Dumaguete City, April 2, 2025 – The National MILO® Marathon 2025, in collaboration with race organizer Run Rio, has officially nullified the participation of a runner involved in an incident during the Dumaguete leg of the event on March 23. The decision comes after a thorough investigation into an altercation in the 10-kilometer category, where a runner spread her arms before the finish line, causing physical contact with the runner behind her and resulting in both falling to the ground.
In a statement released today, MILO® and Run Rio expressed their commitment to ensuring a safe and fair environment for all participants. “After a thorough review of all evidence and information, the management group announces its official decision to nullify the participation of the runner who caused the incident,” the statement read. The runner in question had already voluntarily returned her award prior to the decision, a move that MILO® commended as a “professional and sportsmanlike” gesture.
The incident has prompted the organizers to enhance their race monitoring systems to address future issues more swiftly. Both runners involved have since reached a mutual understanding, bringing closure to the matter. MILO® emphasized the importance of respect among participants, urging the running community to move forward together in the spirit of the marathon.
The National MILO® Marathon, known as the country’s biggest and longest-held running event, remains dedicated to creating safe, fun, and memorable experiences for its participants and supporters. “Our entire team is fully committed to the smooth continuation of this event as together with you, we create safe, fun, and memorable running experiences,” the statement concluded.
The Dumaguete leg is part of the nationwide series of the 2025 MILO® Marathon, which continues to draw thousands of runners and enthusiasts across the Philippines. Organizers are now focusing on upcoming legs of the marathon, ensuring that safety and sportsmanship remain at the forefront of the event.
For more details, the full statement can be accessed on the official MILO® Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/share/162rP5RMrt/.
Full Transcript of the Statement
STATEMENT ON THE DUMAGUETE LEG OF MILO® MARATHON
The National MILO® Marathon 2025, with its race organizers, Run Rio, have conducted a thorough review of the incident during the Dumaguete leg of the event on Sunday, March 23. In the 10-kilometer category, a runner spread out her arms before the finish line, with the runner immediately behind coming into physical contact with her, and both falling to the ground.
After a thorough review of all evidence and information, the management group announces its official decision to nullify the participation of the runner who caused the incident.
We deeply appreciate that the runner concerned had earlier signified her own decision to voluntarily return the award presented to her after the race. We commend her for her professional and sportsmanlike decision that is aligned with ours.
We take this opportunity to enhance our current race monitoring system to ensure that any necessary resolutions are finalized as quickly as possible.
Further, we are pleased to share that we are in communication with both runners, and they have reached a common and amicable understanding of the incident.
We trust that these developments bring a proper closure to the incident. Therefore, we ask everyone with an interest in the National MILO® Marathon to join us in moving forward. We urge the observance of respect for every participant, whether on social media or on the ground in the spirit of the National MILO® Marathon.
To all of you who are participants and supporters of the National MILO® Marathon 2025, we offer our deep gratitude for your steadfast loyalty and enthusiasm. Our entire team is fully committed to the smooth continuation of the country’s biggest and longest-held running event as together with you, we create safe, fun, and memorable running experiences.
