Cebu Marathon organizers target bigger turnout for next year’s race

ORGANIZERS of the 2013 Cebu Marathon are aiming to draw more participants come Jan. 13, 2013 when the annual race kicks off at the Cebu IT Park.

Despite getting some complaints from runners about the expensive registration fee, the organizing Cebu Executive Runner Club (CERC) are still hoping to attract more local and foreign runners.

The registration fee is pegged at P1,400 for the 42-kilometer run, P900 for the 21k and P600 for the 5k. The fee is inclusive of a race singlet and race bib but the CERC said it is doing its best to give out more than just that such as exciting giveaways and specially designed medals for 42k finishers.

“What makes the Cebu Marathon unique is its timing,” said CERC’s John Pages during its launching yesterday at the Cebu Coty Hall. “It’s a prelude to the Sinulog Festival.”

Joining Pages were Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, councilor Edgar Labella, Cebu City Sports Commission chairman Edward Hayco and other CERC officers.

The race is held during the festive month of January, when Cebu celebrates the world-renowned Sinulog Festival in honor of Cebu’s patron Senyor Santo Niño.

Organizers said they  will do their best to showcase the heritage of Cebu’s history during the race by again using the route that passes through the historical Colon Street, which is the oldest street in the country, and other iconic landmarks of the city.

“It will always be a historic event when the Cebu Marathon comes every January. That’s why the Cebu City government and the Cebu City Sports Commission will give their all-out support for this event,” said Hayco.

The Cebu City Government will support the running event logistically and will field in manpower to aide the marshals. The City Traffic Operations Management (CITOM) will be handling the traffic.

The cash prizes for the winners will be announced later according to Pages along with the unveiling of the new design of the finishers medal.

After Dec. 1, the registration fee will increase to P1,800 for the 42k, P1,200 for the 21k and P800 for the 5k. Registration ends on Dec. 16.

Online registration can be done at cebumarathon.com. One can also go to the Active Zone of the Ayala Center Cebu for on-site registration.  /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL