All systems go for Team 7-Eleven Philippines as they gear up to compete on June 9, 2024, at the Laguna Phuket Marathon in Phuket, Thailand.

The team, composed of 18 elite Filipino runners from diverse backgrounds and age categories, qualified by finishing as the overall top three male and female winners in the 42km, 32km, and 21km race categories of the 2024 7-Eleven Run Series held earlier this year.

The team is expected to achieve top finishes in Phuket, led by national athletes and 32nd SEA Games marathon medalists Arlan Arbois Jr. (silver) and Christine Hallasgo (bronze). Arbois will compete in the 42km race, while Hallasgo will aim to regain the top spot in the Women’s 21km, an honor she first achieved in 2019 during her initial outing with Team 7-Eleven Philippines, also in Phuket, Thailand. The rest of the qualifiers will compete in either the full or half marathon of the race. They are:

42km:
Arland Arbois, Jr.
Florendo Lapiz
Jimboy Lugay
Ramil Neri
Lizane Abella
Maricar Camacho
Jennylyn Nobleza
Macrose Dichoso

21km:
Richard Salaño
Prince Joey LeeJames Kevin Cruz
Ricky Organiza
Rogen Aguirre
Christine Hallasgo
Nhea Ann Barcena
Cherry Andrin
Myrel Benignos
Jennelyn Isibido

The 2024 7-Eleven Run Series introduced three new race venues—Manila, Cagayan de Oro, and Iloilo—making this year’s installment even more anticipated by participants. With these new venues, 7-Eleven Philippines, the run series’ prime mover, took the runners through challenging but scenic routes, and with the support of various sponsors, prepared exciting post-run treats that race finishers looked forward to.

Since its inception in 2013, the 7-Eleven Run Series has provided a platform for Filipino elite runners to showcase their skills and talent, proving that they have what it takes to compete with runners worldwide.

Out of the 18 qualifiers, seven runners are making their race debut as part of Team 7-Eleven Philippines. First-time qualifiers include Ramil Neri (42km, 2nd overall male), Jimboy Lugay (32km, 3rd overall male), Ricky Organiza and Rogen Aguirre (21km, 1st and 2nd overall male, respectively), Myrel Benignos (42km, 3rd overall female), Macrose Dichoso, and Jennilyn Isibido (32km, 2nd and 3rd overall female, respectively). The rest are repeat qualifiers.

“It is always an honor for us, especially the 7-Eleven Run Series team, to provide our runners with the opportunity to compete internationally and showcase their running skills. Bringing pride to our country, our runners have the chance to excel on the international stage, and we are delighted to be a part of their journey,” said Ms. Michelle Saludes, 7-Eleven Run Series Project Head and Section Manager for Exclusives and Events.

The Laguna Phuket Marathon is an annual running race held on Thailand’s largest island, Phuket, famous for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and warm climate. The race is the largest and most renowned sporting event in Phuket and one of the top marathon majors in the country, attracting thousands of local and international runners. For Team 7-Eleven Philippines, this race presents a perfect opportunity to test and hone their skills and represent both 7-Eleven Philippines and the Philippines with honor and pride.

“7-Eleven Philippines remains committed to its grassroots program, dedicated to nurturing and supporting Filipino runners. Our goal is to provide them with opportunities to represent the country in international races, fostering their talent and contributing to the development of competitive running in the Philippines,” shared 7-Eleven General Merchandise Division Head and Managing Director for Digital, Mr. Jose C. Ang Jr.

This year’s Team 7-Eleven Philippines is set to fly to Thailand on Friday, June 7, 2024, together with executives from Philippine Seven Corporation. The delegation will compete with all expenses paid, pocket money provided, and all their needs taken care of. Additionally, runners who finish in the top three overall spots in their respective categories will not only bring home the race prizes but also receive a bonus cash prize from Philippine Seven Corporation.

This undertaking was made possible through the efforts of Philippine Seven Corporation, with the valuable support of Selecta Cornetto, Pocari Sweat, SIP, Nature’s Spring, Le Minerale, Mogu Mogu, Oreo, Del Monte Fit n Right, Kopiko Lucky Day, Cali, Pepsi, Gatorade, Mountain Dew, Summit, Absolute, Cobra, C2, Sting, Nutriboost, Nova, Refresh, Coca Cola, Wilkins, Motivo, Smart, TV5, and One Sport.

7-Eleven Run Series
Jose C. Ang Jr.
Michelle Saludes
Josephine Ferreras-Cagang