My 3rd Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Cebu Marathon 2025

Filipino Marathon Fun Run Solo Joiner 12-Jan-2025 Sunday in Cebu City, Philippines

My 2nd Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Asics Rock N' Roll Manila 2024

"We are designed to run, and we increase our chance of daily happiness when we do so." - Jeff Galloway, Olympian Runner

This Fun Run served as my Third FULL-MARATHON 42.2KM as a Solo Joiner and a Pre-Birthday / Birthmonth adventure, following the Asics Rock N' Roll Manila last Nov. 2024, started my running enthusiasm last Apr-2024. My main objective is just to finish the race (beating my previous PR is optional), I want to enjoy the run at my own pace.

Cebu Marathon 2025 Scheduled for January 12, 2025, this eagerly awaited event invites runners from around the world to experience the thrill of conquering the vibrant streets of Cebu City. All 42k and 25k finishers will be rewarded with a finisher’s shirt, finisher’s medal, and a finisher’s towel. Race kits, including essential items and race singlets, can be claimed from January 9 to 11, 2025, ensuring participants are well-prepared for the race day. The Cebu Marathon, an esteemed annual event since 2008, symbolizes endurance, determination, and community spirit. It attracts thousands of local and international participants, uniting them in their love for running. The event is renowned for its world-class organization and commitment to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.

 

I've been a Fun Run Solo Joiner since 2007 but not as a runner (walker actually as most of the time I was walking), just for the sake of Race Singlet and being a joiner. My longest distance was even 10km (about 2x only), and usual for 5km. I stopped joining because I was lazy and lost interest. More than 10 years later until April 13, 2024, my first official run training for Fun-Run, I was so bored I had nothing to do and no regular hobby (so somehow it was a spontaneous decision). My main triggering factor was the FINISHER SHIRT (bragging entitlement shirt) and TikTok / FB Reels of running tips randomly (not that motivated, just for a push on my interest). From 10km to a Half-Marathon, I suddenly decided again to elevate the distance to a full marathon (42.2km) as my running interest is getting addicted out of boredom and depression. My very first Full Marathon was MANILA MARATHON 2024.

Race Name: CEBU MARATHON 2025     Distance Joined: FULL MARATHON (42.2KM)

Registration / Inclusion: PHP 2,700 (early bird) / singlet, finisher medal/shirt/towel, loot bag, processing fee

Location: CEBU CITY ROUTE (one loop)     Cut-off Time: 12-Jan-2025 Sun 1230H-0830H (8 hours)

Finished: YES               Time: 05:52:22 (SUB6)               Pace: 08:21     

New PR: NO               Elevation Gain: 228m               Rank: 53.94% (1,582nd of 2,933) 

Route difficulty: Difficult route due to high elevation gain (228m). Great view passing through the majestic CCLEX Bridge and other major tourist spots of Cebu City. NOT ORGANIZED FOR MORE THAN 12,000 RUNNER PARTICIPANTS (1. cut-off time was not followed due to squammy runners, 2. minimal refreshment on random 2-table water stops, some runners dashing inside convenience stores just to re-hydrate, 3. race village has no available map, 4. finisher medals were not enough due to squammy runners again, 5. not enough marshals, 6. shirts sizes are not consistent, 7. gun start time was not followed, 8. wearing of wrist band for 3 days was for what ???). The Organizers even claim their race was the Philippines' Marathon major and will be aiming for AIMS certification in 2026. How sad !!!

Remarks (My rating: 2 of 5 stars): (1) Full Marathon route is awesome; passing through CCLEX Bridge, Provincial Capitol and Cebu City Center. (2) 42km Singlet/Finisher shirt design is somehow good. (3) One of the cheaper Registration fee I had for a local Marathon. (4) Cut-off time was not followed due to squammy runners, disrespecting those who trained hard (5) Not organized, minimal refreshments in random water stops. (6) no map available for the runners' village (7) finisher medals were not enough due to squammy runners again.

If given the chance, would I like to join this race again? Can't say (hard to PR due to high altitude gain)

My 3rd Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Cebu Marathon 2025

My 3rd Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Cebu Marathon 2025

My 3rd Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Cebu Marathon 2025

My 3rd Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Cebu Marathon 2025

My 3rd Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Cebu Marathon 2025

My 3rd Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Cebu Marathon 2025

My 3rd Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Cebu Marathon 2025

     

My 3rd Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Cebu Marathon 2025

     

My 3rd Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Cebu Marathon 2025

     

My 3rd Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Cebu Marathon 2025

3x Full Marathon Finisher  

Reached the finish line despite the knee pain and total altitude gain of 228m. 73 hours of recovery time. Enough for the experience. #solorunner #run #takbo #pinoy # #pilipinas #philippines #cebu #marathon #filipino #sinulog #cebumarathon 

My 4th Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; 7-Eleven Run  Series 2025