TIGHT security will be implemented as the 40th National Milo Marathon Davao leg is expected to draw a bigger turnout of entries on October 9 in an out-and-back course from SM Lanang Premier parking lot.
Davao leg organizer Kenneth Sai of Vantage Sports Promotions Thursday, September 15, said they are closely coordinating with authorities for the staging of the annual race.
"Medyo anad naman ta kay pila ka beses naman na dunay bombing padayon man gihapon ang dagan sa una. Naga assessment ta with DCPO and TFD every week wala pa man silay ginaingon na dili pwede, kung unsa man pwede man ma-postpone (In the past, we pushed through with the run even if there were bombings that preceded it. We have assessment with the Davao City Police Office and Task Force Davao every week on security concerns but they have not told us to reset it, we can postpone it pending their advice)," Sai said during the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at the SM-Annex City Davao.
Sai said holding the run at SM Lanang Premier is a wise move to beef up the security of the event that targets some 12,000 participants from all over Mindanao including those from Panabo City, Tagum City and Bukidnon.
The run attracted some 9,000 entries last year at the Roxas Avenue, site of the recent bomb explosion that killed 15 and hurt 69 others.
He added the University of Mindanao's Sonny Wagdos will defend his men's 21K title opposite arch-rival Michael Echalico while Judelyn Miranda and Olive Firmeza will vie for the women's crown.
Top performers in the 21K will advance to the national finals.
Sai, meanwhile, said AL Navarro National High School and Tambobong Elementary School were chosen as beneficiaries of Milo's Help Give Shoes campaign. Each school will be given 100 pairs of brand new running shoes.
Side events like cheerdance competition, biggest delegation for schools and companies and media photo and writing contests will still be featured this year.
Registration is ongoing at Adidas, second floor, of Gaisano Mall, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and will end on October 5.
For inquiry, contact Sai at mobile number (0921) 724-7739.