FOR the first time, the Davao leg of the annual Milo Marathon, now on its 42nd edition, was scrapped by organizers due to cost-cutting measures.
Former Milo Marathon Davao leg coordinator Kenneth Sai, in an interview with Sun.Star Davao, said the Naga City, Clark and Bohol legs were also removed.
"From 17 legs, the Milo Marathon now has 11 legs this year," the president of Vantage Sports Promotions said.
He also said that the cost-cutting measures were decided by Milo executives. But Milo, according to him, ventured into grassroots development program here.
He said, "From what I know, there is the recently-concluded Milo Barangay Sports Program last April 20, providing the Filipino youth more opportunities to be active in sports and to promote active lifestyle among the youngsters."
Sai underscored that Davao leg's scrapping greatly affected the running community here as it had deprived children especially those from the public schools a chance to participate in a prestigious and quality race.
He also cited that it also became a hindrance for local elite runners to compete for slots to the national finals.
"The Milo Marathon will hopefully be back next year," he said.
With the event removed this year, Sai added that there are innovations every year coming from the Milo Marathon and the community. (Abigail Joyce C. Cahiwat, MSU-Marawi Intern)