12,000 runners are expected to join the 18th Cebu Marathon on January 11

CEBU CITY – Twelve thousand runners including a strong international contingent from 47 countries worldwide are expected to join the 18^th Cebu Marathon on Sunday, January 11, organized by the Cebu Executives Runners Club (CERC) as a celebration of sports, health and community and a prelude to the tourism attraction of the Sinulog Festivities on January 18, 2026.

“The marathon’s AIMS certification has also helped attract foreign runners, making Cebu a destination for international participants. The city has been one of the key reasons for our success with the city government support,” John Pages, co-founder of the Cebu Marathon said at the media launch and opening of the marathon merchandize exhibit on January 8 at the SM Seaside City Cebu.

It would be a sight to remember with over 12,000 runners traversing the marathon routes in main city streets, including the BRT underground stretch as well as the span of the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).

Race schedules are set to ensure smooth flow and safety for all participants with the 42K – Gun start at 12:00 a.m., cut-off time of 8 hours; 21K – Gun start at 3:00 a.m., cut-off time of 4.5 hours; 10K – Gun start at 4:30 a.m., cut-off time of 2.5 hours and 5K – Gun start at 5:30 a.m., cut-off time of 1.5 hours.

SM Seaside City, the marathon’s venue partner, will keep its facilities open from 10 a.m. Saturday until the end of the marathon. Regional operations manager Anton de la Merced assured runners and supporters of convenience with some coffee stores open early, parking will be accessible, and restrooms will be available 24 hours.

This year’s Cebu Marathon signals a shift—not only in scale, but in responsibility. With sustainability initiatives in place, stronger city support, and growing international recognition, the race shows that progress can be measured not just in kilometers, but in care for the environment and the people who make the event possible.

 

Cebu Marathon Co-founder Meyrick Jacalan announced new eco-friendly measures, including collapsible cups for runners designed to be recycled, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.  “We are proud to be the first marathon in Cebu to use collapsible cups to support the mayor’s initiative for a healthier environment,” he said.

A runners’ guide which includes detailed information about the race route and answers to common questions was also emailed to all participants, providing route details and event information. Organizers hope that the road conditions will be better than the previous year, ensuring a successful and enjoyable race experience for all participants.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival welcomed the sustainability initiatives, noting that reducing plastic waste is vital for the city. He also acknowledged donations of blinkers for traffic enforcers, underscoring the marathon’s role in supporting both sports and public service.

Most importantly, he called for the institutionalization of the Cebu Marathon: “This event should be held every second week of January. With 12,000 runners, the impact is clear. It deserves to be a permanent tradition for Cebu,” the mayor added.

According to the organizers, the Cebu Marathon is officially recognized by the World Athletics, making it a significant event in the Philippines. The event aims to set new records, with Cebu being a potential place for new marathon records. (Photos: MBCNewman)