CEBU CITY -- The Cebu Marathon 2026, organized by the Cebu Executives Runners Club (CERC) makes bold strides toward sustainability with reusable collapsible cups to be given free of charge to 10,000 runners who will join the marathon on January 11, 2026 as part of a citywide push to reduce single-use waste and support Cebu City’s environmental goals.
“Last January, during the 2025 Cebu Marathon, we disposed of 200,000 single-use cups. That’s 20 hydration stations, with runners tossing one or two cups each time. It’s wasteful. This year, we’re giving every participant a collapsible cup. We hope they’ll bring it, use it, and help us cut that number drastically,” John Pages, of the organizers of the Cebu Marathon said.
Pages said the initiative is part of their commitment to help Mayor Nestor Archival’s call for a cleaner and greener Cebu. “We want to help with the mayor’s advocacy related to the environment. This time, we hope that number will go down by a lot because we’re giving runners collapsible cups for free.” He added.
“This is the first time I’ve seen something like this. It’s simple, but powerful. These cups aren’t waste, they’re resources. If we want Cebu City to be sustainable by 2035, we need to start now. People keep using plastics and throwing them in the streets, which causes dirt and flooding. With this kind of initiative, we can help reduce waste. It’s not waste—it’s a resource,” Archival said.
Archival also encouraged other event organizers to adopt similar eco-friendly practices. The collapsible cup is lightweight, easy to carry, and designed for repeated use throughout the race. Runners can refill at hydration stations without tossing anything away. It’s a small change with a big impact.
“This is not expensive, but it can go a long way in helping the environment because it’s reusable,” the mayor added.
Cebu Marathon organizers, including Pages, Meyrick Jacalan, and Jesse Taborada, president of CERC presented the cup to Mayor Archival alongside former councilor Mary Ann de los Santos with a clear message that sustainability isn’t optional, it’s essential.
The CERC has long championed community engagement and continuous improvement. This year’s marathon, now AIMS-certified, meets international standards and opens doors for runners to qualify for global races. But beyond records and medals, the 2026 edition stands out for its commitment to environmental responsibility.
Whether you’re chasing a personal best or soaking in the energy of the 5K, 10K, 21K, or full marathon, you’ll be part of a movement that celebrates endurance, culture, and civic pride. And with your collapsible cup in hand, you’ll help keep Cebu clean—one sip at a time.
Registration ends November 14, 2025. Secure
your spot before the deadline and be part of Cebu’s biggest running celebration. (Photos: CONPC/Robby Alugar)
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