Organizers promise more festive Cebu Marathon

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Executive Runners Club president John Pages promise a more festive race filled with fun and excitement as they stage the 10th edition of the Cebu Marathon on January 13 next year at the Cebu Business Park.

"We will make sure that all participants especially the visitors that they will experience the same festive Sinulog atmosphere with a lot of music, dancing and spectacles because that's what separates Cebu Marathon from the other marathons," said Pages during a press conference yesterday at the Mooon Cafe in Ayala Center Cebu.

Also present were CERC's working committee including Kenneth Casquejo, Meyrick Jacalan, Joel Juarez and Jesse Taborada Jr.

Cebu Marathon, known for its lively and festive vibe, features the 42-kilometer, 21K and 5K distances.

"As the organizers, we always listen to the feedbacks of the runners both positive and negative and so far from the comments we have received last year there are things that needs to be improved," said Jacalan.

Among of the concerns raised was the 42K route on the way back.

"There were feedbacks that the 42K route on the way back is hard so we made a little changes on the route, so it would be, as much as possible, easier  ang rota pabalik mao na among gitutukan ron," Jacalan added.

The organizers also made improvements on the medal. CERC revealed that the medals will have a new design and is even better quality noting that it is now Cebu-made.

Aside from the local participants, foreign runners from 32 different nationalities are also expected to join the race.

As of yesterday, there are close to 3,000 registrants that have already signed up. Around 1,100 in the 42K, the 21K has around 1,200, while the 5K has over 200.

Entry fee is pegged at P2,100 for 42K, P1,800 for 21K and P750 in 5K inclusive of race kit, race  bib with timing chip, finisher shirt, medal, raffles, loot bag and refreshments.

Registration booth is located at the New Balance Store in Ayala Center Cebu. One can also register online at www.cebumarathon.ph. (FREEMAN)