SUNSTAR Davao swept the 42nd National Milo Marathon Davao Leg Media Photo and Writing Contest held October 20 to November 3, 2019.
SunStar Davao sports editor Marianne Saberon-Abalayan bagged the first place with her story entitled, "The Rise of True Champs." It was her eighth title in the Milo run writing competition, as she also topped the contest in 2015, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2002. However, there were years when the media writing and photo contest was scrapped.
Published on October 26, the story featured the inspiring journeys men's 21K category champion Arlan Arbois Jr., female 3K titlist Divine Grace V. Nopal of Mati Comprehensive National High School, and male 5K runner-up Aaron Gumban of Davao del Norte in the 42nd National Milo Marathon Davao Leg held in an out-and-back course from SM Lanang on October 20.
"I am humbled to win this Milo run sports writing contest anew. We always look forward to this because it is the only media writing competition exclusive for sportswriters," Saberon said.
"I thank God for everything, my SunStar Davao family for the support and trust and for my husband for his understanding and patience since he often drives me to the event venue in every Milo race at such an unholy hour and to my friends and family for believing in me," she added.
Abalayan bested Neilwin Joseph Bravo of Edge Davao (Running Away from Poverty) and Samantha Burgos of Mindanao Times (Victory comes with great discipline) who placed second and third, respectively.
SunStar Davao photojournalist Christian Mark Lim also emerged champion in the photo category with his entry "Energizing Dabawenyos" published on October 23.
The winners received cash prizes and trophies at the close of the Davao Sportswriters Association Forum at The Annex of SM City Davao Thursday, November 7.
The National Milo Marathon media photo and writing contest this year revolves around the theme "Milo: Energizing a Nation of Champions."
The winning sports articles were judged according to the relevance to the theme, content, style/composition, and overall impression.
The photos were also judged according to its relevance to the theme, the prominence of the Milo brand, creativity of the photojournalist, technical quality, and overall impression.