A Leg With Real Recent History
Unlike many of the newer 2026 additions to the MILO Marathon calendar, Cagayan de Oro has a documented recent track record. The 2023 leg drew over 9,300 runners across 21K, 10K, 5K and 3K categories, and was notable as the first marathon to run along the city's newly opened boulevard. [1] Milo Sports head Carlo Sampan called it "the city's biggest race and the first marathon to run in the newly opened boulevard, which makes this leg more special for the Kagay-anons." [1]
2024: Mindanao's First National Finals
In 2024, Cagayan de Oro hosted the MILO Marathon National Finals for the first time ever in Mindanao, drawing over 12,600 participants -- and for the first time, the city ran a full 42K category, with the course extending from Velez Street to Tagoloan town in Misamis Oriental. [2] That's a significant marker of trust from national organisers in the city's ability to handle the marathon's biggest annual event.
Five Distances at Centrio Mall
The 2026 leg starts from Centrio Mall on Corrales Avenue and offers five categories: 1K, 3K, 5K, 10K and 21.1K half marathon. A mall-anchored start/finish means built-in parking, shelter and post-race amenities -- practical advantages for a community race with a genuinely large field.
Community Buzz and Livestream Reach
The city has previously hosted City Hall carbo-loading dinners for qualifiers ahead of race day, and MILO has livestreamed the event on social media, drawing large national viewership when Cagayan de Oro hosted the Finals. [2] 2024 Milo Marathon Queen Christine Hallasgo, reflecting on her win, said: "This win is not just for me, but for everyone who believes in the power of hard work and perseverance." [2]
Part of MILO's 50th-Anniversary Golden Run
The 2026 edition is one of 15 legs in the MILO Marathon's 50th-anniversary 'Golden Run' series, organised by RUNRIO Inc. with local partners ahead of the National Finals in Clark City, Pampanga. [3] Given Cagayan de Oro's 2024 hosting turn and strong 2023 numbers, this leg carries more organisational weight than a typical provincial stop on the calendar.
Should You Run It?
If you want a MILO Marathon leg with a proven recent history of strong turnout and serious organisational investment -- rather than a first-year unknown -- Cagayan de Oro on 23 August 2026 is one of the stronger picks on the 2026 calendar. The five-distance spread makes it approachable whether you're running your first 5K or targeting the half marathon.