men’s 5K in 17:19, with Mark Biagtan (17:57) and John Amiel Buenviaje (19:43) joining him in the podium, while Jo Punay led the women’s 5K field in 22:10, ahead of Marjorie Denise Manguiat (22:36) and Cristelle Cristelle (26:01). Cavin Vidal also emerged as the fastest in the men’s 3K in 11:06 with Ganimid Jr Alvarez (12:37) and Vincent Florentino (13:25) giving chase, a Karla Marie Superiano topped the women’s 3K in 16:20 as Joanne Melanio (17:12) and Tiara Jerisse Medina (18:02) also made it to the top three. Speed was also the key for the 1K race winners, with Hanz Roxas (2:48) narrowly taking the men’s division win over Rodrigo Puda and James Roldan (2:50), as Xeanna George Baarde (3:39) won the women’s division over Kaela Martin (4:17) and Midori Morita (4:20). Fun was indeed the theme of the day as all runners received exclusive Doraemon race kits and took home themed goodie bags. The Doraemon Run 2026 also had Katinko, Salonpas, Nutrifizz, Fitbar, Quaker, Birch Tree Adult Boost, Lemon Square, Leslie, Hey Salad, Giggles, Dermplus, Regroe, Sneakerlab, Rev*, Park Access, and Jackery as sponsors.

MANILA — Some 10,000 fans and running aficionados joined in the fun in the first ever Doraemon Run 2026 at SM Mall of Asia Complex on Sunday. Vincent Arvin Avestruz and Juevelyn Ratunil emerged triumphant in the 10K race. Avestruz was way ahead of the field in the men’s side, clocking 33 minutes and 30 seconds in front of Neil Maramba (34:51) and Nelson Rodique (42:27). Ratunil also did the same in the women’s division, finishing in 52 minutes and 25 seconds to be followed by Aileene Martinez (54:23) and Carol Mallari (56:34). The runners also gamely interacted with beloved friends like Gian, Suneo, Shizuka, Nobita, and the magical Doraemon in the race organized by RUNRIO and AIPH Marketing Services. Justwin Guerrero topped the men’s 5K in 17:19, with Mark Biagtan (17:57) and John Amiel Buenviaje (19:43) joining him in the podium, while Jo Punay led the women’s 5K field in 22:10, ahead of Marjorie Denise Manguiat (22:36) and Cristelle Cristelle (26:01). Cavin Vidal also emerged as the fastest in the men’s 3K in 11:06 with Ganimid Jr Alvarez (12:37) and Vincent Florentino (13:25) giving chase, a Karla Marie Superiano topped the women’s 3K in 16:20 as Joanne Melanio (17:12) and Tiara Jerisse Medina (18:02) also made it to the top three. Speed was also the key for the 1K race winners, with Hanz Roxas (2:48) narrowly taking the men’s division win over Rodrigo Puda and James Roldan (2:50), as Xeanna George Baarde (3:39) won the women’s division over Kaela Martin (4:17) and Midori Morita (4:20). All runners received exclusive Doraemon race kits and took home themed goodie bags.

Smiles were all around as 10,000 fans and running aficionados joined in the fun in the first ever Doraemon Run 2026 at SM Mall of Asia Complex on Sunday. In the end, Vincent Arvin Avestruz and Juevelyn Ratunil had the biggest of the crowd, winning the 10K race. Avestruz was way ahead of the field in the men’s side, clocking 33 minutes and 30 seconds in front of Neil Maramba (34:51) and Nelson Rodique (42:27). Ratunil also did the same on the women’s division, finishing in 52 minutes and 25 seconds to be followed by Aileene Martinez (54:23) and Carol Mallari (56:34). It’s the perfect celebration of active lifestyle combined with the love for all things Doraemon as the runners gamely interacted with beloved friends like Gian, Suneo, Shizuka, Nobita, and the magical Doraemon in this race organized by RUNRIO and AIPH Marketing Services and has SM Mall of Asia and SM Active Hub as official venue partners, Sip as official hydration partner, and Sip+ as official electrolyte partner. Justwin Guerrero topped the men’s 5K in 17:19, with Mark Biagtan (17:57) and John Amiel Buenviaje (19:43) joining him in the podium, while Jo Punay led the women’s 5K field in 22:10, ahead of Marjorie Denise Manguiat (22:36) and Cristelle Cristelle (26:01). Cavin Vidal also emerged as the fastest in the men’s 3K in 11:06 with Ganimid Jr Alvarez (12:37) and Vincent Florentino (13:25) giving chase, a Karla Marie Superiano topped the women’s 3K in 16:20 as Joanne Melanio (17:12) and Tiara Jerisse Medina (18:02) also made it to the top three. Speed was also the key for the 1K race winners, with Hanz Roxas (2:48) narrowly taking the men’s division win over Rodrigo Puda and James Roldan (2:50), as Xeanna George Baarde (3:39) won the women’s division over Kaela Martin (4:17) and Midori Morita (4:20). Fun was indeed the theme of the day as all runners received exclusive Doraemon race kits and took home themed goodie bags.