The country’s most prestigious and longest-running running event celebrates a historic milestone as the National MILO® Marathon marks its 50th year of empowering Filipinos to stay active, dream big, and embrace a healthier lifestyle.

For five decades, the National MILO® Marathon has evolved from a simple race into a nationwide movement that strengthens MILO®’s purpose of nation-building by inspiring Filipino families and communities to prioritize fitness and well-being.

“50 years is a lifetime. For us, this milestone is more than just a celebration of the race’s success. It is a tribute to every child who learned to dream big, every family who chose to be active together, and every Filipino who took the first step towards a healthier life through the MILO® Marathon. As we move forward, our focus remains clear. We are building champions in sport and in life,” shares Carlo Sampan, Assistant Vice President of MILO® Philippines and Head of MILO® Sports.

A Legacy of Champions

The Marathon has been the stage for countless remarkable stories of grit, discipline, and triumph:

  • Mary Joy Tabal, the MILO Marathon Queen from 2013 to 2018, became the first woman marathoner to win six consecutive titles.

  • Eduardo Buenavista, the MILO Marathon King, claimed his title five times between 2002 and 2013, remaining undefeated for nine years.

  • Inspiring stories like mother-daughter duo Uma and Marikit Pacete highlight how a love for running can pass from one generation to the next. Uma, a lifelong runner, inducted her daughter Marikit into the sport in 2025 by passing down her 32nd MILO® Marathon shirt.

Beyond athletic achievement, the National MILO® Marathon opens opportunities for participants—from experiencing their first airplane ride during the National Finals to representing the country in world-class races abroad.

Expanding Access and Inspiring Young Runners

To continue nurturing future champions, the MILO® Marathon introduces Champ Run, a new race series designed in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) to make running fun and accessible for schoolchildren. With 25 Champ Runs planned this year—on top of 15 marathon legs and other community runs—the total number of races reaches 50, the most in the event’s history.

“We understand that people go out of their way and are willing to travel to join the MILO® Marathon. Through the years, we’ve brought the race to communities across the Philippines, promoting sports tourism while giving locals the joy of participating in a major national event,” adds Sampan.

Driving a Nationwide Active Lifestyle

For 50 years, the MILO® Marathon has not only built athletes but also strengthened community engagement, sports tourism, and partnerships with key organizations such as the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). Its goal remains clear: to inspire every Filipino to take that first step toward a healthier, more active life.

Celebrate 50 years of the National MILO® Marathon! Join the movement, share your story, and inspire the next generation of champions. For more information, visit the official MILO® Philippines page or the Runrio Facebook page.