Cagayan de Oro City is set to make history as it hosts the prestigious Milo Marathon Finals for the first time in Mindanao on December 1, 2024. This milestone event not only brings excitement to local sports enthusiasts but also highlights the city’s growing reputation as a prime destination for major national events.
The Grand Return of a Legacy
The National MILO® Marathon, the biggest and longest-running marathon in the Philippines since 1974, expects around 12,000 runners this year. Categories include 800 participants for the 42K, 700 for the 21K, 700 for the 10K, and 5,000 each for the 5K and 3K races.
Over the decades, the marathon has been the starting point for champions like Coach Rio de la Cruz and Mary Joy Tabal, the first Filipina Olympic Marathoner. This year’s event promises to inspire a new generation of athletes, with Cagayan de Oro as the stage for these stories of triumph.
A Warm Welcome for Champions
The festivities kicked off on November 29 with a Welcome and Carbo-Loading Dinner at the City Tourism Hall. National qualifiers for the 21K and 42K races from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao gathered, sharing camaraderie and anticipation for the grand race. The event celebrated their journey, recognizing the dedication that brought them to this final stretch.
The Road to Glory
On race day, participants will face not only the physical challenge but also the opportunity of a lifetime. The crowned MILO® Marathon King and Queen will receive ₱60,000 in cash and a trophy, but the rewards extend far beyond. They’ll also earn the honor of representing the Philippines in the prestigious Sydney Marathon next year—an international platform to showcase Filipino excellence.
A Community United by Sport
Hosting the Milo Marathon Finals is more than just a sporting event for Cagayan de Oro. It’s an opportunity to showcase the city's vibrant culture and hospitality. The influx of athletes, families, and spectators will provide a significant boost to local businesses, while the event fosters a sense of pride and unity in the community.
Inspiring the Next Generation
For young Kagay-anons, seeing national champions compete in their city is more than just exciting—it’s transformative. The Milo Marathon has always emphasized the values of discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship, and this year’s finals in CDO aim to ignite these qualities in the local youth.
A Celebration of Resilience and Excellence
As the athletes cross the finish line on December 1, they symbolize more than individual victories; they represent the strength, unity, and spirit of an entire nation. This historic event in Cagayan de Oro is a reminder that champions are made not just through training but through the support of communities that believe in them.
The MILO® Marathon Finals in Cagayan de Oro is more than a race—it’s a celebration of legacy, community, and the enduring spirit of competition. As the city welcomes runners from all corners of the country, it sends a powerful message: Mindanao is ready to lead, inspire, and make its mark on the Philippine sports landscape.
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