8th Cebu Marathon launched

CEBU, Philippines - The organizers of the 8th Cebu Marathon set on January 11 next year at Cebu IT Park are limiting the foreign entries to only the 42-kilometer action as locals get to enjoy not only two but three distances to choose from.

Event organizer Rio de la Cruz said during the event's formal launching yesterday at the newly-renovated Mooon Café in Cebu IT Park that limiting the foreign entries in the 42K category gives the Filipino runners more reasons to enjoy the race.

It cannot be denied that the presence of foreign runners especially Kenyans have an intimidating factor among the local bets, more so that they have been dominating the running scene with authority.

Also, the 10K distance has been added due to strong public clamor mostly from neophyte runners.

Cash prizes will be given away to the top performers in all categories, but the breakdown of prizes is still being finalized as of the moment.

The prizes and the design of the finisher's medals and singlets will be revealed in another occasion.

The top three runners with the best in costume will also receive special prizes.

More than the prizes, the participants in the full marathon may use their time to qualify for the Boston Marathon just like last year as the race is registered under the International Association of Athletic Federations and Association of International Marathons and Distance Races.

Online registration begins on September 15 via www.cebumarathon.com, while pre-paid and regular registration period starts on October 1.

Entry forms will be available at the Active Zone of Ayala Center Cebu, registration centers in Manila include Riovana BGC in Taguig and Katipunan, Toby’s at SM Mall of Asia, and at The Block in SM North Edsa.

Runners are encouraged to register as soon as possible with the 42K division only limited to the first 1,000 registrants. The 21K has 1,200 slots and 1,500 for the 10K.

Another first in the annual spectacle is that the singlets will be “personalized.” (FREEMAN)