Congratulations to all finishers especially the Full Marathon warriors who conquered the rain at the 35th edition of the National Milo Marathon. It was the complete opposite from last year’s hot sunny temperature compared to this year’s cold and wet climate, not to mention the new venue at SM MOA, RunRio in charge of organizing the Manila Eliminations and its new IAAF & AIMS certification for the race route meaning the 35th National Milo Marathon is now an official qualifier for the Boston Marathon.

Running under the rain isn’t new to me, but running in the rain during a running event is definitely new. Many were expecting the rain, but few were prepared for the strong deluge right before the gun start of the 42km (4 AM) Full Marathon category. The rain continued to pour hard with cold headwinds when the 21k started to run around 5 AM. My final long run before the upcoming Cobra Ironman 70.3, I ran the 21k category again just like last year which was actually my first half marathon, together with Rafael (my cousin) and my Bro Andy with first-time 21k runner Carlo. Tagging along is Vince, who ran 10k this time unlike last year’s 5k. We all had a bad start, as we came in late about 12 mins because of traffic build up along EDSA. The gameplan right from the start is me and Rafael go for a sub-2 hour finish while Carlo and my Bro finish within the cut-off time (2hr 30mins) since RunRio implied that they will be strict on implementing the rules.

(From left to right) Vince, Rafael, Me and my Bro

RunRio still continued their streak on giving the local running community a world class event. Even though it was raining hard, the 35^th National Milo Marathon Manila Eliminations was a huge success. RunRio really shined when then implemented a different route for the 3k and 5k runners and 10k, 21k and 42km runners. Last year was chaos since the route towards the finish line was the same for all categories. Many 3k and 5k runners loitering the route and taking pictures, blocking the 10k, 21k and 42k runners. Adding insult to injury, they hogged all the water at the last few water stations of the race leaving the long distance 21k and 42k runners nothing for hydration. This year, hydration stations were better with longer tables each serving with water and Powerade, and bananas given at certain distances.

My Complain – Rules not implemented. Screw the rules, just like last year the rules weren’t implemented and the cut-off time was good for nothing, at least for the 21k. According to the official results, about 30% of the 21k finishers didn’t make it to the 2:30 cut-off but still given the chance to finish and get awarded by medals. I think the main reason why RunRio gave leverage regarding the cut-off time was because of the bad weather but still, RunRio shouldn’t had implied that they will be implementing the rules if they weren’t going to implement it. It was a different scenario for the 42k runners, from what I heard RunRio were strict with the cut-off times at certain distances.

Congratulations to Nestle on their 100th year Anniversary and RunRio for the great job organizing the 35th National Milo Marathon – Manila Eliminations. I gave you my SportyTechie two thumbs up! Up Next – Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines!