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.

Cebu Marathon 2026 advocates sustainability with reusable, collapsible cups

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)