By MARK REY MONTEJO
Aspiring marathoners will have their opportunity to earn slots to the December’s biennial meet when they compete in the 2025 Manila Marathon on Sunday, Aug. 10, at SM Mall of Asia Complex.
As the races are AIMS-certified and sanctioned by PATAFA and World Athletics, top winners will have the chance to secure PH team slots to the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand if they break national records, especially in the premier 42-kilometer race.
The event also 21km, 10km, and 5km, and offers a total of P700K in cash prizes, including P100K each for the male and female champion in the premier 42km competition.
It would also serves as qualifying for other top marathon events like
the 2026 Sydney Marathon, New York, Tokyo, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, and London.
“Ito pong race natin sa Aug. 10, napaka importante po not only for me, but for our country, dahil ito po qualifying [race din] ng ating national team for the SEA Games,” said event organizer Rio Dela Cruz.
“Halos karamihan po sa kanila ay tatakbo, para makita nila ang kanilang performance and kung ma-hit po nila ‘yong standard ng SEA Games ay maaari po silang makuha,” he added in in Tuesday’s PSA Forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Smart/PLDT and the country’s 24/7 sports app Arena Plus.
So far, Richard Salaño and Arlan Arbois, the 2023 edition silver medalist, are assured in the men’s event, while Christine Hallasgo is expected to join and lead the Nationals in the distaff side.
