I spent the long weekend with the husband in Camp Zobel, the home of the 1st Light Armor Battalion of the Philippine Army. The camp sits on top of a hill in Upper Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur — the home of the 1st Light Armor Battalion. As per usual, I brought with me my running and hydration gear. Right outside the camp is a long stretch of well-paved, tree-lined road that leads to Pagadian City. The road to Pagadian from Camp Zobel, which stretches 18 kilometers with views of the mountains in the horizon, rice paddies dotted by small mosques (I counted 12 mosques including those found beside mansions inside compounds) would have been perfect for an easy and idyllic long run.
But much to my chagrin, I was told to stay put inside the camp. The husband would tell me it’s unsafe since there was a rido (clan war) going on. I didn’t argue. In my last three visits, I did not see anyone running, nor cycling, except for the soldiers inside the camp. This made me realize just how lucky runners in Cebu really are. We’re able to run at any time of the day and night, without fear of being mugged, kidnapped or caught in the crossfire of a clan war.
Aside from the Cebu Business Park in Ayala and the IT Park in Barangay Apas which are two of the favorite spots for both hardcore and recreational runners, here are the other places to go to for long runs, hill repeats and speedwork.
Camp Lapu-Lapu
Home of the AFP’s Central Command, Camp Lapu-Lapu in Barangay Apas, Cebu City provides a safe and relatively pollution free venue for training runs. Because this is a military camp no one violates the 30 KPH speed limit, and the greens are well maintained with nary a single trash. The asphalt road that surrounds the camp’s driving range and parade grounds measures 1.1 kilometers. If you plan on doing long runs inside the camp, you may bring your own ice box for hydration stops at the parade ground bleachers, but be sure to take out your own trash. The only requirement is for runners to present an ID upon entering and sign the logbook for civilians. However, the camp is off limits to runners when the camp is under red alert unless of course you have an AFP or AFP dependent’s identification card.
Beverly Hills
Woolbright Drive which starts from the Sudlon gate and ends at the Boys Scout Camp gate of this posh gated community is a one kilometer stretch of inclined asphalt road that’s perfect for hill repeats and hill sprints. Although Woolbright Drive serves as the subdivision’s main road, there’s hardly any vehicle, and if there’s any, speed bumps every 50 meters prevent drivers from speeding up, which makes it the safest road to run on even for hill workouts. Beverly Hills also has one of the best panoramic views of Metro Cebu. The village guards do not require identification from runners. The only downside is that there is no sari-sari or convenience store inside the village for water stops, so be sure to bring your own hydration.
MCWD Family Park
Located at Nasipit, Talamban, Cebu City, the Family Park offers a respite from running on concrete and asphalt roads with its football field-sized grass surface. Grass as you know is the best natural surface for running because it is soft and easy on the knees even as it makes the legs work harder making them stronger. Grass is also best for those recovering from a running injury. For those who don’t like running on grass, this 20-hectare facility also has concrete and dirt roads and short trails. It is open from Mondays to Sundays, from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. The park’s entrance fee is P15 for adults and P10 for children.
Transcentral Hi-Way
This 45-kilometer concrete highway connects Cebu City to the province’s Western seaboard. With elevation rising to at least 2,800 feet (based on Garmin connect readings) Transcentral is not for the weak-kneed or the faint of heart. However, the Transcentral rewards runners with a breathtaking view of Cebu City and Balamban’s mountain barangays and a rare opportunity to commune with nature while doing LSD’s. If you listen closely, you will find that the mountains speak to you, so leave the MP3s at home. The elevated terrain provides cooler clime even past 8 in the morning and pollution free air. Runners are advised to bring their own hydration packs but sari-sari stores also abound in the area.
Runners can commute from Cebu City to Transcentral by riding GT Express from Ayala Center at P100 or the motorcycle for hire found at JY Square. The ride back to the city costs P60 from Ayala Heights or P40 from the Doce Pares Zipline.
Tri-Bridges Run
The triple bridges composed of the first Mandaue Mactan Bridge, the Marcelo Fernan Bridge and the Cansaga Bay Bridge are perfect for long runs that combine both flat and inclined surfaces. The inclines will make your leg stronger, but the grade and elevation are not as punishing as the hills in Transcentral Highway.
Cebu City Sports Center
Because of it’s standard 400-meter distance, the newly renovated rubberized oval at the CCSC is perfect for speedwork, Yasso 800’s and time trials. Built in 1994, the CCSC is arguably, the most overused and abused rubberized oval in the country. Averaging 1,000 persons daily, it serves not only runners and walkers from Cebu City, but also those coming from Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu and Talisay.