Running the half marathon at the 34th Milo Marathon National Finals. We want the full next year.
by: Vicboy de Lima
The Milo Marathon National Finals is the oldest and most prestigious marathon event in the country. Started when Marcos was still the president of the Republic of the Philippines, this marathon is now on its 34th edition.
Last Sunday (Dec 12), a handful of our Batch 83 runners got to experience this premier running event, albeit not the full marathon. All 4 of our Batch 83 runners got to run and finish the half-marathon (21 kms) at the Milo Marathon National Finals. Here are their respective times:
Bobby Castilla 1 hour 56 mins
Ernie Badong 2 hours 13 mins
Ruben Fajardo 2 hours 22 mins
Ed Balcueva 2 hours 47 mins
Congratulations to Ed and Ernie for finishing their first-ever half marathon.
Ernie’s time is very promising. Given the fact that his first time at the 21 km produced a better result than that of Castilla when Bob first ran the half at the Rexona Run (2 hrs 16 mins) , it would be safe to expect strong running from Ernie when he takes on the full marathon this coming 2011.
Despite being the slowest among the 4 runners, Ed’s time is also promising. To put it into proper perspective, Ed’s first time at the half is much better than my first 21 kms, which was 2 hours 56 mins at the Condura Run. Officially, I have the slowest maiden time for the half marathon among the Batch 83 runners. Talk about topping the maestro. Hahahaha.
As promised by him, Fards recovered from his QCIM experience and managed to post a respectable time. A feat he accomplished despite his injured status and doctor’s order for him not to run. Fards is on a quest to finish 3 half marathons in 3 weeks this December. Short of putting a tank in front of him, nothing will stop our Navy Commander-classmate. 2 down and 1 more to go. Fards will be conquering the Rock of Corregidor this Dec 19.
Bobby continues to impress with his strong running. He is a natural. He holds a lot of promise to be the first Batch 83 runner to qualify for the full marathon of the Milo Marathon National Finals.
To qualify. It will be an objective next year (2011) of the Batch 83 runners to send a runner to the Milo Marathon National finals, for the full marathon.
There are several 21K provincial elimination races conducted by Milo all over the Philippines. The one for Naga is held usually by the month of October. Runners wanting to join the full marathon (42.195 kms) at the National Finals will have to run any of these provincial elimination races and should clock the following time for 21kms , depending on age and gender group:
Male Female
18-34 yrs old. 1 hr 30 mins 1 hr 40 mins
35-39 yrs old 1 hr 35 mins 1 hr 45 mins
40-44 yrs old 1 hr 40 mins 1 hr 50 mins
45-49 yrs old 1 hr 45 mins 1 hr 55 mins
50-54 yrs old 1 hr 50 mins 2 hrs
55-59 yrs old 2 hrs 2 hrs 10 mins
60-64 yrs old 2 hrs 10 mins 2 hrs 20 mins
65-69 yrs old 2 hrs 20 mins 2 hrs 25 mins
Above 70 yrs old 2 hrs 30 mins 2 hrs 30 mins
The key time to concentrate on will be 1 hr 45 mins. Bob’s time is still 11 mins in excess. I have no doubt he will improve further to meet the requirement to qualify for the full marathon at the Milo National Finals next year. Who knows? We might even have a couple more joining Bob come Dec 2011. Fards? Ernie? Bert? Ric ? The list goes on, a testament to our potential.
Batch 83 will continue to defy its age. You can bet on it.
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