LAOAG CITY — Ilocos Norte is now gearing up to host some 15,000 runners for the 42nd Milo Marathon National Finals set on December 9.
Senior Provincial Board Member Matthew Joseph Manotoc, in his capacity as chairperson of the committee on sports, said Tuesday the provincial government is eyeing the improvement of the Ferdinand E. Marcos Sports Stadium here in time for the grand event.
Manotoc said the budget for the stadium’s renovation has already been approved and is currently “a matter of processing.”
The Marcos Stadium last underwent renovation and had its oval track rubberized between 2008 and 2009, but lack of maintenance soon reduced the oval to a cement track.
“(Renovation) has definitely been on our to-do list for a long time. Even I go to the Stadium sometimes. It is depressing and the lighting is poor,” Manotoc said.
The annual race includes the 42-km. category, which will be participated in by thousands of qualifiers from different regions, the 21-km. and shorter distances.
“We are excited to welcome the participants and we appeal to our constituents to show their support,” Manotoc said, noting that Ilocanos are known for their warmth and hospitality to visitors.
Sports consultant of Ilocos Norte, Faivo Bartolome, said the Milo Marathon National Finals event, so far the biggest sports event here, is expected to gather approximately 15,000 runners from various parts of the country.
Prior to the national finals, 11 qualifying race events were conducted in Urdaneta, Pangasinan, Metro Manila, Tarlac, Batangas, Lucena, Iloilo, Cebu, General Santos City, Butuan, and Cagayan de Oro City. (PNA)