K9 units and disco music, it’s not your usual footrace

With more than 24,000 runners expected to answer today’s starting gun, the Cebu leg of the 39th Milo National Marathon has reaffirmed its status as the biggest leg in terms of participation.

But more than the unusually huge turnout, what makes the Cebu race incomparable is the fact that local organizers have prepared quite a number of surprises to help soothe aching muscles and  sore heels.

Far from just a straightforward race, the Milo Marathon Cebu leg also prides itself on creating a distinct atmosphere that serves the needs of both the earnest road runner and the fun racer.

For one, blaring disco music will greet tired and weary competitors in each of the 11 water stations. Festival dancers and bands will also be stationed in strategic areas of the race route, lending a festive atmosphere to what would have been an otherwise tedious and monotonous run giving the host city the chance  to showcase its rich culture and history.

Nowhere else in the 17 Milo elimination legs scattered across the Philippine archipelago can racers experience such jovial and lighthearted atmosphere.

For the serious and podium-eyeing racer, organizers have prepared a detailed security master plan to ensure their safety and well being.

Almost a thousand personnel will be dispersed along the route, from barangay tanods to PNP personnel to medical teams and K9 units.

Traffic enforcers and firetrucks are also on hand to lend much needed support and backup.

“Anything can happen, let’s not be complacent,” Milo executive Andrew Neri said during the event’s launching on Friday. “Our ultimate goal is to have an enjoyable and peaceful race,” he stressed.

So aside from an enjoyable race, a safe and secure run is also assured.

“Over the years, we always put premium on both the enjoyment and safety of the runners,’ Cebu leg organizer Ricky Ballesteros said in an earlier interview. “Because the race has so much to say about the hospitality and geniality of the Cebuanos considering that hundreds of out-of-towners are coming over,” he added.

To underscore Ballesteros’ point, it should be interesting to note that for the past three years, the Cebu Leg has been adjudged the Best Organized Regional Leg of the Milo Marathon.