12th Cebu Marathon gets green light

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella has given the green light for the staging of the 12th Cebu Marathon on January 12 next year at the Cebu Business Park.

Along with that, Labella approved the use of the underpass in Mambaling and the tunnel at the South Road Properties, marking for the first time that these two landmark tunnels will be used at the same time in a running event.

Aside from the full marathon distance, there will be two other distances that will be featured in the race, the 5K and the 21K.

The route is basically flat and fast that runners should not miss.

Labella himself is excited about the return of the event at SRP, even as he also looks forward to running the half marathon again.

“I want to run in the 21 kilometers again. I still have time to practice. It always feels good to be able to finish the race,” said Labella in a press conference yesterday at the City Hall.

Labella, who is a member of the organizing Cebu Executive Runners Club (CERC), just reminded the organizers to make sure that the streets are cleaned right after the race.

“Let’s keep the city clean. I am pushing for an ordinance on this that right after the event, all the water bottles, caps and everything will have to be kept well. Dili nang byaan lang nga hugaw after. Before, I have authored a city ordinance to regulate the number of running events here. This time, kani na pud atong tutukan ron. Kinahanglan nga hinlo inig human tanan,” said Labella.

On the other hand, Labella has also agreed that the city government will provide the cash prizes for the top performers. He tasked councilor Dondon Hontiveros to take care of the matter.

With the full support given by Labella, the organizers promised to bring back the fun and memorable experience only Cebuanos can offer in the 2020 outing.

So far, over 2,000 runners have also registered.

For the early birds or those who will register on or before October 15, entry fee is pegged at P750 for the 5K, P1,400 for the 21K and P1,800 for the 42K. Late registrants will be assessed with an additional amount of P400.

For registration and further information, interested parties may visit www.cebumarathon.ph.