Manila Marathon hopes to be at par with other SEA marathons

The Manila Marathon was held last Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Grounds with around 8000 runners joining, along with participants from 30 countries, despite the rainy weather that morning.

Runrio, Inc. president and CEO Rio de la Cruz said they have received positive feedback from the runners regarding the route used as it passed by tourist spots of Manila such as the Jones Bridge and Intramuros.

"Natuwa yung runners kasi sa title natin, Manila Marathon, napakita natin ang Manila mismo," De la Cruz said.

With the positive feedback, De la Cruz also hopes the Manila Marathon will be at par with the likes of marathons in other Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore and Malaysia 

"Goal ko muna for this time is to be in the level of Singapore Marathon, KL Marathon, Jakarta Marathon, Ho Chi Minh Marathon, Bangkok Marathon para at least meron tayong five or six Southeast Asia marathons," De la Cruz said, adding that he has also coordinated with his counterparts in Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia for the possibility of the plan.

"Mas maganda siya kasi mas marami tayong mae-encourage na tourist to visit," he added.

Eduard Flores ruled his first 42K event with a time of 2:33:22, while Kenyan David Kipsang finished second with 2:39:05. Edsel Moral finished third with 2:39:38, in the men’s division of the Galaxy Watch Manila Marathon.

In the women's division, Jane Wanjiru Muriuki of Kenya topped the course in 3:11:34, while Maricar Camacho placed second with 3:20:54. Jocelyn Elijeran placed third with 3:29:11.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News