Organizers of the famed Cebu City Marathon promise a bigger and better third edition next year with the launching of its online registration at website www.cebumarathon.com on Thursday.
With this new addition, more participants from outside Cebu are expected to run in this competition considered by many experts as one of the best marathons in the Philippines.
The event, slated Jan. 8, 2012, gathered some 6,300 participants last year. This year, organizers are targeting 8,000 runners.
Organizers also plan to continue the side activities that sets this marathon apart from the rest. This includes the putting up of entertainment like live bands every two kilometers of the 42-kilometer route.
John Pages of the organizing Cebu Executive Runners Club (CERC) said that the noise created by the entertainment is a big motivating factor for the competitors.
Other activities are the carbo-loading party at the Ayala Terraces two days before the actual race.
A race expo will also be held for four days at the Ayala Active Zone during the week leading to the competition.
Aside from the premiere 42K category, the 2012 edition will also feature a 21K and 5K category.
Those interested could register online from Oct. 7 to the end of the month while the registration booth will open at the Ayala Active Zone on Nov. 1 until Dec. 15.
A special registration rate will be given to those who will register early from Oct. 7 to Nov. 20. The 42K will entail an entry fee of P1,000, 21K charges P700 while the 5K will be worth P500.
From Nov. 21 to Dec. 15, the registration fees will change to P1,200 for the 42K, P900 for the 21K and P600 for the 5K.
The registration fee includes a singlet by New Balance, a timing chip, refreshments and loot bags.
Merick Jacalan, one of the organizers, said they have added a new feature to the time chip. Those who registers their cellphone number will get an SMS message of their final time.
As always, medals will only be provided for the 42K winners. Cash prizes will be announced in the coming days.
Organizers also announced that the same route will be used for the 42K and the 21K while they are planning a more scenic route for the 5K.
The race will start and end at the Asiatown I.T. Park and will pass through the South Road Properties tunnel and half of the South Coastal Road.