MANILA, Philippines – MILO® proudly shared that, as part of its 60th anniversary celebration last year, Richard Salaño and Christine Hallasgo, the reigning MILO® Marathon King and Queen, represented the Philippines at the prestigious Sydney Marathon on Aug. 31, 2025.
Having earned their King and Queen titles at the National MILO® Marathon 2024, Richard and Christine showcased exceptional endurance, determination, and sportsmanship — qualities that helped them to the international stage. Representing MILO® in its country of origin, they carried Filipino pride with every stride, inspiring fellow athletes and young Filipinos alike.
The TCS Sydney Marathon successfully brought together more than 35,000 runners, marking its historic inclusion in the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors.
Salaño finished the marathon with a time of 2:26.48, the fastest male Southeast Asian, while Hallasgo finished 2:54.24, highlighting their skill, focus, and determination against a world-class field of competitors.
A Journey of resilience and determination
Richard’s journey is a testament to perseverance. A three-time full MILO® Marathon runner, he has consistently challenged himself across various race categories. After being removed from the Philippine National Team following the SEA Games, his 2024 MILO® Marathon victory secured his comeback to the national roster. Balancing work with extensive training, he logged an impressive 160 km per week in preparation for Sydney.
Christine’s story embodies determination and growth as she crossed the MILO Marathon finish line 14 times. In which she conquered her first full marathon unprepared in 2014, yet still placed in the top 10 — igniting her dream to become MILO® Marathon Queen, a title she claimed in 2024. Despite feeling unwell before the Cagayan De Oro finals last year, Christine defended her crown, leveraging the challenging routes of Bukidnon to sharpen her performance.
For both champions, Sydney was more than just a marathon — it was a dream fulfilled, a challenge embraced, and an opportunity to carry the Philippine flag with pride on the world stage.
Overcoming challenges on the international stage
Adapting from the Philippine heat to Sydney’s cooler climate, Richard and Christine maintained strict discipline in sleep, nutrition, and recovery, ensuring a good performance throughout the race. Their dedication reflects the commitment of MILO® to nurturing champions — from grassroots programs to global competitions — inspiring Filipinos to pursue their dreams with resilience, discipline, and passion.
Sharing about the race, Richard said, “Maraming uphill, pero maganda pa rin ang time ko, hindi rin malayo sa personal best ko sa MILO® Marathon finals. Nag-push sa akin ay ang cheer ng mga tao sa race, lalo na ang mga Filipino.”
Describing the course as her toughest yet, Christine said, “Ito na ang pinaka-mahirap na marathon race course para sa akin, pero maganda pa rin ang naging time ko. Iniisip ko ang suporta ng sambayanang Pilipino, at siyempre dala namin ang karangalan na i-represent ang bansa.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Reflecting on his journey, Richard emphasized the importance of consistent effort and training. “Wala naman imposible dahil wala namang taong pinanganak na malakas, lahat nakukuha sa training,” he shared.
Christine encouraged young Filipinos to remain patient and persistent in chasing their goals, noting that success is built over time. “Sa mga kabataan, ’wag kayo mawalan ng pag-asa. Balang araw, makukuha niyo rin ’yang pinapangarap niyo,” she said.
For over 60 years, MILO® has been fueling Filipino champions through its sports programs and initiatives, empowering athletes at every level to achieve their best — from local communities to international competitions. As it continues its mission to build a nation of champions, MILO® invites Filipinos to stay active, join its sports programs, and be inspired to pursue their own champion journey.
Be part of a race that moves the nation forward. Register now for the upcoming MILO® Marathon legs and follow MILO® Philippines on Facebook for updates and inspiration.
