Cebu Marathon 2027 relaunches with new team, registration opens August 15

CEBU CITY-- Run Cebu, experience Sinulog, as Cebu Marathon 2027 unveiled major upgrades, relaunched with new team and race set as organizers push a destination race vision, in a media launching event on August 12 at SM Seaside City Cebu.

Organizers led by DJT Events managing director, Danika Johanna Tan announced a major overhaul for Cebu Marathon 2027, set for January 10, 2027 as part of the Sinulog season, with a new management team, stronger safety measures, bigger cash prizes, and a route designed to showcase the city to local and international runners.

The Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) is now co-organizing the event, with Cebu-based professional events firm DJT Events taking the lead in planning, logistics, and race-week operations. The Cebu Executive Runners Club (CERC), founders of the marathon remain as consultants.

CCSC Chair Dr. Rhoel Dejano emphasized that the priority behind this new structure is runner satisfaction and accountability.  "We want the Cebu Marathon to become more than just a race. We want it to be an experience that brings people together and gives runners another reason to come to Cebu," Dejano stated. "Our priority is our runners—to make sure they look forward to a race that is safe, well-organized, and enjoyable from start to finish."

He recognized CERC for founding the race and building it into what it is today.  “We recognize the Cebu Executive Runners Club, or CERC, for founding the Marathon and helping build it into the event we know today. Moving forward, CERC takes on a consultative role, sharing its experience and knowledge,” he added.

Dejano said DJT Events, though a fresh name to many runners, has over a decade of experience handling large-scale events including the World Surfing League in Siargao and the Philippine Kiteboarding Championships in Bantayan.

Managing Director Danica Joanna of DJT Events, who is herself a five-time participant of the marathon reassured runners that the team is prioritizing operational excellence, addressing past runner feedback, and establishing higher standards across logistics, medical stations, and race-day support.

Key upgrades for the upcoming race

Tan guaranteed that every finisher across all categories—5K, 10K, 21K, and 42K will receive a finisher medal, with production scheduled early to avoid logistics delays. Hydration stations will be stocked every 1.5 kilometers, supplemented by standby and mobile ambulances, generators for unlit street sections, and clear traffic management.

Sinulog atmosphere with local cheer squads, live entertainment, and sponsor activations to line the course to bring the energy of the Sinulog festival to the runners.  Official dedicated pacers and age groups will assist 21K and 42K runners, alongside new age-bracket awards (40–49, 50–59, 60–69, and 70+).

To ensure smooth course flow, field sizes will be capped across categories, including a limit of 3,000 runners for the full marathon, 5,000 for the 21K, and 1,000 for the 5K.

The 2027 edition features an AIMS-Certified 42K course taking runners across iconic local landmarks, including the Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), the Cebu Tunnel, and key heritage sites.

Competitive athletes compete for a cash prize pool exceeding ₱600,000. The Male and Female Open Champions in the 42K division will each take home ₱70,000.

New partners were also unveiled at the launching event, including the title sponsor and presenter-- Cebu Landmasters, Inc. (CLI); Race Partners including Pocari Sweat, Immuni, Hello Glow, Omega Pain Killer; hotels like Nustar and others, vehicle partner is OMODA & JAECOO — one eligible participant can win a brand-new Jaecoo J5 Super Hybrid SUV via raffle.

Organizers are banking on the Sinulog timing to attract runners from across the Philippines and abroad.  “Imagine welcoming runners from different parts of the Philippines and around the world during one of the most exciting times to be in our city, which is the Sinulog season. They come here to run, but they also get to experience Cebu, our people, our culture, our energy, and most especially our hospitality,” Dejano said.

Beyond promoting sports tourism, part of the event proceeds will benefit the Cebu City Sports Commission and the Sinulog Foundation, Inc., supporting grassroots youth sports development and cultural heritage programs in Cebu.

REGISTRATION opens on August 15, 2026 and for updates, like and open Cebu Marathon official Facebook page-- https://www.facebook.com/CebuMarathonOfficial.