Article by Andrew Pirie

ATFS Statistician

Jeorge Andrade of Davao City. Is an unknown figure in terms of road running. However he

had his big break today in the Milo Marathon finals as he claimed the title in 2h39.34.

In what was expected to be anyone’s game and a close finish. Andrade clearly won fairly

easily over former national athletes former SEA Games medallist Eric Panique 2h42.10 and

former SEA Games Champion and National Marathon record holder Eduardo Buensvista, 39

2h43.34.

2h39 is probably one of the slower winning times in the past 20 years of the event.

Compared to SEA Games times 2h29.27, 2h31.20 and 2h31.52 for Gold Silver or Bronze.

 

We really need to strongly consider what is going on with our long distance program as we

have failed to win any colour Medal in Men’s Marathon since 2013. Under Coach Mario

Castro over an 18 year period 1997 to 2013 the Philippines won a medal in Men’s Marathon

every SEA Games except 1999 when no marathon was held. After the PATAFA had

removed Castro in 2015 we stopped winning medals in Men Marathon.

 

The Big surprise was that defending champion Jeson Agravante who is coached by PATAFA

National coach Rene Herrera was unable to defend his title finishing outside the top 10.

He also was unable to finish during the 2017 SEA Games due to cramps.

 

 

 

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